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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

The Southeast, Brazil

Clothing Recommendations

Ilha Grande's tropical climate means warm temperatures and high humidity year-round. Clothing choices reflect this, prioritizing comfort and quick drying.

Year-Round & Seasonal Needs

  • Focus on light, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking synthetics.
  • Summer (Dec-Mar): Pack shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, and several Swimsuits. A light, Waterproof rain jacket or compact poncho is useful.
  • Winter (Jun-Aug): Add a light long-sleeved shirt, a thin sweater, or a lightweight hoodie for cooler evenings.

Activity-Specific Attire

Tailor your clothing choices to the activities you plan, focusing on durability and comfort for varied island environments.

Layering & Practical Wear

Footwear for Every Terrain

Hiking Shoes

Sturdy, Comfortable hiking shoes or Trail running shoes with excellent grip. Trails can be slippery or rocky. Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX are a reliable choice.

Essential for trails

Beach & Everyday Sandals

Flip-flops or Comfortable sandals prove useful for walking around Vila do Abraão's sandy streets and general beach use. Havaianas Top Brazil Logo Flip Flops are an iconic and practical option.

Casual island wear

Water Shoes

Water shoes are beneficial for rocky beaches, walking in shallow water during boat excursions, or protecting feet from sharp shells. Barerun Barefoot Quick-Dry are lightweight and packable.

Protection in the sea

Essential Documents

Your Papers

Careful organization of travel documents safeguards against stress and promotes smooth passage throughout your journey.

  • Carry original passport, valid for at least six months beyond your Brazil departure.
  • Printed and digital copies of your visa confirmation (if applicable).
  • Travel insurance policy document, including emergency contacts and coverage summary.
  • Vaccination records, especially for Yellow Fever (ICVP), and prescription medication documentation.
  • Copies of all reservations: flight tickets, ferry/flexboat bookings, accommodation confirmations.
  • Written list of local emergency numbers (Police: 190, Ambulance: 192, Fire: 193).
  • Contact details for your country's embassy or consulate in Brazil.
  • Student/senior/press IDs for discounts if your trip extends to mainland attractions.

Technology & Electronics

Charging & Connectivity

Careful planning for electronics means capturing memories and navigating with ease. Brazil uses a mix of 127V and 220V; Ilha Grande mainly operates on 127V.

Power and Mobile Use

Cameras & Apps

Ensure your devices are ready for capturing memories and navigation on the island's unique terrain.

Capture & Navigate

Data Backup & Online Security

Data Backup

Use cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) for photos and documents. Consider an External hard drive for large volumes of media.

VPN Services

For secure online activity, especially on public Wi-Fi, consider a VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN.

SIM Cards & Connectivity

Explore local SIM options or an eSIM provider like Airalo for continuous connectivity.

Health & Wellness Items

First Aid Preparedness

A well-stocked personal health kit prepares you for minor ailments and promotes overall well-being during your trip.

Essential Kit Contents

Medications & Prevention

Pack personal medications and preventative items to address common health challenges in a tropical environment.

Personal Health Aids

Water & Skin Protection

Water Purification Options

Post-Sun Care & Hygiene

  • Pack After-sun lotion or aloe vera for skin recovery after sun exposure.
  • Personal hygiene essentials: specific brands or specialty items might be hard to find locally.
  • Bring travel-sized versions of your preferred shampoo, conditioner, and toothpaste for comfort.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Hiking Gear

Essential items for comfortable and safe trekking on the island's trails.

Water Activity Gear

Gear for exploring the underwater world and enjoying island waters.

Rent vs. Bring Decisions

Strategic choices on what to rent or bring impact packing weight and convenience.

  • Rent: Snorkeling fins, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and diving equipment.
  • Bring: High-quality hiking shoes, personal quick-dry clothing, preferred insect repellent.
  • Bring: A well-stocked Personal first-aid kit.
  • Specialty items: A sturdy Waterproof backpack or dry bag for sensitive items.

Specialty Items to Consider

For Hiking & Beach Safety

For Health & Security

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security Extras

Beyond the essentials, a few extra items contribute to comfort and security during your Ilha Grande adventure.

Thoughtful Additions

Island-Specific Items

Some items are specifically valuable for the unique environment and activities of Ilha Grande.

Recommended for Ilha Grande

  • A Small backpack/daypack for daily excursions.
  • A lightweight travel Mosquito net for very basic accommodations or extreme sensitivity.
  • High-quality insect repellent and specific brands of sunscreen may be expensive or hard to find locally.
  • Specialized outdoor gear like advanced Hiking poles are best brought from home.

Smart Packing Advice

Packing light makes island navigation easier. Consider multi-purpose items and roll clothes to save space.

Opt for quick-drying fabrics given the humidity. This helps reduce the amount of clothing needed.