This was our first stop on the 2-week waterfall tour in Ilhabela and the reason for making this the…read morenumber one pitstop was due to the fact that we were rolling late into the afternoon (it was around 4pm) and this was said to be a short and easy hike with a decent payoff. True to what we'd read, this trio of waterfalls was easily accessible (located towards the southern part of the island) and offered a short drive uphill to the parking area (more like parking off to the side of the road). Considering the fact that there was a light drizzle, we were fairly alone on the trail and hit the first waterfall within 5 minutes of walking. This one was my favorite. You could hop rocks to reach a small (super small) island-like area where you could stand directly in front of where the water came crashing down. There, you could dip in for a light swim (very light considering that there wasn't a ton of swimmable area). The next waterfall we hiked up to would never exist without a barrier in the U.S. I nearly lost my dog to whatever drop it offered. I can imagine a few people slipping on the rocks and falling a handful of meters to their... death? broken elbow? We never did find out. The third waterfall was money and not as ominous as the second, but also not as favorite as the first. This short hike was a great appetizer in what was to become a behemoth of a 2-week waterfall meal.

Currently a functional school and Cafe, Patio do Collegio is a colonial styled Jesuit church on the…read moresite where Sao Paulo was founded in 1554. Culturally relevant and ever popular for that reason the grounds are extremely well-maintained, though literature offered only in Portuguese makes the story difficult to understand for those who are not fluent.

Another essential place for Paulistas to go and for tourists who enjoy history. great ride with…read morecontent, take a friend who understands history or is accompanied. There are people living on the street today, I've been mugged several times, I'm unworthy to see their situation. Reasonable by the city's negligence.

In the crazy, hectic city that is São Paulo, the botanical gardens are a true gem to escape the…read morenoise and commotion of the city. Entrance is pretty cheap, around £2, and children under 5 go free. There are easy trails to follow that take you through gardens featuring unusual plants, beautiful lakes filled with water lilies and a water wheel, and a forest trail on raised walkways which allows you to view an unspoiled part of Mata Atlântica. Easy access for pushchairs makes this a great place for the children and the restaurant offers a buffet lunch for a reasonable price. A must visit on any trip to São Paulo, just don't forget the insect repellent.

Very relaxing park (during the week). Beautiful plants and walk ways. Also some monkeys living in…read morethe park. Watch for falling fruit