waterfall · Ponte Alta do Tocantins, TO
Cachoeira do Rio Soninho
On the Rio Soninho, it has a powerful main fall, whose water disappears into cracks carved in the rock, and a smaller fall upriver. On the upper part there is a shallow rock slab and natural whirlpools for swimming, with car access almost to the riverbank.
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 do Rio Soninho
On the Rio Soninho, in the countryside of Ponte Alta do Tocantins, in Jalapão, there are two falls close together. Cachoeira do Soninho Grande is one of the most impressive in the region, about 30 meters tall. Upriver is Soninho Pequena, much calmer.
At the big fall, the water comes down with great force and disappears into holes and cracks in the rock, in a narrow canyon. You can hear the roar before you arrive. There is no swimming here: the idea is to look and take photos from the edge, carefully.
Swimming is at the smaller fall. It has a long, shallow rock slab, and small falls form natural tubs that work like a whirlpool. There are hidden rocks under the water, many of them slippery.
Access is among the easiest in Jalapão: you can drive close and the final walk is short. That makes the waterfall a good choice for people who do not want a long hike, as long as they are careful on the wet rock.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
One to two hours, to see the big fall and swim at the small one.
Best time
In the dry season, from May to September, when the water at the small fall is calmer for swimming and the dirt roads are easier.
How to get there
It is in the countryside of Ponte Alta do Tocantins, on a dirt road; the safest option is to go by 4x4 or on a guided tour, because the entrance has no signs. You park nearby and walk the last stretch, a few hundred meters.
Tip
Do not go into the water at the big fall or near the edge of the canyon; swimming is at Soninho Pequena, upriver.
A look at the place
Cachoeira do Rio Soninho 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 Rio Soninho
Can you swim at Cachoeira do Soninho?
Not at the big fall: the water is very strong and disappears into cracks in the rock. Swimming is at Soninho Pequena, upriver, on a shallow slab with natural tubs.
How tall is Cachoeira do Soninho?
The main fall is about 30 meters tall.
Is the trail hard?
No. You can park nearby and the final walk is short. The main thing is to be careful on the wet rock and at the edge of the canyon.
Do I need a guide?
It is recommended, because the entrance has no signs. Many visitors go on a guided tour from Ponte Alta do Tocantins.
Are Soninho Grande and Soninho Pequena the same place?
They are two falls on the same river, close to each other, and are usually visited together.