waterfall · Guapimirim, RJ
Poço Verde
The main attraction at the town's headquarters of the Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos, it is a series of waterfalls, rapids and pools on the Rio Soberbo. It is about a 20-minute walk from the visitor center and popular for swimming.
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 Poço Verde
Poço Verde is the most popular attraction at the Guapimirim headquarters of the Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos, known as Parnaso, in the lowlands at the foot of the mountains. It is a series of waterfalls, rapids and pools on the Rio Soberbo, surrounded by Atlantic Forest.
The name comes from the color of the water, clear and greenish on sunny days. The main pool lies between large moss-covered rocks, with a waterfall running down between the stones. There are shallow parts along the edges and deeper stretches in the middle.
Access is by a marked trail from the visitor center, mostly flat. Along the way there is a fork to Poço da Preguiça, which you can visit on the same trip. The last stretch, close to the water, is steeper and usually wet.
It is an outing for people who want a river swim without much effort, and it works well with children, as long as they are closely supervised. The water is cold all year and there are no lifeguards.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Half a day is enough to walk the trail at a relaxed pace, swim at Poço Verde and stop at Poço da Preguiça.
Best time
On hot summer days, between late morning and early afternoon, when the sun reaches the water and brings out its green color; on weekdays there are fewer people.
How to get there
It is at the Guapimirim headquarters of Parnaso, with its entrance on the BR-116 (Rodovia Santos Dumont), on the climb to Teresópolis. From the visitor center you walk along the marked trail to the pool.
Tip
Wear closed shoes on the trail, bring insect repellent and get out of the water if the sky darkens or rain starts in the mountains, because the river can rise quickly.
A look at the place
Poço Verde 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 Poço Verde
Is there an entrance fee at Poço Verde?
Yes. Poço Verde is inside the Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos, at the Guapimirim headquarters, and there is a park admission fee. Check prices and hours on the park's official channels.
Is the trail to Poço Verde difficult?
No. The trail starts at the visitor center, is marked and almost flat. Only the final stretch, near the water, is steeper and slippery.
Can I take kids to Poço Verde?
Yes. There are shallow parts along the edges, but the middle of the pool is deep, the water is cold and there are no lifeguards, so children need constant supervision.
Do I need a guide to go to Poço Verde?
No. The route is short and marked from the visitor center at the Guapimirim headquarters.
What else is there to see near Poço Verde?
On the same trail there is a fork to Poço da Preguiça, and the Guapimirim headquarters also has the Poço da Ponte Velha, which is even easier to reach.