About the route
A four-day, 40+ km trek connecting trails, idyllic beaches, waterfalls, and the lush Atlantic Forest of Ilha Grande.
Pés no Cerrado Ecoturismo and JR Turismo Ecológico provide expert guidance, comprehensive planning, safety measures, and adventure insurance, ensuring an organized and unforgettable experience.
Technical information
- Destination: Ilha Grande – Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
- Duration: 5 days and 4 nights
- Main activity: trekking/hiking expedition (traversal)
- Total distance: approximately 46 km
- Difficulty level: moderate
- Group size: 2 to 10 participants
- Accommodation: shared room
- Meals included: 4 breakfasts and 3 additional meals
- Guidance: specialized guides
- Insurance: adventure travel insurance
- Luggage transport: not included; participants must carry their own backpacks for three days
- Return: boat to Angra dos Reis on the morning of May 3rd
- Tour Operator: Pés no Cerrado Ecoturismo & JR Turismo Ecológico
- Note: the itinerary is subject to change due to weather, sea conditions, or safety considerations.
Location and access
Ilha Grande is located in the municipality of Angra dos Reis, on the southern coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro.
The meeting point will be Santos Dumont Airport, in Rio de Janeiro. From there, the group will travel by road to Angra dos Reis and then take a boat to Vila do Abraão, where the expedition will begin.
At the end of the itinerary, the return journey will involve a boat trip to Angra dos Reis, followed by land transport back to Rio de Janeiro.
Full itinerary
Departure for Rio de Janeiro: April 28, 2027
Expedition Dates: April 29 to May 3
Duration: 5 days and 4 nights
Total distance: approximately 46 km
DAY 01 - April 29 — 12 km
📍 Vila do Abraão → Japariz: Aqueduct • Feiticeira Waterfall • Camiranga • Praia de Fora • Enseada das Estrelas • Saco do Céu • Praia do Funil
DAY 02 - April 30 — 8 km
📍 Japariz → Matariz: Freguesia de Santana • Bananal Pequeno • Bananal
DAY 03 - May 1 — 14 km
📍 Matariz → Araçatiba: Passa Terra • Maguariquessaba • Sítio Forte • Tapera • Ubatubinha • Praia Longa • Lagoa Verde
DAY 04 - May 2 — 12 km
📍 Araçatiba → Gruta do Acaiá: Araçatibinha • Praia Vermelha • Gruta do Acaiá
Day 05 - May 3 🚤 Return to Angra dos Reis in the morning / return to Rio de Janeiro after lunch
Guiding and safety
The expedition will be led by specialized, experienced trekking guides from Pés no Cerrado and JR Turismo Ecológico, who will be responsible for guiding the group, providing direction along the routes, and accompanying participants throughout the entire trek.
Before the activities begin, a briefing will be held to cover the itinerary, trail conditions, required equipment, hydration, proper conduct at the sites, and environmental stewardship.
Throughout the journey, the group’s pace will be respected, and all weather conditions, as well as visitation and safety protocols, will be taken into account. The expedition will be equipped with a first-aid kit, emergency communication devices, and adventure travel insurance.
The itinerary may be altered or interrupted if weather, sea, or trail conditions pose a risk to participants. Should it become necessary to evacuate or transport participants via water taxi, the cost of this service must be covered separately by the participant.
Participation requirements
- To participate in the expedition, you must be in good physical condition and have prior hiking experience, as the route covers over 40 km over four days, including sections of moderate difficulty, and requires you to carry your own backpack.
Who cannot participate
- This expedition is not recommended for individuals who lack the physical fitness required for moderate-level hiking, have mobility issues, or are unable to carry their own backpack throughout the planned segments.
- Furthermore, individuals with heart, respiratory, or joint conditions—or any other health issues that could be exacerbated by physical exertion—should not participate without prior medical evaluation and clearance.
- Pregnant individuals, those recovering from recent surgery or injuries, and participants who lack the appropriate equipment must consult with the organizers beforehand. The team reserves the right to deny participation if they identify any condition that could pose a risk to the traveler themselves or to the rest of the group.
Safety policy
The safety and well-being of participants are top priorities throughout the expedition. Activities will be led by specialized guides, following prevention and safety protocols applicable to nature and adventure tourism.
Before the trek begins, a mandatory briefing will be held, covering the route, trail conditions, group pace, hydration, equipment, communication, environmental conduct, and emergency procedures.
All participants must follow the guides' instructions, stay with the group, and disclose in advance any health conditions, ongoing medication use, or physical limitations that could affect their participation in the activity. The expedition will be equipped with a first-aid kit and covered by Rocca’s Adventure Insurance.
The itinerary may be modified, interrupted, or canceled due to weather, sea, environmental, or operational conditions that could compromise safety. Should it become necessary—or if requested by a participant—transportation by water taxi can be arranged, with the associated costs to be paid separately.
Certification
At the end of the expedition, the experience will officially conclude, celebrating the completion of over 40 kilometers of trekking across Ilha Grande. Each participant will receive a certificate of completion for the trek, as well as photographs taken along the way.
More than just finishing a trail, this journey represents an achievement defined by personal growth, camaraderie, and a connection with nature. On May 3rd, the group will return by boat to Angra dos Reis, before continuing on to Rio de Janeiro.
Want to discuss this route?
Talk to the Pés no Cerrado team about availability, the best format and options for your group.
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