waterfall · Paraty, RJ
Cachoeira do Tobogã
A smooth, sloping rock slab where the river forms a natural slide ending in the Poço do Tarzan (pool), on the Estrada Real route. It's surrounded by dense forest and artisanal distilleries.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Cachoeira do Tobogã
Cachoeira do Tobogã is one of Paraty's most famous waterfalls, and the most fun. The name (toboggan) comes from a large, smooth, sloping rock where the water runs, forming a natural slide that ends in a pool of clean, cold water.
It's in the Penha neighborhood, on the Paraty-Cunha road, just below the Igreja da Penha and near cachaça distilleries. It's on almost every jeep tour of the region's waterfalls, so it's usually busy.
The fun is sliding down the rock sitting and splashing into the pool. Local young men go down standing, as if surfing the rock, and have become part of the show. If you'd rather just watch, there's room on the surrounding rocks, and there's a calmer pool at the top.
A few minutes away, along a short trail, is the Poço do Tarzan, with a wooden suspension bridge and calmer water for swimming. Both are easy to reach and don't require a guide, but the rock is slippery and the slide calls for care.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Two to three hours is enough to slide, swim and also see the Poço do Tarzan, right next door.
Best time
On hot summer days, between December and March, when the cold water is a relief. Arrive in the morning to beat the crowds, before the jeep tour groups.
How to get there
It's on the Paraty-Cunha road, in the Penha neighborhood, about 8 km from downtown Paraty. You can go in a regular car, parked near the Igreja da Penha, from where a short trail leads to the waterfall. Many agencies include Tobogã on their jeep tours.
Tip
Before trying the slide, watch where the locals go up and down and start on the lowest stretch. Bring small bills for the entrance fee.
A look at the place
Cachoeira do Tobogã 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 do Tobogã
Is there an entrance fee for Cachoeira do Tobogã?
Yes, there's an entrance fee, which also gives access to the Poço do Tarzan. Bring small bills.
Where is Cachoeira do Tobogã?
In the Penha neighborhood, on the Paraty-Cunha road, about 8 km from downtown Paraty, near the Igreja da Penha.
Do I need a guide to go to Cachoeira do Tobogã?
No. You can drive there and reach the waterfall by a short, easy trail.
Is it dangerous to slide down the Tobogã?
The rock is smooth and slippery, and the slide calls for care. Go down sitting, start on the lowest stretch and avoid the slide when the waterfall is high after heavy rain.
Is it good for children?
Children can enjoy the pool and the calmer Poço do Tarzan, always with an adult nearby. The slide is for strong swimmers.