waterfall · Ilhabela, SP
Cachoeira da Água Branca
A group of falls inside the Parque das Cachoeiras, with trails, swimming pools and the first wheelchair-accessible route to a waterfall in Brazil. The upper falls reach dozens of meters.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Cachoeira da Água Branca
Cachoeira da Água Branca (waterfall) is in the neighborhood of the same name, right where the road to Castelhanos starts climbing, a few kilometers from the ferry. It is the gateway to the Parque Municipal das Cachoeiras, a large green area linking the Água Branca and Barra Velha neighborhoods, with trails, decks and swimming pools.
The main waterfall drops in two tall falls in the middle of the forest. It is for viewing only: swimming there is forbidden, because the rocks are slippery and the current is strong. A viewpoint at the park entrance gives you the view and the photo.
The same park has the first waterfall in Brazil with access adapted for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility. A paved ramp with handrails leads from the parking lot to the water, with a rest deck halfway, accessible restrooms and reserved parking spaces. From there, a short trail continues to the Poço do Furado, a natural pool good for swimming and birdwatching.
If you want to walk more, follow the road to the gatehouse of the Parque Estadual de Ilhabela, where the Trilha da Água Branca begins. It is an easy self-guided trail with five cold-water pools along the river, good for families with children.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
One hour is enough to see the waterfall from the viewpoint and go down to the accessible waterfall; with the state park trail and a swim in the pools, set aside a morning or an afternoon.
Best time
On hot days, from late spring to early fall, when the cold water of the pools is welcome; in the morning the forest is cooler and the park is emptier. After heavy rain the falls are fuller, but the water turns murky and the current gets stronger.
How to get there
It is in the Água Branca neighborhood, about 3 km from the ferry, at the start of the Estrada de Castelhanos (road). From the town center or the ferry, go by car, taxi or ride-hailing app to the entrance of the Parque das Cachoeiras, which has parking. The gatehouse of the state park, where the Trilha da Água Branca (trail) begins, is a little farther up the same road.
Tip
Bring insect repellent: Ilhabela's borrachudos (biting blackflies) are famous and come out in force near the water, especially in the late afternoon.
A look at the place
Cachoeira da Água Branca in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cachoeira da Água Branca
Can you swim at Cachoeira da Água Branca?
Not at the main fall: swimming is forbidden because of the slippery rocks and strong current, and you see it from a viewpoint. The same park has the accessible waterfall and the Poço do Furado, where swimming is allowed, and the state park's Trilha da Água Branca has five pools.
Is the waterfall wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The Parque das Cachoeiras has the first waterfall in Brazil adapted for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility, with a ramp and handrails from the parking lot to the water, a rest deck, accessible restrooms and reserved parking spaces.
Is the Trilha da Água Branca hard?
No. It is an easy self-guided trail that starts at the gatehouse of the Parque Estadual de Ilhabela, on the Estrada de Castelhanos, and passes five swimming pools. It is suitable for families with children.
Is it far from the ferry?
No. The entrance to the Parque das Cachoeiras is about 3 km from the ferry, at the start of the Estrada de Castelhanos, and has parking.
Are there biting blackflies (borrachudos)?
Yes, lots of them. Put on repellent before starting the trail and reapply near the water.