waterfall · Cambará do Sul, RS
Cachoeira do Tio França
About 3 kilometers from the center, the Campo Bom stream forms two falls, the main one about 15 meters high. The surroundings have rock walls, araucaria forests, giant tree ferns and native grasslands.
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 Tio França
The Cachoeira do Tio França (waterfall) is on a private property, Estância Felicidade, about 3 km from the center of Cambará do Sul. It's one of the waterfalls closest to town and far less crowded than the region's canyons.
The waterfall is formed by the Campo Bom stream, which drops in two falls. The main one is about 15 meters high and plunges into a wide pool surrounded by rock walls. The name honors a former owner of the land, known as Tio França (Uncle França), who was especially fond of the waterfall. After his death, the family named the falls after his nickname.
The way to the waterfall is a self-guided, signposted trail that crosses native grasslands and stretches of forest with araucarias and tree ferns. Along the way you'll also see a smaller fall, the Cascata do Sossego. On hot days, you can swim in the pool.
The trail is short and easy to moderate, good for families used to walking. It has climbs, rocks and stretches that get slippery after rain, so it's not suitable for people with reduced mobility. The property also offers rappelling and bike rides to the waterfall, always with a guide and advance booking.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Set aside an hour and a half to two hours for the round-trip trail and some time at the pool.
Best time
In summer, between late morning and mid-afternoon, when the water is most inviting for a swim; after a few days of rain the falls are fuller, but the trail gets slippery.
How to get there
It's on the Estância Felicidade property, near the center of Cambará do Sul, in Serra Gaúcha. Access is by car on a dirt road; searching for "Cachoeira do Tio França" in your map app takes you to the property entrance.
Tip
There's an entrance fee and visits depend on the property's opening days: check with Estância Felicidade before you go and wear shoes with good grip.
A look at the place
Cachoeira do Tio França 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 Tio França
Where is the Cachoeira do Tio França?
On Estância Felicidade, a private property about 3 km from the center of Cambará do Sul (RS).
Is the trail to the Cachoeira do Tio França hard?
No. It's a short, signposted trail, easy to moderate, through grasslands and forest. It has rocks and slippery stretches after rain.
Is there an entrance fee for the Cachoeira do Tio França?
Yes. There's an entrance fee, because the waterfall is on private land. Confirm rates and opening days with the property.
Can you swim at the Cachoeira do Tio França?
Yes. The main fall drops into a wide pool, used for swimming on hot days.
What other activities are there at the Cachoeira do Tio França?
Besides the self-guided trail, the property offers rappelling and bike rides to the waterfall, always with a guide and advance booking.