Ilhabela

We spent a few days on the beautiful island of Ilhabela (which literally means beautiful island). We got to eat some good food and do some relaxing. We had 3 main adventure days while in Ilhabela.

Our first big adventure was to a lovely waterfall. We had only a short 30 minute hike from the bus stop to the waterfall. The waterfall itself was stunning and very unique. It looked like a giant water slide and I got to swim at the bottom of it! Midway through our journey to the falls we were treated with an absolute downpour. While the weather wasn't ideal it did mean we got the whole waterfall to ourselves. Honestly there was something really epic about swimming in a waterfall in the pouring rain surrounded by rainforest in Brazil.

Our 2nd and 3rd adventure days were journeying to and from Bonete Beach. This is a beach rated as one the best ones to visit in Brazil; however, it is only accessible by hiking or boating. We decided to hike there and boat back. The hike was through the rainforest which made it very beautiful. That being said it was challenging as it was long. We hiked 2km to the bus stop, 2km from the bus stop to the trail head, 15km on the trail, and at least 1km strolling up and down the beach. After at least 20km of walking that day I was very tired but it was worth it. The beach was so stunning with a long stretch of soft sand surrounded by mountains and rainforest. It was also so secluded that you had the beauty almost all to yourself. We spent that night and the next day walking on the beach, swimming in the waves, and just relaxing. We then had the boat ride back which I pictured being a nice calm ride where I do some whale watching and take photos of the island from the water; however this was not the case. Instead, we had an adrenaline pumping thrill ride on this tiny speed boat where we were sitting on a foam mat on the floor. We were bouncy up and down on the wavy water, getting soaked by water splashing over the edge, and I was gripping the side of the boat for dear life. Angus didn't find it scary and the people driving the boat were very professional so we really weren't in danger. That being said, I still found it a very stressful ride so needless to say, no photos were taken on the boat and if med school doesn't work out, a backup plan of a pirates life will not be for me. Although the boat ride was intense, it was worth it for the views. Honestly some of the most stunning views of the island (just take my word for it)!

Overall we really enjoyed Ilhabela and it was a destination we weren't originally planning to visit due to time constraints. Very glad we were able to adjust our schedule to fit it in because it is a truly special place.Read more