waterfall · Itatiaia, RJ
Cachoeira do Escorrega
A low, wide waterfall in Visconde de Mauá whose sloping rock slab works as a natural slide, with easy access from the road. It is very popular and surrounded by rustic bars and restaurants.
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 Escorrega
Cachoeira do Escorrega is the best-known waterfall in the Visconde de Mauá area, in the Serra da Mantiqueira. It is in Maromba, the highest village of the group formed by Mauá, Maringá and Maromba.
The name (escorrega means slide) comes from the fun that made it famous. The water runs over a smooth, sloping rock slab, and visitors sit or lie on the rock to slide down with the current into a natural pool. Above the slide there are small pools among the rocks, good if you just want to cool off or watch.
Access is easy: from the parking lot to the water's edge is a short walk, with no real trail. That is why the waterfall draws families, groups of friends and people of all ages. The water is icy all year.
Sliding down the slab requires care. The rock is slippery away from the water's path, and in heavy rain the current gets dangerous. On site, signs use flag colors to show the day's risk level. Heed the warning and do not go into the water when the river is high.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Allow two hours to half a day, depending on how long you want to spend in the water.
Best time
In summer and on warm spring days, between late morning and mid-afternoon, when the sun helps you brave the icy water; on weekdays outside vacation periods it is much less crowded.
How to get there
It is in Maromba, about 2 km past the village on a dirt road, and some 12 km from Vila de Mauá. The Visconde de Mauá area is split between two municipalities on the Rio de Janeiro side: Vila de Mauá belongs to Resende, while Maromba and the waterfall are in Itatiaia (across the Rio Preto is Bocaina de Minas, in Minas Gerais). Even so, the drive does not go through downtown Itatiaia: on the Via Dutra, exit near Penedo/Resende and climb the mountains on the RJ-163 to Mauá, then continue to Maromba. There are buses from Resende, with few departures a day. Park in the nearby lots; the road is narrow and not a place to stop your car.
Tip
Wear sturdier swimwear or shorts on top, because the rock wears out fabric, and bring a towel and a jacket: even in summer the water is very cold. Before sliding, check the warning flag and watch where others go down.
A look at the place
Cachoeira do Escorrega 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 Escorrega
Is there an entrance fee at Cachoeira do Escorrega?
Visiting the waterfall is free. What you usually pay for is parking in the nearby lots.
Do I need to hike to reach Cachoeira do Escorrega?
No. From the parking lot to the water is a short, easy walk, which makes the waterfall good for families with children.
Is Cachoeira do Escorrega in Itatiaia or Resende?
It is in Maromba, which belongs to Itatiaia (RJ). Vila de Mauá, 12 km away, is in Resende; both are part of the area known as Visconde de Mauá.
Is it dangerous to slide at Cachoeira do Escorrega?
It requires care. The rock is smooth and, in heavy rain, the current gets dangerous. Follow the warning flag on site and do not go into the water when the river is high.
How long does a visit to Cachoeira do Escorrega take?
Between two hours and half a day, depending on how long you want to spend in the water and on the rocks.