waterfall · Urupema, SC
Cascata Congelada
A few kilometers from downtown, this waterfall creates a rare sight in Brazil: it freezes during spells of extreme cold, with several days in a row below zero. Admission is free.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Cascata Congelada
Cascata Congelada (Frozen Waterfall) is a small waterfall at the foot of Morro das Torres, a few kilometers from downtown Urupema, Brazil's National Capital of Cold. It is also called Cascata que Congela or Cachoeira que Congela. It has little water and is hidden in native forest.
What makes it famous is the ice. The dense vegetation and the rocks keep the waterfall in shade almost all day, and the stones barely warm up. When a polar air mass arrives and temperatures stay below zero for several days in a row, the water freezes against the rock and forms icicles and columns of ice, a rare sight in Brazil.
It does not freeze every winter. It depends on spells of extreme cold and usually lasts only a few days; when it happens, it makes the news and draws visitors from several states. Outside these cold snaps, it is a quiet waterfall in the forest that pairs well with the climb up Morro das Torres.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
About 30 minutes, enough to see the waterfall and take photos; combine it with Morro das Torres, on the same route.
Best time
In the depth of winter, early in the morning, after several days in a row below zero, which is when the water can freeze; check the weather forecast before you go.
How to get there
It is on the way to Morro das Torres, a few kilometers from downtown Urupema, in the Serra Catarinense. A sign points to the waterfall. Part of the route is on a dirt road, which calls for care in rain, ice or snow.
Tip
Don't expect ice on just any cold day: it only forms after several days in a row below zero. Wear shoes with good grip, because the rocks and ground near the waterfall get slippery with ice.
A look at the place
Cascata Congelada 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 Cascata Congelada
Does the waterfall freeze every winter?
No. Ice only forms after several days in a row below zero, which doesn't happen every year.
Why does the Urupema waterfall freeze?
It sits in the shade of the forest and rocks almost all day, the stones don't warm up and, in prolonged extreme cold, the water freezes against the rock.
Where is Cascata Congelada?
At the foot of Morro das Torres, a few kilometers from downtown Urupema, on the way to the hill. There is a sign pointing to it.
When is the best time to see the waterfall frozen?
In the depth of winter, early in the morning, after a run of days below zero. Check the forecast before you go.
Can I combine it with Morro das Torres?
Yes. The waterfall is on the same route and both visits fit into one morning.