valley · Conceição do Castelo, ES
Vale do Emboque
A valley between the communities of Monforte Quente and Monforte Frio, about 15 km from town, crossed by old mule-driver routes. It has waterfalls, natural pools and rural trails among the mountains.
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 Vale do Emboque
The Vale do Emboque (valley) is in the rural area of Conceição do Castelo, in the Espírito Santo mountains, about 15 km from town, near the community of Monforte Frio. It is a narrow valley surrounded by large rock walls and slopes covered in forest, pasture and coffee fields.
The place has history. The old Imperial Route ran through here, linking Minas Gerais to Espírito Santo, traveled by tropeiros (mule drivers) with horses and mules loaded with goods. To this day the valley welcomes mule-train expeditions that retrace the route.
The outing is about nature and rural life. You travel roads and trails among the mountains, see rock walls such as the Pedra do Emboque up close, and find waterfalls and natural pools formed by the region's rivers. The Casinha do Emboque, a small building by the road, has become the valley's postcard view.
The valley is good for hiking, cycling and adventure tourism, but it also appeals to anyone who just wants to enjoy the scenery by car. The trails and the access to the waterfalls require some fitness and sturdy shoes.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Set aside half a day to drive around the valley and stop at the waterfalls; a full day if you want to hike.
Best time
In the drier months, from April to September, the rural roads are in better shape and the sky clearer; in summer the waterfalls and natural pools are fuller and invite a swim. Mornings usually have the best light on the rock walls.
How to get there
The valley is about 15 km from the town of Conceição do Castelo, in the Monforte Frio area. From town, take the municipality's rural roads; from Vitória, the way to Conceição do Castelo is via the BR-262. Ask in town about the best route before you set out.
Tip
Bring water, snacks, sunscreen and swimwear, and go in a car with good ground clearance or check the rural road conditions beforehand, especially after rain.
A look at the place
Vale do Emboque 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 Vale do Emboque
Where is the Vale do Emboque?
In the rural area of Conceição do Castelo (ES), about 15 km from town, near the community of Monforte Frio, in the Espírito Santo mountains.
Are there waterfalls in the Vale do Emboque?
Yes. The valley has waterfalls and natural pools formed by the region's rivers, popular mainly in summer.
Why is the Vale do Emboque historic?
The old Imperial Route ran through it, the path between Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo used by tropeiros (mule drivers) with mules and horses. Mule-train expeditions still retrace the route.
Is there an entrance fee for the Vale do Emboque?
The sources consulted do not mention a fee. The valley is crossed by rural roads, and the paths of the old Imperial Route pass through private property; check beforehand with the Conceição do Castelo town hall.
How long does it take to see the Vale do Emboque?
Half a day is enough to drive through the valley and stop at the waterfalls; set aside the whole day if you want to hike or cycle.