Ilhabela From Sao Paulo

We pick you up from your place in Sao Paulo and drive about four hours north to Ilhabela. As Sao Paulo sits around 760 metres above sea level, the route descends through a coastal mountain range that runs along Brazil’s south and southeast. We make brief photo stops to capture the valleys as we wind down to the coast.

On arrival at our accommodation, you have a few hours for lunch (at own cost) and to explore one of Ilhabela’s beaches at your own pace. The island offers dozens of options with clear, blue water. In the evening, we meet for drinks (at own cost) and get a feel for the island vibe as we visit the downtown area, home to bars, restaurants, pizza places, ice cream parlours, shops and cafes. During peak season the town becomes especially lively with cruise ship passengers and live shows.

After breakfast, we board a boat and cruise along the channel that skirts Ilhabela towards Castelhanos Beach on the far side of the island. On the way, we stop at Saco do Eustaquio and Fome beaches – you can swim, snorkel or simply relax in the clear water. Castelhanos is considered one of the ten most beautiful beaches in Brazil, with several waterfalls that converge to form a natural pool in the sand before flowing into the sea. While at the beach, you can order appetisers, fresh seafood, typical local dishes and caipirinhas. We return by 4x4, crossing 22 kilometres through the Atlantic Forest – we may pause at another waterfall to cool off before reaching the urban area. In the evening, we visit Pereque Beach.

After breakfast at the hotel, we drive about 25 minutes to the trailhead for Paqueta Waterfall – one of Ilhabela’s best known falls. The walk takes around 20 to 30 minutes and is gentle to start, becoming steep and a little slippery towards the end. Along the way there are three stops – the first two with crystal clear natural pools for a swim, and the third featuring a smooth rock slide that feeds an infinity pool with views over the sea. You can continue to the top for the celebrated panorama of Ilhabela. After the waterfall, we break for lunch – try typical Brazilian dishes and unwind – before beginning the journey back to Sao Paulo. We return in the mid afternoon and make sure you get to where you need to go – your place in Sao Paulo or the airport.