cave · Presidente Figueiredo, AM
Gruta da Judeia e Caverna do Maroaga
Sandstone caves inside the Caverna do Maroaga Environmental Protection Area, with tall rock walls, hanging roots and pools of bluish water. The visit combines a forest walk with a swim inside the grotto.
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 Gruta da Judeia e Caverna do Maroaga
Caverna do Maroaga and Gruta da Judeia are two neighboring sandstone formations in Presidente Figueiredo, in the state of Amazonas. They are inside the Caverna do Maroaga Environmental Protection Area, a state conservation unit with caves, grottoes and waterfalls in the middle of the forest.
Both are visited on the same tour, along a forest trail that starts beside the AM-240, the Estrada de Balbina. Because it is a protected area, you can only visit with a guide.
Caverna do Maroaga, also called Refúgio do Maroaga, has an entrance washed by a small waterfall. Inside, it is dark and forms tunnels and galleries, with bats. The guide takes the group a few meters inside.
The trail continues to Gruta da Judeia. There, water falls through a crack in the rock wall and forms a natural pool where you can swim. Roots and vines hang down the walls and complete the scene.
The trail is considered easy, but it has climbs, descents, wet rocks and roots on the ground. It is not wheelchair accessible.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Allow a few hours for the guided tour of both caves, including the forest trail.
Best time
The tour runs year-round, but the amount of water at the entrances varies a lot between the high-water and dry seasons; ask your guide about cave conditions before you go.
How to get there
The trail starts at km 6 of the AM-240 (Estrada de Balbina), in Presidente Figueiredo. You hire a guide at the town's Tourist Service Center (CAT).
Tip
Bring a flashlight, because Caverna do Maroaga has no lighting, and wear shoes that can get wet.
A look at the place
Gruta da Judeia e Caverna do Maroaga 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 Gruta da Judeia e Caverna do Maroaga
Do I need a guide to visit Caverna do Maroaga and Gruta da Judeia?
Yes. Both are in an environmental protection area and can only be visited with a guide, hired at the Presidente Figueiredo Tourist Service Center (CAT).
Is there a fee to visit Caverna do Maroaga?
Yes. You pay for the guide's services. Check the price at the CAT before you go.
Can you swim at Gruta da Judeia?
Yes. The water falling from the rock wall forms a natural pool where you can swim.
Is the trail to Caverna do Maroaga difficult?
It is considered easy, but it has climbs, descents, roots and wet rocks. It is not wheelchair accessible.
Where is Caverna do Maroaga?
In Presidente Figueiredo (AM). The trail starts at km 6 of the AM-240, the Estrada de Balbina.