This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Angra dos Reis.
Angra dos Reis is a town on the east coast of Brazil, south of Rio de Janeiro by about two and a half hours. There are 365 islands included in the town municipality, although many of these are privately owned. Ilha Grande is the jewel in the crown of Angra dos Reis; it is well known across Brazil for having some of the best hiking trails, waterfalls, and deserted beaches. Tourism is the highest industry in Angra dos Reis, with most people passing through on their way to Ilha Grande and the rest of the islands.
Angra itself is mostly industrial; tankers fill the town port and there are several power plants nearby. If you have your own vehicle, getting to the nearby mainland beaches is easy; for those without transportation Angra is just a transit city. To get here, you can drive the main highway from Rio or you can take a bus run Rio. Buses run multiple times a day from both the airports and the city bus terminal.
There are only a few hostels in the centre of Angra dos Reis, many of which cater to travellers taking the ferry. There are several hostels outside of town near the beach and quite a few across on Ilha Grande. If you are only in town for the night before crossing to the island, don’t book a hostel too far from port. On Ilha Grande, most of the hostels are clustered in town near the ferry terminal. If you are keen to get further inland for a night or two, to see the waterfalls and hiking trails, there are a couple of hostels and guesthouses in the centre of the island.
Angra has some excellent restaurants and nightlife, most of which are across on Ilha Grande. True to Brazilian form, Ilha Grande hosts a Carnaval as well as various food and music festivals throughout the year. Don’t forget to visit the Santa Luzia Pier to experience Brazilian music and dancing any time of day.
Written by local enthusiast for Angra dos Reis hostels
Jakob Lombardi
