ecotourism district · Nova Friburgo, RJ
Lumiar
A rural district with dozens of waterfalls, river pools with natural slides, rafting and good country cooking. Together with neighboring São Pedro da Serra, it is the heart of ecotourism in Nova Friburgo.
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 Lumiar
Lumiar is a rural district of Nova Friburgo, in the Rio de Janeiro mountain region. It is a small village surrounded by mountains and Atlantic Forest that lives off nature tourism. Together with neighboring São Pedro da Serra, it is the main ecotourism hub in the municipality.
The big draw is the water. The Rio Macaé and the Rio Bonito run through the district and form pools, rapids and small waterfalls. The point where the two rivers meet, the Encontro dos Rios, is one of the region's best-known sights and also the starting point for rafting trips.
Among the most popular spots are Poço Feio, a wide pool that is shallow in many parts, with a low fall and a small sandy beach; Cachoeira de São José; Cachoeira Toca da Onça; Poço Belo; and Cachoeira Indiana Jones. Some are on private property and charge admission.
Most of the pools are near the road and do not require long hikes, which makes Lumiar good for families. Even so, the rocks are slippery and the current changes quickly after rain. The village has bars, cafés, crafts and a relaxed atmosphere, with fairs and events tied to country life.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
A weekend lets you see the village and the main pools and waterfalls at a relaxed pace; on a day trip, choose two or three.
Best time
From late spring to late summer, on sunny days, when the water is more pleasant for swimming; in winter the water is very cold, but the days are usually dry and clear. Avoid the days after heavy rain, when the rivers rise.
How to get there
Lumiar is in the interior of the municipality of Nova Friburgo. Leaving the city toward Mury, take the RJ-142, the Estrada Serramar, which leads to the district. A car is the most practical way to go, because the pools and waterfalls are spread out along the roads.
Tip
Bring shoes that can get wet and have good grip: the river rocks are slick. On rainy days in the mountains, stay out of the water, because river levels rise suddenly.
A look at the place
Lumiar 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 Lumiar
Where is Lumiar?
Lumiar is a rural district of Nova Friburgo, in the Rio de Janeiro mountain region. You get there by leaving the city toward Mury and following the RJ-142, the Estrada Serramar.
What are the main pools and waterfalls in Lumiar?
The best known are Poço Feio, the Encontro dos Rios (where the Macaé and Bonito rivers meet), Cachoeira de São José, Cachoeira Toca da Onça, Poço Belo and Cachoeira Indiana Jones.
Do I need to hike to reach the waterfalls?
In most cases, no. Many of the pools and waterfalls are near the road and can be reached with a short walk, which makes visiting with children easy.
Can you go rafting in Lumiar?
Yes. Rafting trips leave from the Encontro dos Rios area, on the Rio Macaé. Look for a local operator and confirm the river conditions on the day.
Are the waterfalls in Lumiar free?
Many pools have free access, but some waterfalls are on private property and charge admission. Check when you go.