Expert: Edison - 3/21/2005

Question
Hello Edison:

            We live in San Diego, CA. We are considering a vacation to Brazil. This is the last year of our older sons United airlines flight benefits. We will be taking our 16 and 17 year olds with us (boy and girl) United flys to Sao Paolo. We must fly there to use our benefits to their fullest. A big city is not what we have in mind. Where can we reach in an hour or two (at most.....safely) to enjoy a coastal vacation? A condo or cabin. We enjoy watersports ie. diving, snorkeling, fishing, hiking,and most cultural things. We know nothing of the climate or summer weather. What do you suggest? Thanks for your help in advance! Tim                     PS. We went to Akumal, Mexico a few years ago. It is 70 miles south of Cancun. About an hours drive on a very good, paved highway. Just hoping we can find something like that in Brazil that we can get too.  

Answer
Hello Tim,

Sao Paolo is just over an hour drive from the Atlantic Ocean and there are many coastal places, from big cities such as Santos to small towns to stay.

But I think your family will love Ilhabela - an island 138 miles from Sao Paulo (it really worth the extra miles). It is very beautiful with many options for water sports, horse riding, hiking and cultural activities; and great food and music.

I don't know how many days you want to stay there. I would recommend reserve a hotel for few days and after getting there, shop around for a condo or cabin.

However, remember in June to August is winter in Brazil. But the weather in Ilhabela is very similar to San Diego, with very few colds days (60's and 70's). Also, not many Brazilians can speak English, but they are very friendly. knowing few work in Spanish always help (Portuguese is very similar to Spanish).

I am including some web sites for more information.

Have fun!

Edison

http://gosouthamerica.about.com/cs/southamerica/a/BraIlhabela.htm
http://www.pacificislandtravel.com/south_america/brazil/about_destin/ilhabela.ht...
http://www.braziltourism.org/diving_ilhabela.shtml
http://www.packtours.com.br/dest/saopaulo/ilhabela/
http://www.packtours.com.br/dest/saopaulo/ilhabela/
http://www.ilhasol.com.br/ilhabela/default.asp?lang=en