Feiticeira’s Waterfall + Beaches of Enseada das Estrelas – Full day Private Hike

Discover Ilha Grande’s Hidden Treasures on a Private Full-Day Hike

Imagine setting out from Vila do Abraão, the lively heart of Ilha Grande, with a knowledgeable guide leading you through lush Atlantic Forest. For about $99 per person, this full-day tour offers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, visiting Black Beach, the historic Lazareto ruins, and culminating with a refreshing waterfall shower at Feiticeira Waterfall. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy snorkeling and sunbathing at Enseada das Estrelas, one of the island’s most beautiful beaches.

What we love most about this tour is its intimate, private setting—you’re not part of a big crowd, which means more personalized attention. We also appreciate how the guide’s local knowledge brings the history and ecology of Ilha Grande to life, making each stop more meaningful.

A potential consideration is the moderate hiking difficulty, so it’s best suited for those with a decent level of physical fitness. While the tour offers great flexibility, some might prefer a more leisurely pace or want to combine the hike with boat transfers for quicker travel between points.

This experience suits adventurous travelers who want to see the island beyond its beaches, enjoy some exercise, and appreciate the natural beauty—and particularly those who value guides knowledgeable about local history and ecology.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience with a knowledgeable guide
• Visits Black Beach, Lazareto ruins, and Feiticeira Waterfall for a mix of history and nature
• Includes snorkeling and beach relaxation at Enseada das Estrelas
• Moderate trail suitable for travelers with decent fitness levels
• Optional lunch at a local restaurant (not included)
• Return options include walk or boat, providing flexibility

A Closer Look at the Tour Itinerary

This tour begins at the Igreja de São Sebastião in Vila do Abraão at 9:00 am, a convenient central meeting point. From there, your guide leads you on a moderate trail through the Atlantic Forest—an area bursting with biodiversity. Along the way, you’ll pass landmarks like Black Beach and the ruins of Lazareto, an important relic from Brazil’s imperial past. The Lazareto site offers a glimpse into the island’s history as a quarantine station, and the old aqueduct’s arches add a dramatic touch to the landscape.

The highlight of the hike is reaching Feiticeira Waterfall, a stunning cascade about 13 meters high, set amid dense greenery. We loved the way the tour balances adventure and beauty—the waterfall’s veil of water is a perfect spot for a lively, refreshing shower in the midst of nature. The guide typically encourages everyone to enjoy a quick swim and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.

After the waterfall, the tour continues toward Fora Beach for a relaxing break. You’ll have the option to grab lunch at a nearby restaurant—although it’s not included in the tour price—and then continue exploring some of the quieter beaches like Camiranga and Pereque. These spots are ideal for some sunbathing and snorkeling, with crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life.

The return leg proceeds via foot or boat (the boat option involves an additional fee), giving you flexibility depending on your energy levels or time constraints. Many travelers find the boat ride back, especially in the late afternoon, a charming way to enjoy the island’s coastline.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

One of the most praised aspects of this experience is the knowledgeable guides. Reviewers like Shannon highlight how Bruno tailored the tour to their preferences, making the experience both enjoyable and educational. The well-marked trails and Bruno’s preparation meant that even those unfamiliar with hiking found it manageable and fun.

The tour’s small group size ensures a more intimate, less rushed experience, allowing for spontaneous moments of discovery and plenty of questions about Ilha Grande’s flora, fauna, and history. The combination of cultural sites—like Lazareto—and natural beauty—like the waterfall and beaches—creates a well-rounded day.

Another strong point is the flexibility: you can choose to finish with a walk back to Vila do Abraão or opt for a boat transfer (extra charge). This makes it adaptable to different energy levels and plans.

Detailed Breakdown of the Experience

Starting Point and Initial Walk

Meeting at the Igreja de São Sebastião, you’ll start the day early—at 9:00 am—giving plenty of time to explore. From there, the guide leads you into the Atlantic Forest, a walk that takes roughly 2-3 hours, depending on pace. This trail is considered moderate, with some ups and downs, but manageable for most with reasonable fitness.

What makes this stretch particularly engaging is the biodiversity—you’ll see verdant foliage, listen to bird calls, and perhaps spot some local wildlife. The trail is well marked, according to reviews, reducing the chance of confusion or getting lost.

Historical and Architectural Highlights

Passing the Lazareto ruins and the 19th-century aqueduct, you’ll get an insight into the island’s colonial past. These structures, still standing, provide a striking contrast to the lush forest and remind us of Ilha Grande’s role in Brazil’s history.

Feiticeira Waterfall

The hike culminates at the Feiticeira Waterfall, one of the most scenic spots on the island. The 13-meter cascade is framed by greenery, creating a postcard-perfect scene. Many reviews highlight the enjoyment of taking a waterfall shower, which is both invigorating and fun—a true highlight of the day.

Lunch and Beach Time

Post-waterfall, the group heads to Fora Beach for a break. Here, you can opt to have lunch at a local restaurant (not included), offering fresh seafood or traditional Brazilian fare. The quieter beaches of Camiranga and Pereque are perfect for snorkeling, with calm waters and coral reefs that are rich in marine life.

Return Journey

For the return, hikers can walk back along the same trail, soaking in the sights, or choose to take a boat back to Vila do Abraão. The boat ride offers a relaxing way to end the day, especially if you prefer to skip the return hike.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Tips

This tour’s authenticity lies in its focus on local history, untouched nature, and personalized guidance. The small-group format allows your guide to share stories and insights that you wouldn’t get with larger tours. Many travelers appreciated how Bruno worked closely with them to customize the experience.

A couple of practical tips: wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring water, sun protection, and a towel for the waterfall shower. The moderate trail means you should be reasonably fit, but the scenery and sense of achievement are well worth the effort.

While the lunch isn’t included, there are options nearby, and many travelers find it handy to bring snacks or some extra cash for a meal. The price point of $99 is quite reasonable for a full-day private guide, especially considering the personalized experience and access to less crowded sites.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Book This Tour?

This private hike is ideal for adventurous travelers who want to see the real Ilha Grande beyond its beaches. It’s perfect if you enjoy moderate hiking, are interested in local history, and love the idea of combining physical activity with leisure on stunning beaches.

If you’re traveling with a group or family that appreciates personalized attention, this experience offers a tailored, meaningful day out in nature. It’s also suited for those who value guided insights into the island’s ecology and history, making it more than just a walk through the woods.

While it’s not suited for those seeking a leisurely beach day only or with serious mobility limitations, most reasonably fit travelers will find this tour both rewarding and beautiful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour requires moderate physical fitness, so it may suit older children or teens who are used to walking. It’s best to assess your child’s stamina and interest in hiking.

Do I need to bring my own water?
While the guide will likely have some water, it’s a good idea to bring your own to stay well-hydrated, especially during the hike.

Can I skip the boat transfer?
Yes, you can choose to walk back after the hike or arrange for a boat transfer for an additional fee, offering flexibility based on your energy levels.

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch is not included. The guide will take you to a nearby restaurant or you can bring snacks. Many travelers prefer to explore local eateries at their own pace.

What should I wear for this tour?
Comfortable hiking shoes are recommended, along with sun protection (hat, sunscreen) and light clothing suitable for outdoor activity.

How long does the entire tour last?
The full experience is approximately 8 hours, from meeting in the morning to returning in the late afternoon, allowing plenty of time to enjoy each stop.

What makes this tour different from others?
Its private, personalized approach and focus on less crowded, authentic sites set it apart. The guide’s local knowledge enhances every part of the journey.

Can I swim at the waterfall or beaches?
Yes, many travelers enjoy a refreshing swim at the waterfall and snorkeling at Enseada das Estrelas, both of which are highlights.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made about 37 days in advance, but it’s best to reserve early to secure your preferred date, especially during peak seasons.

This private hike on Ilha Grande offers an engaging way to explore the island’s natural and historical highlights, all with the benefit of expert guides and a flexible itinerary. Whether you’re seeking adventure, cultural insights, or just a day to escape into nature, this experience delivers a memorable blend of all three.