Hidden gems in Angra dos Reis

This collection explores the rugged landscape and somber history of Ilha Grande. It features the ruins of the 19th-century Lazareto quarantine station and the Cândido Mendes high-security prison, which operated until 1994. Beyond the historical sites, the list highlights natural landmarks like the 15-meter Feiticeira waterfall and the Gruta do Acaiá, a sea cave where sunlight creates a fluorescent blue glow in the water. These sites offer a glimpse into the island's past as a penal colony and its unique geological formations.

Hidden Gems — Map

Pascal Burton / CC-BY-SA

A

Cachoeira da Feiticeira

A 15-meter waterfall accessible via a moderate hiking trail from Vila do Abraão. The site features a natural rock pool at the base, surrounded by dense Atlantic Forest.

B

Ruínas do Presídio de Ilha Grande

Remains of an 1884 quarantine hospital that later became a prison. Visitors can see the stone foundations and the bridge where prisoners once arrived by sea near Vila do Abraão.

C

Gruta dos Alemães

A natural rock cave located along the coast of Angra dos Reis.

D

Colônia Penal de Dois Rios

A former maximum-security prison that functioned until 1994. It now serves as the Ilha Grande Ecomuseum, showcasing the history of the penal system and local biodiversity.

E

Gruta do Acaiá

A coastal cave located eight meters below sea level. Sunlight filtering through a narrow opening creates a glowing turquoise phenomenon in the underground water.

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