waterfall · Cachoeiras de Macacu, RJ
Cachoeira das Sete Quedas
In the district of Boca do Mato, inside the Parque Estadual dos Três Picos (state park), it is the town's main postcard sight, with a drop of about 60 meters. The trail passes pools such as Pocinho and Furna da Onça before reaching the waterfall.
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 das Sete Quedas
Cachoeira das Sete Quedas is in the district of Boca do Mato, in Cachoeiras de Macacu, inside the Parque Estadual dos Três Picos (state park). It is considered the town's best-known sight. The water comes down in several drops over a great natural stone staircase, in the middle of the Atlantic Forest.
The way there is a small water circuit. The trail passes pools and smaller falls, such as Pocinho, Cachoeirinha, Furna da Onça and Poço da Gruta, before reaching the main fall, the largest on the route.
The trail is marked and easy to moderate, with short climbs, rocks and damp stretches. It suits people used to walking, including older children, but it is not wheelchair accessible. The waterfall is also used for canyoning, always with specialized guides.
In the surrounding forest you will see bromeliads and many birds. The town's tourism foundation recommends doing the outing with a local guide.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Allow a morning or an afternoon to walk, stop at the pools along the way and enjoy the main fall without rushing.
Best time
In summer the waterfall usually has more water and swimming is more pleasant; go in the morning or early afternoon and avoid the days right after heavy rain, when the river rises and the rocks get more slippery.
How to get there
It is in Boca do Mato, by the RJ-116, the highway that links Cachoeiras de Macacu to Nova Friburgo, near the toll plaza. A narrow road through a gated community leads to a clearing used as a parking area, where the trail begins. The most practical way to get there is by car; in your GPS, search for "Cachoeira 7 Quedas".
Tip
Wear sneakers with good grip, bring water and a snack, and take your trash back with you. If there is heavy rain in the mountains, stay out of the pools: the river can rise quickly.
A look at the place
Cachoeira das Sete Quedas 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 das Sete Quedas
Is there an entrance fee at Cachoeira das Sete Quedas?
There is no admission fee to hike the trail to the waterfall, which is in the Parque Estadual dos Três Picos.
How long is the trail?
At an easy pace, the walk to the main fall takes about an hour or less, not counting stops at the pools along the way.
Is the trail hard?
No. It is a marked trail, easy to moderate, with a few climbs and wet rocks. Wear sneakers with good grip.
Do I need a guide?
The trail is marked, but the town's tourism foundation recommends going with a local guide, especially on your first visit.
What pools are there along the way?
Before the main fall, the trail passes Pocinho, Cachoeirinha, Furna da Onça and Poço da Gruta.