The best place in Rio de Janerio - Ilha Grande

Honestly this island is Brazilian paradise. Only took around 3 hours from central Rio to get here- definitely worth it. Wether you go before visiting central Rio or after, it will feel just as special. People say you need cash, however I found that most places took card- still carry some cash just incase though! The hostel I stayed in is called Mambembe ( also in Lapa central rio) good staff and such chill vibes. There are obviously many more hostels and hotels that are cheap too but this was just easier for me, I do recommend though.

The cave is called : Gruta do Acaia.
take a pouch and definitely your phone or camera. You will also need 20 real to enter as it’s on someone’s private land and it helps them live. The tour will give you equipment. The key is to go when it’s sunny so that the light shines though and creates the glow in the water. Also listen out to the cave lungs, it’s so cool. Don’t wear white !!! ;)

Every night there is a party in the hostel called che lergato. It’s good for making friends and depending on which day you go, the music is 10/10.

Food on the island is a bit more expensive than back in Rio but still cheap in contrast with British pounds, I took some food with me to last me the start of the week but depending on how you are spending, it’s worth doing a big shop and storing your food in your hostel ( if staying in one). The restaurants on the island are also so nice.

100% do a boat tour. You will see the best beaches and make friends too. Most of the tours let you swim and snorkel for a while at each stop, and get food. I would recommend taking food with you though because the restaurants up the prices because they know the people on the tours are hungry hehe. Try and do the tours to the best beaches when it hasn’t been raining because the waters won’t mix making the sea water less clear.

Remember there are no Ubers or cars on the island, so if you do a hike you either have to get a boat back or walk it so be prepared with food water, umbrella :/ and all the other bits and bobs. The pigeons peak hike takes around 6 hours, most people do it at 12am so they can see the sunrise over the whole island - do it for me someone :(