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Travel for your moment in life · Nature · Ecotourism

Ecotourism

Waterfalls

A waterfall or pool swim is the most common reward at the end of a trail.

A waterfall swim is the most common reward at the end of a hike. The cold water falling from the rock, the pool for swimming and the forest shade make the outing one of the most sought-after experiences in Brazilian ecotourism, from the Cerrado’s chapadas to the Southeast’s mountain ranges.

Each waterfall has its own character: some are viewed from a lookout, others have a deep pool, others form a shower over the rock slab. And all of them change depending on the rainfall.

Fall, pool and rapid

At large falls, water plunges tens of meters and raises a spray cloud. Generally they are viewed from overlooks, and swimming—when allowed—takes place in pools further downstream. Cachoeira do Véu de Noiva, in Chapada dos Guimarães, and Casca d'Anta, in Serra da Canastra, are examples of this type.

Smaller waterfalls, with wide pools and little current, are the bathing type. The bottom can be sand or rock, and depth varies from one spot to another.

There are also sequences of small falls and rapids along the same river, visited as a circuit with several stops on a single hike.

When to go: higher flow or calm pool

In the chapadas of central Brazil, the dry season lasts from May to September. Falls have less volume, but pools tend to be clearer and calmer, and trails firmer. It’s the quietest time for swimming.

From October to April, with the rains, waterfalls usually have higher flow and the landscape becomes greener. On the downside, the water can turn muddy, some access routes close and swimming is suspended when the river rises.

In the mountains of the Southeast, summer is hot and rainy with afternoon showers; autumn and winter bring stable days and very cold water. In transitional months like April, May and September, you often find good water volume and stable weather.

Flash flood: signs and what to do

A flash flood is the sudden rise of a river caused by heavy rain in its headwaters. It can reach a pool where it’s sunny because the rain fell kilometers upstream. In popular usage it’s also called a tromba d'água.

Fire departments list the signs: the water changes color and becomes turbid, leaves and branches start to flow downstream, the level rises, the noise of the river grows and dark clouds cover the ridge. Upon any of these signs, the guidance is to get out of the water immediately and move to high ground, away from the bank, without trying to cross.

Prevention begins beforehand: check the weather forecast for the whole region, avoid swimming on rainy days and do not stay in canyons and narrow riverbeds during the rainy season. The local guide knows each river’s behavior.

Safety when swimming

Wet rocks are slippery, and algae are not always visible. A water-friendly shoe with a grippy sole prevents falls. Don’t climb the waterfall’s side and don’t jump from rocks: the pool may be shallow or hide logs.

Under the fall, the water’s force pushes downward and creates whirlpools. Swimming is done at the pool’s edge, and those who are not strong swimmers stay where they can touch the bottom. Children should remain within an adult’s reach.

Alcohol and river swimming do not mix. In waterfalls inside parks, follow the signs: some pools are closed to swimming.

Where Brazil’s waterfalls are located

In the Cerrado, Chapada dos Veadeiros in Goiás and Chapada Diamantina in Bahia add up to dozens of waterfalls and pools, visited from several base towns. In Mato Grosso, Chapada dos Guimarães has Cachoeira do Véu de Noiva and the Waterfalls Circuit inside the national park. In Mato Grosso do Sul, Bonito provides access to the falls of Serra da Bodoquena.

In Minas Gerais, São Roque de Minas is home to Casca d'Anta, the first major drop of the São Francisco River. In Rio de Janeiro, the lower part of Itatiaia National Park and the national park near Teresópolis have waterfalls and pools a short distance from the park entrance.

In Ceará, Ubajara offers the Waterfalls Circuit of the national park. In inland São Paulo, Brotas has falls like Cassorova and Quatis, on private land with visitor facilities.

How to visit and whom to hire

Many waterfalls are on private properties or in parks, with separate entrance fees, visitor limits and opening hours. Some require a guide; in others a guide is recommended because of distance and trail conditions.

When hiring an agency or guide, check registration in Cadastur (the Ministry of Tourism) and ask about the trail difficulty, walking time, whether swimming is allowed and what happens in case of rain. A good guide cancels or changes the route when the weather turns bad.

The price varies with distance, transport—which often needs a vehicle with traction—group size and season. Bring water, snacks, swimwear, towel, insect repellent and a change of dry clothes.

Frequently asked questions

When is it best to visit waterfalls?

It depends on what you’re seeking. In central Brazil, from May to September pools are usually clear and calm. From October to April there is more water volume, but swimming can be suspended when it rains.

What is a flash flood?

It is the sudden rise of a river’s level caused by heavy rain in the headwaters. It can affect a stretch where it is not raining. In common speech it’s also called a tromba d'água.

What are the signs of a flash flood?

Turbid or discolored water, leaves and branches flowing downstream, rising water level, louder river noise and dark clouds upstream. If you notice any of these, get out of the water and move to higher ground.

Can you swim at a waterfall on a rainy day?

Not recommended. Rain in the region increases river volume and makes rocks slippery. Save the swim for another day.

Can children go to waterfalls?

Yes, at waterfalls with short access and shallow pools, always within an adult’s reach. Ask the guide which sites are appropriate for the child’s age.

Do you need a guide to visit waterfalls?

At some sites a guide is mandatory; at others it’s optional. For long, poorly marked trails or during the rainy season, the company of someone who knows the river is recommended.

What to take for a day at a waterfall?

Water-friendly footwear, swimwear, towel, water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent and a change of dry clothes. Take your trash back with you.

Where to go: Waterfalls

Pick a region or a state on the map, or type what you are looking for, to see the cities and who offers it in each.

Tap a state or a region to see the cities. Mapa: @svg-maps/brazil, CC BY 4.0

Manaus AM
Presidente Figueiredo AM
Cachoeira da Pedra Furada, Cachoeira da Porteira, Cachoeira de Iracema e outros.
Amajari RR
Cachoeira do Barata, Cachoeira do Paiva.
Normandia RR
Cachoeira da Raposa.
Mateiros TO
Palmas TO
Cachoeira da Roncadeira, Cachoeira do Evilson.
Ponte Alta do Tocantins TO
Cachoeira do Lajeado, Cachoeira do Rio Soninho.
São Félix do Tocantins TO
Cachoeira das Araras.
Andaraí BA
Cachoeira do Ramalho.
Ibicoara BA
Cachoeira da Fumacinha, Cachoeira do Buracão, Cachoeira do Licuri.
Iramaia BA
Cachoeira das Andorinhas.
Itaetê BA
Cachoeira Encantada.
Ituberá BA
Cachoeira da Pancada Grande.
Lençóis BA
Mucugê BA
Cachoeira das Andorinhas.
Palmeiras BA
Cachoeira da Fumaça, Cachoeira do Riachinho.
Ipu CE
Bica do Ipu.
Ubajara CE
Circuito das Cachoeiras do parque.
Alto Paraíso de Goiás GO
Cavalcante GO
Cachoeira Candaru, Cachoeira Santa Bárbara, Cachoeira da Capivara e outros.
Colinas do Sul GO
Cachoeira das Pedras Bonitas, Complexo Igrejinhas.
Corumbá de Goiás GO
Salto Corumbá.
Formosa GO
Eco Park Chapada Indaiá, Salto do Itiquira.
Pirenópolis GO
Cachoeira do Abade.
Teresina de Goiás GO
Cachoeira Fundo de Quintal, Cachoeira Três Corações, Poço Encantado.
Chapada dos Guimarães MT
Cachoeira do Véu de Noiva e Circuito das Cachoeiras.
Rosário Oeste MT
Cachoeira Serra Azul.
Bodoquena MS
Bonito MS
Cachoeiras da Serra da Bodoquena.
Afonso Cláudio ES
Cachoeira de Santa Luzia.
Alfredo Chaves ES
Cachoeira de Matilde.
Castelo ES
Cachoeira do Pedregulho.
Conceição do Castelo ES
Cachoeira da Fumaça.
Domingos Martins ES
Cascata do Galo.
Marechal Floriano ES
Cachoeira da Bica.
Vargem Alta ES
Cachoeira da Concórdia, Cachoeira do Brother, Cachoeira do Caiado.
Aiuruoca MG
Cachoeira dos Garcias.
Andradas MG
Rancho das Cachoeiras.
Capitólio MG
Cachoeira Lagoa Azul, Trilha do Sol.
Carrancas MG
Cachoeira da Fumaça, Cachoeira da Zilda, Cachoeira do Moinho e outros.
Conceição do Ibitipoca MG
Janela do Céu.
Conceição do Mato Dentro MG
Cachoeira do Tabuleiro.
Conceição do Rio Verde MG
Cachoeira do Jurumirim, Cachoeira dos Lemes.
Delfinópolis MG
Cachoeira Zé Carlinhos, Cachoeira do Gordura, Cachoeira do Ouro e outros.
Gonçalves MG
Cachoeira do Simão, Cachoeira dos Henriques.
Itambé do Mato Dentro MG
Cachoeira do Funil.
Itamonte MG
Cachoeira da Fragária, Cachoeira do Escorrega.
Santana do Riacho MG
Cachoeira Grande, Cachoeira Véu da Noiva.
São Roque de Minas MG
Cachoeira Casca d'Anta, no rio São Francisco.
São Thomé das Letras MG
Cachoeira Eubiose.
Vargem Bonita MG
Cachoeira Casca d'Anta, Cachoeira da Chinela.
Barra do Piraí RJ
Cachoeira de Ipiabas.
Cachoeiras de Macacu RJ
Cachoeira das Sete Quedas, Cachoeira do Tenebroso.
Guapimirim RJ
Poço Verde.
Itatiaia RJ
Cachoeiras da parte baixa do parque.
Mangaratiba RJ
Cachoeira Véu da Noiva (Muriqui).
Paraty RJ
Cachoeira do Tobogã.
Rio Claro RJ
Cachoeira Sebastião Marinho.
Sumidouro RJ
Cascata Conde d'Eu.
Teresópolis RJ
Cachoeiras do parque nacional.
Brotas SP
Cachoeiras Cassorova e dos Quatis, em ecoparque.
Cunha SP
Cachoeira do Pimenta.
Ilhabela SP
Cachoeira da Água Branca.
São Bento do Sapucaí SP
Cachoeira dos Amores.
São José dos Campos SP
Cachoeira Pedro David.
Foz do Iguaçu PR
Cataratas do Iguaçu (lado brasileiro).
Guaraqueçaba PR
Reserva Natural Salto Morato.
Jaguariaíva PR
Cachoeiras.
Sengés PR
Cachoeira do Sobradinho.
Cambará do Sul RS
Cachoeira do Tio França.
Canela RS
Parque do Caracol.
São Francisco de Paula RS
Parque das Oito Cachoeiras.
Apiúna SC
Cachoeira das Andorinhas.
Biguaçu SC
Cachoeira de São Miguel.
Bom Jardim da Serra SC
Cascata da Barrinha.
Bom Retiro SC
Cachoeira Abraão, Cachoeira do Barbaquá.
Camboriú SC
Reserva Natural Alto dos Macacos.
Campo Alegre SC
Cascata Paraíso, Salto do Engenho.
Doutor Pedrinho SC
Cachoeira Salto Donner, Cachoeira Véu de Noiva, Cachoeira do Paulista.
Jacinto Machado SC
Cachoeira do Zelindo.
Morro Grande SC
Cachoeira Toca do Tatu, Cachoeira do Bizungo.
Painel SC
Garganta do Caveiras.
Praia Grande SC
Cachoeira da Vista Alegre, Cascata Magia das Águas.
Rio Rufino SC
Cachoeira da Fábrica, Cachoeira do Rio do Tigre.
Timbé do Sul SC
Cascata do Padre, Rio do Salto.
Urubici SC
Cascata Véu de Noiva, Cascata do Avencal.
Urupema SC
Cascata Congelada.