Cast Your Vote: Ihla Grande or Buzios???

Hi! I have only a few days before meeting my sister in Rio so I can only go to one of these places. Is one of them much better than the other? Opinions???

Very appreciated! Thanks!

It should be a pretty easy decision for you if you have a sense of what you are looking for... They are VERY different destinations: Buzios - "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" and Ilha Grande - "Gilligan's Island" Both are great destinations. Better restaurants at Buzios. Better hiking and snorkeling at Ilha Grande. Buzios has the hustle and bustle of an international resort town with all the shopping and night life. Ilha Grande is a relaxed atmosphere with charming local color.

All in all I would think Buzios to be more expensive. Both are great.

Thank you! This helps. Though it IS good to know that it didn't sound like I would go wrong either way...

I have not been to either in over 10 years, but back then, at least, Buzios struck me as nothing special. Much like tons of other touristy towns around the world. Might be a good place for dancing, parties, etc. Ilha Grande is restful and largely quiet-- a nice contrast from Rio-- with lots of options for hikes, and many friendly local dogs (at least back then) who like to accompany tourists on their hikes. Harder to get to, since you have to take a ferry from Angra dos Reis or another nearby town, but worth it. Certainly cheaper than Buzios. You can use the savings to splurge at restaurants in Rio.

Ihla Grande is one of the best places I have ever visited.
Buzios is nice, but the fact that Ihla grande has no cars for me makes it all the better.
Lopez Mendez beach is one of the prettiest in the world.