Ilha Grande State Park, State park on coastal island in Angra dos Reis, Brazil.
Ilha Grande State Park covers 62.5% of Ilha Grande, or 12,072 hectares, in Angra dos Reis. More than 90% is Atlantic Forest, with restingas, heaths and mangroves. Mountains rise to Pedra D'água at 1,031 m, and dozens of streams with pools and waterfalls cross small plains. Eight beaches are separated by rocky shores and cliffs.
The park was established in 1971 with a smaller area and reached its current size through a major expansion in 2007. Rio de Janeiro state authorities drove these conservation efforts to protect the forest and coast.
Archaeological discoveries spanning 3,000 years show that early inhabitants settled throughout these lands, leaving behind tools and food remains in various locations. These traces reveal how ancient people lived and moved across the island.
Visitors reach the island through Vila do Abraão village, which is accessible by boat from the mainland. Over 150 kilometers of marked trails crisscross the land, offering many options for walking and hiking.
The park holds archaeological remains of stone tools and shell middens left by people who lived on the island about 3,000 years ago. Visitors can also find a colonial-era stone path, an old lighthouse at Castelhanos and the ruins of a deactivated hydroelectric plant at Dois Rios.
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