Portuguese for beautiful island, Ilhabela carries its name well. Considered a natural paradise by both locals and visitors alike, the island is a kaleidoscope of beautiful beaches, lush tropical rainforests and an incredible 360 waterfalls. Located a four hour drive (and a 15-minute ferry ride) from São Paolo, 85% of the island is a UNESCO-Biosphere Reserve.
Located on the west coast of the island, Ilhabela town still shows signs of its colonial past, examples of which can be see through the local architecture. Perhaps one of the most photogenic chapels you will see on the island is the Nossa Senhora D’Ajuda. Built in 1806, the Catholic church is a pretty little white-washed building set on a hill, positioned as if protecting over the town. Decked with colourful bunting much of the time, the church is filled to the rafters on holy days with locals expressing their faith. The interior of the church has signs of faded grand charm, much like the city itself.
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It was a wet day when we landed at Ilhabela. And it got wetter for me later in the morning.
We paddled through the puddles of the town of Ihlabela. In fact there was not a lot of the old town left, though the metal statue of Christ in front of the church was dramatic. The stainless steel statue was made in 2008 by Gilmar Pinna , who also has other statues around the island
The entrance road to the waterfalls that we were down to see was narrow, and buses like ours had to reserve a spot. As we had finished the town tour early because of the rain, we were stacked at a local beach cafe while waiting to get to the falls. The staff there were stretched and it was difficult to get served, though eventually I did get a Caipirinha to keep me going. We then reached the Pancada d'Agua trail. This is where I had my literal downfall. To get a better shot of one of the falls, I tottered along a rickety wooden plank, fell backwards off it, and landed on my back with my backpack under water. Both our cameras were in the backpack, and not surprisingly stopped working from the immersion. Happily, after gentle treatment with a hair drier back on board, and a wait of two days, they started to work again
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