The 5 Best Waterfalls in Paraty: Natural Rock Slides & Pools
While Paraty is internationally famous for its colonial port and emerald islands, the surrounding Serra da Bocaina mountains conceal some of the purest freshwater swimming holes and waterfalls in Brazil.
1. Cachoeira do Tobogã (The Rock Slide)
Paraty's most famous natural wonder. A smooth, 30-meter giant granite slab inclined at a gentle angle with water streaming over it, functioning as a giant natural water slide. Visitors can slide down sitting on their swimsuits, splashing safely into the deep freshwater pool below.
2. Poço do Tarzan (Tarzan's Pool)
Just a two-minute walking trail upriver from Tobogã, this secluded natural swimming hole is framed by massive moss-covered boulders and Atlantic rainforest vines. A rustic wooden suspension footbridge crosses the rushing stream, with a riverbank bar serving cold drinks.
3. Poço do Inglês
Located near the Penha neighborhood, this deep emerald river pool has a rope swing hanging from an overhanging rainforest branch, offering classic jungle jumps into deep, crystal-clear water.
4. Cachoeira da Pedra Branca
Nestled deeper in the mountains near an 18th-century stone aqueduct and the historic Pedra Branca cachaça distillery, this waterfall features two distinct cascades pouring into clear, serene mountain pools.
5. Cachoeira das Sete Quedas
For avid hikers, this trail further up into the Serra da Bocaina National Park winds past seven cascading tiers of waterfalls surrounded by ancient bromeliads, orchids, and tropical birds.