The 15 Best Waterfall Trips in Brazil

1.Tijuca Forest Small Group Hike to Caves and Waterfalls

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 536 reviews · 6 hours · from $69Our pick

Spend six hours exploring Tijuca Forest with a bilingual guide such as Vini, Riccardo, Tito, or Luiza. The 6.2 km route passes Cascatinha Taunay, Mayrink Chapel, a suspension bridge, coffee-era ruins, Morcego’s Grotto, and Baronesa Cascade, where you can cool off in the water. Hotel pickup is available from selected South Zone addresses.

“The guide was so nice, very friendly! The forest was magical, it was worth it! The organisation was perfect.”

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2.Jungle Waterfalls and Cachaça Distillery Jeep Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 491 reviews · 6 hours · from $37Best value

Leave Paraty by 4x4 jeep for Pedra Branca, Tobogã, and Poço do Tarzan in Serra da Bocaina National Park. You’ll get rainforest walks, swimming, a natural rock slide, a regional lunch stop, and a cachaça tasting at Engenho D’Ouro. English and Portuguese guides include popular hosts such as Everton, Luis, and Gilberto.

“I had Riccardo as my guide, who was very kind and an excellent photographer. This tour was also very good value for money”

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3.Iguassu Waterfalls: 1 Day Tour Brazil and Argentina’s sides

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 353 reviews · 9 hours · from $48

This nine-hour small-group tour links the Argentine and Brazilian sides of Iguassu Falls, with pickup in Foz do Iguaçu or Puerto Iguazú. Guides such as Bruno, Diego, and Andre handle the border crossings, explain the Atlantic rainforest, and keep the day moving. Entrance fees, lunch, and the optional Macuco Safari boat ride cost extra.

“This tour was brilliant ! You really will see “every side of the falls!” Bruno was a lovely tour guide and very friendly. As for the falls, they were incredible ! Our advice - don’t forget to pack a rain coat… Thanks again for a brilliant day Bruno - Nadia, Abbie, Ellie :)”

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4.Presidente Figueiredo Waterfalls Daytrip

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 149 reviews · 12 hours · from $90

Travel from Manaus to Presidente Figueiredo with an English or Portuguese-speaking guide, visit two rainforest waterfalls, enter Gruta do Refugio cave, swim in natural pools, and eat a local lunch. Guides such as Miguel and Diego have led recent departures. Expect a long day, forest walking, wet feet, and a group that may reach 15 people.

“If you are looking to explore the amazon this the way to do it. Plenty of time to take some hikes through the forest, see some amazing water falls, sights, picture stops as well as a great lunch. Ours went a little long but cant complain:)”

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5.Tijuca Forest & Horto Waterfalls Circuit Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 99 reviews · from $56

You’ll hike the Horto Waterfall Trail and Secret Waterfall Circuit in Tijuca National Park, passing Jequitibá Waterfall before reaching Cachoeira do Chuveiro, also called Box Waterfall. A bilingual guide leads the route, helps with natural obstacles, and points out forest wildlife. Optional hotel pickup is available.

“Fantastic trek. Really enjoyed it, though a few parts are a little tricky. Our guide Pedro talked us through them and gave good insights into various parts of the forest. Definitely recommend, and would be more than happy to do it again!”

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6.Small Group Hike to Saco Bravo Waterfall

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 74 reviews · from $81Top rated

Join guide Eugênia for an eight-hour hike from Paraty to Saco Bravo Waterfall in the Juatinga Reserve. A boat carries you to Ponta Negra, followed by a demanding forest trail to a natural pool above the sea. The group is limited to seven, and round-trip boat transport is included.

“I couldn't have chosen better! The hike was wonderful - a beautiful and occasionally slightly challenging trail through the lush forest criscrossed by streams, and a breathtaking final destination. There can't be many places you can bask in a freRead more”

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7.Hiking in the Tijuca Forest : Waterfalls and Caves

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 72 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $62

Spend about five hours in Rio’s Tijuca National Park with a multilingual guide such as Eduardo, Victor, or Julio. Visit Canoas Lookout, Taunay Waterfall, forest cascades, the Bat Cave, Emperor’s Table, and Chinese View Lookout. Expect light-to-moderate hiking, possible monkeys and toucans, and round-trip pickup from Rio’s South Zone.

“This was a great tour. Our guide, Julio was the best. He was very friendly, knowledgeable and was quick to point out many interesting things to us. Lots of beautiful scenery and views.”

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8.Garganta do Céu and Waterfall hike in Pedra da Gávea

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 71 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $58

Join an accredited guide, including guides such as Vagner, Ricardo, or Ron Beulah, for a roughly four-hour hike from Barra da Tijuca through Tijuca National Park. Expect about two hours uphill, rugged rock, views of Christ the Redeemer and Rio’s beaches, plus time at Sorimã Waterfall. Bring water and snacks.

“This was a very challenging hike for me. Took me 2hrs going up. Rugged terrain with lots of rocks. Ron Beulah is an excellent guide and truly helped to make sure that I got up and down without incident. There were 3 tourists & 1 guide. If you have any major health issues or are out of shape do not do this hike! You need at least 2 liters of water and snacks. It was very rewarding and satisfying to see the monkeys and tropical forests. I’d do it again since I’m aware of the level of difficulty.”

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9.Tijuca Forest Hike – Waterfalls & Caves, Nature & Wild Life!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 51 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $69

Explore Tijuca National Park on a 5.5-mile guided hike with waterfalls, caves, Atlantic Rain Forest, and historic sites. Guides including Alli, Lucas, Sergio, and Juliana add plant, wildlife, and park-history insight, while natural pools offer a chance to cool off. The walk returns to Praça Afonso Viseu.

“We had a great time hiking through the forest with our guide alli. She was great and pointed out all of the animals and plants to see along the way. The hike was super informative about the history of tijuca park, the animals that live there and the insects. My daughter was super excited for this hike and alli delivered. Alli was also great at helping us to get great pictures for socials. Thanks very much for an amazing hike.”

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10.Iguassu Falls Combo Tour: Visit to the Brazilian side and Waterfall Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 50 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $219

From Foz do Iguaçu, ride an open-top electric wagon through Iguaçu National Park, walk to a 20-meter jungle waterfall, then take the wet Macuco Safari boat toward the Three Musketeers and Devil’s Throat. The four-hour trip includes transport, guide, jungle drive, hike, and boat ride, but not the park entrance fee.

“Wow!! The Boat Ride going under the waterfall is a lifetime experience you will never forget!! Highly recommend it.”

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11.Adventure Experience to Saco Bravo Waterfall – BY PARATY TOURS

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 48 reviews · 6 to 7 hours (approx.) · from $145

Travel from Paraty to the remote Saco Bravo Waterfall with a legalized bilingual guide and a small group of up to 10 people. The route includes private transport through Laranjeiras and Ponta Negra, followed by a steep rainforest hike to a clear natural pool beside the ocean. Bring food, plenty of water, and proper hiking gear.

“This was the hardest hike I've ever experienced. I would suggest you do your research before embarking on this hike. Bring plenty of water! Hiking shoes/boots and walking sticks are a must. Please don't try this hike if you're not physically fit.”

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12.Tijuca Forest w/ Chinese View,cascatinha Taunay,horto waterfall and parque laje

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 29 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $88

Spend about four hours with a local guide exploring Tijuca Forest by car or Jeep. Visit Vista Chinesa, Emperor’s Table, Cascatinha Taunay, and Parque Lage, with time for views, forest scenery, waterfalls, and possible monkey or toucan sightings. Groups are limited to 14, and private transport is available for larger parties.

“There is no zero stars allowed. We have used Viator a lot across the world and this is the first time that the tour operator did not turn up, message us or acknowledge our messages. I hope that all is well but my advice is simple - DO NOT BOOK THIS TOUR OR USE THIS OPERATOR! This spoilt our last day in Rio.”

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13.Jipe 4×4 Private 3hr Waterfalls and Waterfall Paraty by Jango Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 27 reviews

Spend about three hours in a private 4x4 with a Portuguese-speaking local guide, visiting Tobogã and Tarzan waterfalls, the Engenho D’Ouro distillery, Penha Church, and an Estrada Real monument. The waterfalls offer clear swimming pools and a natural rock slide. An English-speaking guide costs an extra $50.

“Very nice tour and our guide Teresa was very friendly and knowledgeable. She knew all the good spots”

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14.Tijuca Forest Waterfall of Souls Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 24 reviews · 3h 30m · from $60

Spend 210 minutes in Tijuca National Park with a local guide such as Kelly, combining an easy forest hike, waterfall swim, breathing exercises, and lessons on Afro-indigenous nature beliefs. You may see monkeys, butterflies, birds, lizards, quatis, and frogs, then visit Mayrink Chapel and a forest lake before returning to Alto da Boa Vista.

“Niesamowite przeżycie, piękna przyroda, obcowanie z naturą. Przewodniczka Kelly przemiła z dużą wiedzą. Na początku kilka ćwiczeń z jogi, wyciszenie oddechu, potem oczyszczająca kąpiel w chłodnym wodospadzie, masaż naturalnym olejkiem.”

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15.Private Hiking with Forest, Beaches & Waterfall

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 22 reviews · 5 - 8 hours · from $269

Join a private guide such as Quintino or Matteus for a 12-kilometer hike from Vila do Abraão through Atlantic Forest, past imperial ruins, to Feiticeira Waterfall and the beaches of Camiranga, Pereque, and Fora. Plan on steep ups and downs, swimming stops, wildlife, a complimentary drink, and a full day outdoors.

“We loved this hike, it was a beautiful hike over the island. It was an intensive hike over the mountain, the cold waterpool and the beautiful waterfall was really nice to go to. At the end we went over "lonely Planet" beaches, it was incredible. Loved the hike, loved the guide!”

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