Ilha Grande is a large and diverse known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Ilha Grande?
You should plan to spend around $74 (R$427) per day on your vacation in Ilha Grande. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $32 (R$184) on meals
- $16 (R$91) on local transportation
- $66 (R$377) on hotels
A one week trip to Ilha Grande for two people costs, on average, $1,042 (R$5,978). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$521
R$2,989
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,042
R$5,978
-
One Month
Per person
$2,233
R$12,810
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,042
R$5,978
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$2,084
R$11,956
-
One Month
For a couple
$4,465
R$25,620
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Ilha Grande cost?
A one week trip to Ilha Grande usually costs around $521 (R$2,989) for one person and $1,042 (R$5,978) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Ilha Grande on average costs around $1,042 (R$5,978) for one person and $2,084 (R$11,956) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Ilha Grande will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Ilha Grande on average costs around $2,233 (R$12,810) for one person and $4,465 (R$25,620) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Ilha Grande expensive to visit?
Ilha Grande is a smaller destination that attracts travelers with diverse styles, spending habits, and budgetary preferences. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Ilha Grande can be very expensive if you want it to be, but there are ways to cut down on your costs, like eating at less expensive restaurants and exploring on foot.
On average, budget travelers spend $33 (R$187) per day, mid-range travelers spend $75 (R$427) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $143 (R$816) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Ilha Grande.
Within South America, Ilha Grande is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Pereira or Colonia del Sacramento.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Ilha Grande Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Ilha Grande?
The average Ilha Grande trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Ilha Grande travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Ilha Grande cost?
Ilha Grande on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$14
(R$83)
|
$33
(R$189)
|
$63
(R$360)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$7
(R$40)
|
$16
(R$91)
|
$30
(R$175)
|
|
Food 2
|
$14
(R$81)
|
$32
(R$184)
|
$61
(R$352)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$3
(R$15)
|
$6
(R$34)
|
$11
(R$65)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-6
(R$12-36)
|
$5-14
(R$27-81)
|
$9-27
(R$52-156)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your budget for Ilha Grande. Many assume they can visit on a shoestring, but most travelers find that to be very challenging. Think about what matters to you when traveling. Is it staying in a resort, visiting all the attractions, or dining out at nice restaurants? These factors will determine how much you spend on your trip.
Who are Budget Travelers?
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $33 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
Luckily, there are plenty of hostels in Ilha Grande, such as HI Holandes, Aquario Hostel Bar & Night Club , and Balaio Hostel Ilha Grande. Staying at these hostels means you can score affordable dorm lodging and a lively social vibe, but be prepared for basic amenities.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or a family on a fun getaway, you might want to choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at well-liked restaurants, and visit the key museums and attractions that come with entry fees. Those traveling to Ilha Grande often aim to see the major attractions, museums, and noteworthy landmarks. Most activities are not free, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to plan on a daily budget of about $75 per person, per day.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
If you're looking for a high-end escape with every amenity and high-quality service, be prepared for daily expenses around $143. Staying in upscale hotels, enjoying meals at award-winning restaurants, indulging in lavish excursions, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the will entail a more premium price tag. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Ilha Grande - Private Historical Walking Tour with Natural Pool. - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Ilha Grande
Hotel prices in Ilha Grande can really fluctuate, especially between budget and luxury options. Expect higher costs during peak summer season, when rates climb from an off-season average of $79 up to around $147. From $79 for budget options to $0 for luxury hotels, there's something for everyone. Hostels, particularly dorms, are typically cheaper. Book early or travel in the low season for better prices.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Ilha Grande for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $66 (R$377). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $33 (R$189) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Ilha Grande? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Ilha Grande include:
- Pousada Tres Coqueiros starting at $79
Choosing to travel outside of summer and in the low or shoulder season will give you lower hotel prices and less tourist congestion.
Walking is a common way to explore Ilha Grande, so look for a place right in the heart of the action. This might, however, come at a higher price.
Transportation Budget in Ilha Grande
Ilha Grande lacks an efficient public transit system. You'll need to take a boat to reach the island, and once you're there, there are not vehicles around.
If you love to explore on foot, you'll really enjoy your time here. There are no cars on the island and very few roads. You'll spend a lot of time hiking around, which is the best way to enjoy the island. They don't call it "big island" for no reason though, so make sure you understand the distance between destinations.
Public Transit: 
(poor)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $16 (R$91) per person, per day, on local transportation in Ilha Grande. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Ilha Grande is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$16
R$91
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Private Transfer from GIG to anywhere in the City Angra dos Reis for $169 details
- From Angra dos Reis: Shared Transfer to Rio de Janeiro for $56 details
- Private Transfer Angra dos Reis to Rio de Janeiro for $91 details
How much does it cost to go to Ilha Grande? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Ilha Grande will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Ilha Grande
The cuisine in Ilha Grande is nice, but it's not the main attraction for tourists. There are still some delightful finds around the that are worth exploring. The island still has a quiet, local vibe and that can be seen in the restaurants around town as well. Many places are locally owned and serve up traditional dishes. In particular, the seafood is excellent.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Ilha Grande can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Ilha Grande is $32 (R$184) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$32
R$184
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Ilha Grande is around $32 (R$184) per person, with previous travelers spending from $14 to $62. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Ilha Grande are as follows:
- Breakfast: $3 to $10
- Lunch: $5 to $13
- Dinner: $10 to $23
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $5
There are around 30 restaurants total on the island, ranging from up scale to cheap burger joints. Seafood can be considered their specialty; you'll find a lot of fresh Brazilian fish stew along with fresh seafood baked into casseroles.
The main square in Abraao has a relaxed evening drinking scene where people dance and play music. There are also a few beach bars in Abraao, some of which even host seaside barbeque nights!
Many establishments feature breakfast in their pricing, although some tack it on as an added expense. The price and quality can fluctuate depending on the hotel. Being aware of this beforehand helps you gauge if you'll need extra cash. The hotel buffet might be a delicious choice, or you could save some cash by heading to a nearby bakery or cafe.
Carry your own water bottle instead of spending on drinks. It's also a positive step for the environment.
Planning a tour? Be sure to confirm in advance which meals are provided. You could find yourself footing the bill for some meals, which can affect your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Ilha Grande
It's evident that Ilha Grande is a hotspot for tourists, largely due to its scuba diving & snorkeling, romance, budget-friendly accommodations, and food.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Ilha Grande typically cost an average of $5.90 (R$34) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$5.90
R$34
Experience the beauty of Ilha Grande at Papagaio Peak, the second highest point on the island which towers above the Villa do Abraao area. A well marked trail takes you on a 2 to 3 hour hike to the summit where you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the island. For a more relaxed hike, head through the beaches and jungle path to see the beautiful Cachoeira da Faiticeira waterfall near Villa do Abraao.
Beat the heat with a tour through the art gallery inside the Vivenda das Bromelias Inn. Or, for something a little more somber, head to the Parnaioca Beach. This off the beaten path destination offers an intriguing view into the history of Brazil as this was once home to pirates and prisoners.
Enjoy the beauty of the Ilha Grande with a hike on one of the many trails throughout the island. Trails are fairly well marked, although be sure to bring plenty of water and a flashlight as it tends to get dark around 6pm.
Of course, the beaches are the main attraction, with these few being the most popular:
Lopes Mendes: Named by Vogue Magazine as one of the top 10 beautiful beaches in the world, this beach offers great surfing conditions and perfect water to wade through. The beach is accessible via a 20-minute walk along a jungle path.
Praia Dois Rios: Lovely beach and an easy hike from Villa do Abraao
Praia Sano Antonio: A much quieter and relaxing beach
The larger beaches offer activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, and diving. Use the tourist office in Villa do Abraao to set up any of these activities.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling:
Scuba diving in Ilha Grande ranks among the top activities to enjoy. There are several places where you can rent snorkeling or dive equipment. The area has coral and tropical fish, with the occasional sea turtle sighting. The visibility is generally good and the experience is worth enjoying, but make sure you check on water conditions.
A nice way to explore destinations in Ilha Grande is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Ilha Grande - Private Historical Walking Tour with Natural Pool. For $60 details
- Boat Tour To The Beaches Of Angra Dos Reis for $19 details
- Ilha Grande - From Abrãao: Lopes Mendes beach tour & trekking for $25 details
Nightlife Budget in Ilha Grande
The nightlife in Ilha Grande is pretty much non-existent. It's a quiet island with a national park and most people visit specifically to get away from the busy and active city scene.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $9.46 (R$54) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Ilha Grande per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$9.46
R$54
Nightlife is a blast when traveling, but scaling back on drinks can really help stretch your travel budget.
Traveling in Ilha Grande
Ilha Grande, Brazil
Ilha Grande is a large, beautiful, island located off the southeast coast of Brazil. The island has few inhabitants, resulting in mostly unadulterated beaches and landscapes. There are over a dozen trails and beaches to explore, some of which have been called the best beaches in Brazil. Due to the limited number of inhabitants, ATMs are sparse on the island, so be sure to have cash with you before getting there.
Ilha Grande experiences gorgeous weather all year round, with temperatures rarely dipping below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The warmest months are from November through March, with temperatures in the high 80's and 90's. Cooler months tend to be from April to October when temperatures are in the 70's.
Neighborhoods & Around
The main settlement, and most inhabited area on the island, is Villa do Abraao. Abraao is often used as a base for accommodation when going out to explore the rest of the island. Here, you'll find the majority of accommodations, the tourist office, and the main ports for getting on and off the island.
Other areas of the island are fairly secluded; some are even marked off limits by the government. Always check with your hotel or watch for signs if you plan to hike in remote areas.
Not far to the northeast is Rio de Janeiro; many tour companies offer day trips from Rio to Ilha Grande.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.