waterfall · Rio Rufino, SC
Cachoeira do Rio do Tigre
Reached by a moderate trail of about 5 km round trip, with stream crossings, rocky stretches and dense forest. The Rio do Tigre is part of the Rota da Truta and is known for its rainbow trout.
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 Rio do Tigre
Cachoeira do Rio do Tigre (waterfall) is one of the most popular waterfalls in Rio Rufino, a small town in the Serra Catarinense. It is in the countryside, on a farm about 10 km from downtown, and can only be reached on foot.
The trail is about 2.5 km each way. It starts in open grassland with araucaria pines and then enters the forest, where the path follows the river and crosses it several times. At some crossings the water comes close to your knees, and there are rocky stretches.
At the end of the walk, the falls plunge from a rock wall surrounded by dense forest. It is a peaceful place with no tourist facilities, good for people who enjoy nature and walking.
The trail is of moderate difficulty. It requires some fitness and is not recommended for people with reduced mobility. Since the waterfall is on private property, there is a fee, paid at the farm.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Allow half a day: the round-trip walk takes about two hours, plus your time at the waterfall.
Best time
Go on dry, sunny days, in the morning, from spring to fall; after heavy rain the river rises and the crossings become dangerous.
How to get there
From downtown Rio Rufino, take the dirt road toward Urubici and then the access road to the Rio do Tigre farm, about 10 km in all. The trail starts at the farm.
Tip
Wear shoes with good grip that can get wet, bring water, a snack and dry clothes for the way back, and stay out of the river if it is high.
A look at the place
Cachoeira do Rio do Tigre 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 Rio do Tigre
How do I get to Cachoeira do Rio do Tigre?
From downtown Rio Rufino, take the dirt road toward Urubici and then the access road to the Rio do Tigre farm, about 10 km in all. From the farm, you continue on foot along a trail.
Is the Cachoeira do Rio do Tigre trail difficult?
It is moderate: about 5 km round trip, with rocky stretches and several river crossings, some with water close to your knees.
How long does the hike to Cachoeira do Rio do Tigre take?
The round-trip walk takes about two hours, not counting your stop at the waterfall.
Is there a fee to visit Cachoeira do Rio do Tigre?
Yes. The waterfall is on private property, and the fee is charged at the farm.
What should I bring to Cachoeira do Rio do Tigre?
Shoes with good grip that can get wet, water, a snack and dry clothes for the way back.