waterfall · Cachoeiras de Macacu, RJ
Cachoeira do Tenebroso
Located in the Boa Vista area, it has a drop of about 12 meters and a natural pool of roughly 200 square meters. Its cold, crystal-clear water makes it one of the most popular waterfalls in town.
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 Tenebroso
Cachoeira do Tenebroso is in the Boa Vista area of Cachoeiras de Macacu. The town's tourism foundation considers it the most beautiful waterfall in town, among the dozens found there.
The river drops about 12 meters, set between large rock formations as tall as the falls. Below, a wide natural pool forms, about 200 square meters and quite deep. The water is cold and clear.
The trail crosses dense forest, with bromeliads and violets, and is the same one that leads to Cachoeira Terceira Dimensão, so the two are usually visited together. It is about 1.8 km of walking, with a steep, slippery final stretch down to the bottom of the valley.
This outing is for people with some fitness and sturdy shoes. It is not accessible and not recommended for small children. Since the pool is deep, weak swimmers should stay near the edges. The tourism foundation recommends going with a local guide.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Allow half a day for the round-trip trail, a swim in the pool and a stop at Cachoeira Terceira Dimensão.
Best time
On hot summer days, around midday or early afternoon, when the sun reaches the valley best and the cold water is more inviting. Avoid rainy days, which make the final descent even more slippery.
How to get there
It is in the Boa Vista area of Cachoeiras de Macacu, reached by poorly signposted dirt roads. The most practical option is to go by car with a local guide who knows where the trail starts. From where you leave the car, it is about 1.8 km on foot through the forest.
Tip
Wear sneakers or boots with good grip (flip-flops will not handle the descent), bring water and a snack, and also visit Cachoeira Terceira Dimensão, which is on the same route.
A look at the place
Cachoeira do Tenebroso 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 Tenebroso
How tall is Cachoeira do Tenebroso?
The drop is about 12 meters and falls into a wide natural pool of about 200 square meters.
How long is the trail?
It is about 1.8 km, which usually takes about 45 minutes each way at an easy pace.
Is the trail hard?
It is moderate. Most of it is easy, but the final stretch is a steep, slippery descent with rocks and roots.
Can you swim in the pool?
Yes, the pool is great for swimming, but it is deep and the water is cold. Weak swimmers should stay near the edges.
Do I need a guide?
The access is poorly signposted and the town's tourism foundation recommends going with a local guide.