Lazareto Ruins
Explore the atmospheric ruins of a former quarantine station on Ilha Grande, a stop on trails leading to waterfalls and refreshing creeks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Lazareto Ruins
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the atmospheric ruins of a former quarantine station on Ilha Grande, a stop on trails leading to waterfalls and refreshing creeks.
"The ruins are not that interesting, but close to them is a creek providing cool water."
🚶♀️ Combine with Aqueduct & Falls
Don't just see the ruins; hike to the aqueduct and waterfall nearby for a complete experience!
💧 Cool Off in the Creek
The creek next to the ruins offers refreshing water, a great alternative to the sea. Drinks are often sold nearby.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historical Lazareto Ruins
Near Abraão, Ilha Grande
Explore the remnants of a former quarantine station, offering a glimpse into the island's past. Abandoned but intriguing.
Refreshing Creek Waters
Adjacent to the ruins
Escape the heat with a dip in the cool, refreshing creek waters near the ruins. A local favorite for a natural spa experience.
Aqueduct and Waterfall Trail
Path from the ruins
Hike to a historic aqueduct and a beautiful waterfall, often visited in conjunction with the Lazareto Ruins.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Lazareto Ruins
Exploring Beyond the Ruins
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Combine with Aqueduct & Falls
Don't just see the ruins; hike to the aqueduct and waterfall nearby for a complete experience!
💧 Cool Off in the Creek
The creek next to the ruins offers refreshing water, a great alternative to the sea. Drinks are often sold nearby.
⚠️ Enter Ruins with Caution
The ruins are abandoned and not maintained; entering is not recommended due to potential collapse.
🦀 Spot Local Wildlife
Keep an eye out for crabs and other small creatures around the ruins and surrounding areas.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Combine with Aqueduct & Falls
Don't just see the ruins; hike to the aqueduct and waterfall nearby for a complete experience!
💧 Cool Off in the Creek
The creek next to the ruins offers refreshing water, a great alternative to the sea. Drinks are often sold nearby.
⚠️ Enter Ruins with Caution
The ruins are abandoned and not maintained; entering is not recommended due to potential collapse.
🦀 Spot Local Wildlife
Keep an eye out for crabs and other small creatures around the ruins and surrounding areas.
☀️ Visit During Daylight
Exploring during daylight hours ensures better visibility and safety around the abandoned structures.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Lazareto Ruins to be a historically interesting site, though its main appeal often lies in its proximity to natural attractions like a refreshing creek, aqueduct, and waterfall. While the ruins themselves are abandoned and not recommended for entry, they serve as a good stop on a hike. The surrounding nature is frequently praised for its beauty and opportunities for a cool dip.
"Very close to abraao, but not much to look at. Just a stop on the way to the aqueduct and the waterfall"
J Dubbs
"Very cool to see! We also saw some crabs 🦀"
Josefin
"The ruins are not that interesting, but close to them is a creek providing cool water. This is much more refreshing than the sea. The nice guys selling drinks there ensure shear happiness."
robert bolle
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Lazareto Ruins are a short walk or hike from Abraão, the main village on Ilha Grande. Follow the trails towards the aqueduct and waterfall; the ruins are often a stop along this path. Many visitors combine this with exploring the natural attractions nearby.
Yes, the ruins are generally well-known and signposted as part of the hiking routes from Abraão. They are often mentioned as a point of interest on the way to other popular spots.
While boats can take you to various beaches and points around Ilha Grande, the Lazareto Ruins are best accessed by foot via hiking trails from Abraão.
Hiking is the most popular way to explore the Lazareto Ruins and the surrounding natural attractions like the aqueduct and waterfalls. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water.
The primary mode of transport to the Lazareto Ruins is walking or hiking from Abraão. There are no direct vehicle routes to the ruins themselves.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to visit the Lazareto Ruins as they are an open, abandoned historical site. Access is free.
As an abandoned site, the Lazareto Ruins do not have official opening hours. They are accessible during daylight hours.
It is not recommended to enter the Lazareto Ruins as they are completely abandoned and not maintained, posing a risk of collapse.
While specific tours solely for the ruins are uncommon, many hiking tours of Ilha Grande's natural attractions, such as the aqueduct and waterfalls, will pass by or mention the Lazareto Ruins.
Wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes as you'll likely be walking on trails. Light clothing is recommended due to the tropical climate.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can see the remnants of the historical quarantine station, offering a glimpse into its past uses. The surrounding nature, including a refreshing creek, is also a major draw.
The main attractions nearby are the historic aqueduct and a beautiful waterfall, which are popular hiking destinations. The refreshing creek adjacent to the ruins is also a highlight.
While you cannot swim in the ruins themselves, there is a very refreshing creek right next to them where you can cool off.
No, as the ruins are abandoned, there are no facilities. However, there are often vendors selling drinks near the creek.
The Lazareto Ruins were originally a farm that was transformed into a quarantine hospital for European immigrants in 1884. It has also served other purposes throughout its history.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the atmospheric abandoned architecture of the ruins, especially with the lush greenery surrounding them. The nearby creek and aqueduct also offer picturesque shots.
Drone footage of the coastline and the general area of Angra dos Reis, including the vicinity of the ruins, can be stunning.
Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the ruins and the surrounding nature. Late afternoon also offers softer light.
There are no specific restrictions on photography at the ruins themselves, but exercise caution and respect the historical site.
A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the scale of the ruins and the landscape. A standard zoom lens will also be versatile.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack snacks and plenty of water, as facilities are limited. Encourage kids to look for small wildlife like crabs near the ruins.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Be prepared for tropical weather, wear sturdy hiking shoes, and carry sufficient water. The opportunity to cool off in the creek near the ruins is a welcome reward after a trek.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Lazareto Ruins
Over time, the Lazareto's function evolved. It also served as a hospital for soldiers and, later, housed orphan girls and families migrating from former Portuguese colonies. This layered history contributes to the site's unique atmosphere, a blend of past lives and abandonment. While the structures are now in ruins, they stand as a testament to the island's role in Brazil's immigration and public health history.
It's important to note that the ruins are now completely abandoned and not maintained, making them potentially unsafe to enter. Visitors are advised to admire them from the outside and focus on the surrounding natural beauty and other historical sites nearby.
Exploring the Natural Surroundings
Beyond the creek, the area is a gateway to other natural wonders. A popular trail leads to a historic aqueduct, an impressive feat of engineering from a bygone era. Continuing on this path often brings you to a beautiful waterfall, offering a serene and picturesque destination. These natural elements, combined with the historical ruins, create a well-rounded experience for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
Many visitors recommend combining a visit to the Lazareto Ruins with a hike to these natural attractions. The trails are generally well-trodden, making them accessible for most visitors. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and bring water, as you'll be exploring the lush Atlantic Forest.
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