waterfall · Amajari, RR
Cachoeira do Paiva
A waterfall in the Serra do Tepequém, with a drop and pools surrounded by mountain vegetation. The area bears the marks of the old diamond mining, which helped shape the natural pools.
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 Paiva
The Cachoeira do Paiva is the best-known waterfall in the Serra do Tepequém, in Amajari, in northern Roraima. It is also one of the tallest in the mountains: the water drops down a rock wall and continues in steps and rapids through the forest.
Before the descent there is a viewpoint, from which you see the whole waterfall set in the valley, with the edge of the mountains behind. From there a wooden staircase, with steel support cables, leads to the base.
There is no deep pool for swimming at the main fall. Swimming is in the sections above and below it, in pools between the rocks. If you continue down the river, you reach Laje Verde, another waterfall that is harder to get to.
The Serra do Tepequém was one of the largest diamond mining centers in Brazil, and the mining left its mark on the region's rivers and waterfalls. The descent has steep stretches and high drops: it is an outing for people who are steady on their feet, and the newspaper Folha de Boa Vista recommends going with a local guide.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
A morning or an afternoon is enough to see the viewpoint, go down to the base and swim in the pools.
Best time
In the drier period, from September to March, with more sun and less rain. Weekends and holidays are the busiest days in the mountains.
How to get there
It is about 3 km from the Vila do Paiva, the main settlement in the Serra do Tepequém, in Amajari. The road reaches close to the viewpoint; from there you continue on foot down the staircase. The mountains are a little over 200 km from Boa Vista, via the BR-174 and the RR-203.
Tip
Stop at the viewpoint first: that is where you see the whole waterfall. On the way down, use the staircase's support ropes.
A look at the place
Cachoeira do Paiva 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 Paiva
Where is the Cachoeira do Paiva?
In the Serra do Tepequém, in Amajari (RR), about 3 km from the Vila do Paiva and a little over 200 km from Boa Vista.
Can you swim at the Cachoeira do Paiva?
Yes, in the pools above and below the main fall. Right below the fall there is no deep pool for swimming.
What is the descent to the Cachoeira do Paiva like?
Down a wooden staircase with steel support cables, starting near the viewpoint. There are steep stretches; wear sturdy shoes and take it slowly.
Do I need a guide for the Cachoeira do Paiva?
Going with a local guide is recommended, especially if you plan to continue down to Laje Verde.