The 15 best waterfalls in Brazil you need to visit
- Rachel
- Sep 7
- 7 min read
Updated: Sep 22
Brazil is home to some of the most impressive waterfalls in the world, ranging from the iconic Iguazu Falls, to remote Amazonian waterfalls hidden away in the jungle. Some drops are towering, plunging hundreds of metres from cliffs, while others are smaller and wider, forming calm natural pools ideal for swimming.
Many waterfalls are located within national parks or protected areas, in the Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, and Amazon rainforest. Some are easily reached by car with short walks to viewpoints, while others require several kilometres of hiking through trails, riverbeds, or dense forest. This variety allows you to choose waterfalls according to your preferences, and whether you want a quick sightseeing stop, a swim in a natural pool, or a challenging trek through remote landscapes - there's a perfect waterfall for everyone.
Experience to the best waterfalls in Brazil
This guide covers 15 of the best waterfalls in Brazil, highlighting iconic cascades, scenic trails, and hidden gems that are essential stops for hikers and nature lovers visiting the country. Ready to plan your trip and experience the natural beauty of Brazil’s waterfalls to the fullest?
Ready to plan your trip? > Find cheap accommodation for your stay in Foz do Iguacu > Find cheap bus tickets to Foz do Iguacu > Book a one day tour to see both sides of Iguazu Falls
1. Iguazu Falls
Location: Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná
Access: Accessible by car or bus from Foz do Iguaçu. Extensive walkways and observation platforms allow visitors to easily explore multiple sections of the falls.
Located inside Iguaçu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Iguazu Falls has 275 individual falls over nearly 2.7 kilometres. The largest falls, including the famous Garganta del Diablo, reach 82 metres. The park offers trails on the Brazilian side, boat tours that approach the falls, and panoramic viewpoints. The Argentine side can also be visited separately for additional trails and closer views of the cascades.
2. Cachoeira da Fumaça
Location: Chapada Diamantina, Bahia
Access: Requires a hike of 6–8 km from the nearest parking area; trail includes moderate elevation changes
Located in Chapada Diamantina National Park, this waterfall is approximately 340 metres high, the tallest in Bahia. During the dry season, the water often evaporates before reaching the ground, producing a misty appearance. The trail to the top and viewpoints passes through typical Cerrado and Caatinga vegetation. Guided tours are recommended for navigation and safety, and the site offers dramatic panoramic views over the valley.
3. Cachoeira do Buracão
Location: Chapada Diamantina, Bahia
Access: Requires trekking through the canyon, including wading through water; moderate to difficult trail
Located in Chapada Diamantina National Park, Buracão has a single drop of around 85 metres inside a narrow canyon. The base forms a pool suitable for swimming. The trail follows the Ribeirão do Buracão canyon, passing through rock formations, waterfalls, and natural pools. Access is generally via guided tours due to the canyon’s difficulty and river crossings.
4. Cachoeira de Santa Bárbara
Location: Cavalcante, Chapada dos Veadeiros, Goiás
Access: Accessible by car with a short walk of about 200 metres from parking
Situated in the Chapada dos Veadeiros region, Santa Bárbara falls over 30 metres into a natural pool. Its turquoise waters are formed by quartz-rich rocks. The site includes basic visitor facilities such as parking, picnic areas, and restrooms. Swimming is allowed in the pool, and the site is considered one of the most scenic and accessible waterfalls in the state.
5. Cachoeira dos Couros
Location: Alto Paraíso de Goiás, Chapada dos Veadeiros, Goiás
Access: Requires hiking through trails; recommended for experienced hikers
Located within the Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park buffer area, Cachoeira dos Couros consists of a series of falls cascading through a canyon, with the tallest drop reaching approximately 50 metres. The trail passes through rocky terrain and cerrado vegetation. Seasonal variations affect water flow, with higher volumes during the rainy season. Guided tours are recommended to navigate the trails safely, as parts of the path are uneven and exposed.
6. Cachoeira do Itiquira
Location: Formosa, Goiás
Access: Easily accessible by car with a short walk of about 300 metres from the parking area
Found in the Parque Municipal do Itiquira, this waterfall is 168 metres high, making it one of the tallest easily accessible falls in Brazil. Observation platforms at the top provide panoramic views of the waterfall and surrounding landscape. A partial descent to the base is possible but restricted in some areas for safety. Facilities include picnic areas, bathrooms, and clearly marked walking paths.
7. Cascata do Caracol
Location: Canela, Rio Grande do Sul
Access: Accessible by car, a 30 minute drive from Gramado. Walking paths and stairways lead to observation platforms and the base.
Situated within Parque Estadual do Caracol, this waterfall is 131 metres high and surrounded by native Atlantic Forest. The park offers a cable car to the base, stairways for descending, and walking trails along the forested slopes. Observation decks provide views from different angles, and the park includes visitor facilities such as restaurants and souvenir shops.
8. Cachoeira do Tabuleiro
Location: Conceição do Mato Dentro, Minas Gerais
Access: Requires hiking 4–6 km depending on chosen trail; moderate to difficult terrain
Located in Parque Estadual do Tabuleiro, this is the tallest waterfall in Minas Gerais at 273 metres. The waterfall has a triangular cascade and multiple levels. Trails pass through native Atlantic Forest and grasslands, offering several viewpoints along the hike. Swimming is not recommended at the base due to strong currents. Guided tours are available for safety and navigation.
9. Cachoeira da Janela
Location: Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais
Access: Requires hiking along marked trails; moderate difficulty
Located inside Serra do Cipó National Park, Cachoeira da Janela is approximately 30 metres high. The water emerges through a natural rock window, giving the waterfall its name. The trail passes through rocky outcrops and Cerrado vegetation, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. The site is primarily for observation and photography; swimming is limited due to the small pool at the base.
10. Cachoeira de Araras
Location: Presidente Figueiredo, Amazonas
Access: Accessible by car with a short walk from the parking area
Situated within the Municipal Park of Iracema, this park has three waterfalls falls and several natural pools. Water volume varies with seasonal rainfall, and the pools are suitable for swimming. The park has basic visitor facilities, including a small restaurant. The area is popular for day trips from Presidente Figueiredo and from Manaus.
11. Cachoeira do El Dorado
Location: Barcelos, Amazonas
Access: Remote; requires river navigation and trekking
Found deep in the Amazon rainforest, Cachoeira do El Dorado is the second highest waterfall in Brazil at 353 metres. Access is challenging and typically requires guided river trips and trekking through dense forest. The waterfall is largely untouched, providing views of pristine rainforest, diverse wildlife, and powerful cascades. Visitors should prepare for remoteness, limited facilities, and variable weather conditions.
12. Cachoeira Véu de Noiva
Location: Chapada dos Guimarães, Mato Grosso
Access: Accessible by car with a short walk to the viewpoint
Located in Chapada dos Guimarães National Park, Véu de Noiva drops 86 metres into a canyon, resembling a bridal veil. Observation platforms provide panoramic views, and nearby trails allow visitors to explore the surrounding cliffs and forest. Swimming at the base is prohibited, but the site is suitable for short hikes, photography, and sightseeing.
13. Cachoeira da Velha
Location: Jalapão State Park, Tocantins
Access: Requires off-road vehicle to reach trailhead and a short walk to the viewpoint
The largest waterfall in Jalapão, approximately 30 metres high, flows over wide rock formations. The waterfall is located within Jalapão State Park, a protected area featuring sand dunes, rivers, and cerrado vegetation. Seasonal variations influence water volume, with the wet season producing a fuller and more powerful flow. The park offers trails, observation points, and opportunities for wildlife observation.
14. Cachoeira da Magica
Location: Rio do Sul, Santa Catarina
Access: About 14 km from the city centre. By car it takes approximately 20 minutes via paved road followed by a short unpaved drive. A gentle trail of around 700 metres leads from the entrance to the waterfall.
This waterfall has a vertical drop of approximately 35 metres. It is situated within a private property equipped for visitors with amenities such as restrooms, quiosques, a restaurant, and options for activities including rapel, zip-line (tirolesa), pendulum swings, camping, hiking, and a natural pool.
Cachoeira do Rio dos Bugres
Cachoeira do Rio dos Bugres
Location: Near Urubici, on the Campo dos Padres plateau, Santa Catarina. Approximately 27 km from Urubici city centre.
Access: About 22 km from Ituporanga via SC‑350. Entry is free. Access is by a 500‑metre dirt road from the highway followed by a 60‑metre walking trail.
This waterfall is the first of a sequence of four waterfalls along the same stream within a stretch of just over 400 metres. It is approximately 5 metres high and relatively wide, with natural pools suitable for swimming. The sequence continues with:
Cachoeira Duas Irmãs – the second waterfall, 170 metres downstream. It is a small drop that splits into two by a rock in the middle. Visitors can reach it by descending along the riverbed from the first waterfall or via a short trail from the dirt road.
Cachoeira do Vampiro – the third waterfall, about 70 metres downstream from Duas Irmãs. It is higher at roughly 30 metres and also splits into two drops. Access is more difficult, and the base is less visible from the trail.
Cachoeira Bonita – the fourth and most scenic waterfall, approximately 20 metres high. The trail begins on a small rural property and is short but steep.
More resources for planning your trip to Brazil
Find cheap bus, ferry, and private transfer tickets on Bookaway, where you can make reservations ahead of time from abroad. Or, rent a car and give yourself the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Find your perfect accommodation on Booking.com, with thousands of options ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly backpacker hostels
You're not ready to travel until you have travel insurance. I recommend Safety Wing to my friends, family, and anyone travelling internationally. Get a free quote
Forgetting something? Read my packing check-list for Brazil, and my list of 10 things you should do before you travel to Brazil
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