Waterfalls and nature in Rio de Janeiro

Waterfalls and Natural Features

This collection spans the diverse landscapes of Rio de Janeiro state, from the urban Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon to the hidden cascades of the Atlantic Forest. It features the 15-meter drop of Cachoeira da Feiticeira on Ilha Grande and the tiered pools of Sana and Lumiar. Many of these sites, such as Cachoeira do Chuveiro, are accessible via hiking trails within the Tijuca National Park, offering natural swimming holes and views of the region's rugged topography.

chensiyuan / GFDL

Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon

The neighbourhood surrounding this lake is one of the best places where to relax in Rio.

Cachoeira do Chuveiro

Located in the Tijuca National Park, this waterfall features a natural shower-like flow over a rock ledge. It is accessible via the Horto trail.

Pascal Burton / CC-BY-SA

Cachoeira da Feiticeira

A 15-meter waterfall located on Ilha Grande. It is reached via a hiking trail from Vila do Abraão and features a large natural pool at its base.

Halley Pacheco de Oliveira / CC BY-SA 3.0

Cachoeira Pedra Branca

Situated near Paraty on the grounds of a historic distillery, this site features natural rock slides and deep swimming holes.

Cachoeira Sete Quedas

A series of seven small cascades located along the Perequê-Açu river in the Paraty region.

Cachoeira

Natural cascade located near the historic Gold Trail in the Atlantic Forest surrounding Paraty.

Iriri Falls

Located within the Piraquê indigenous territory near Paraty, this fall drops into a wide natural swimming pool.

Cachoeira do Iriri

Waterfall and natural pool located near the BR-101 highway in the coastal region of Paraty.

Cachoeira do Mato Limpo

A roadside waterfall located along the RJ-165 highway which connects Paraty to the mountain town of Cunha.

Cachoeira da Ponte Funda

A high-altitude waterfall located in the mountains near Petrópolis, surrounded by dense primary forest.

Cachoeira das Flores

Located in the Maromba region of Visconde de Mauá, this site is known for its clear mountain water and surrounding native flora.

Cachoeira Fervedeira

A prominent attraction in the village of Sana, featuring a powerful natural whirlpool and a deep swimming hole.

Cachoeira Branca

Located in the Sana ecological reserve, this waterfall features a large granite rock face and a wide basin for bathing.

Cachoeira das Sete Quedas

A sequence of seven distinct drops located in the Sana region, accessible via a forest hiking trail.

Cachoeira do Segredo

A secluded waterfall in the Sana area, reached by a trail through the Macaé de Cima environmental protection zone.

Cachoeira Mãe

Part of the waterfall circuit in Sana, known for its high water volume and its position near the 'Cachoeira Pai' fall.

Poço Indiana Jones

A narrow canyon and natural pool in the Lumiar region, where the river flows through a tight, steep rock passage.

Cachoeira São José

Located near the village of Lumiar, this fall features a 15-meter vertical drop and a managed visitor area.

Cachoeira do Tamanduá

A quiet cascade located in the Sana region, offering shallow natural pools and a secluded environment.

Cachoeira do Jequitibá

Located in the Casimiro de Abreu district, this waterfall is named after the ancient Jequitibá trees found in the surrounding forest.

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