Cachoeiras do Horto: A Refreshing Escape in Tijuca National Park
Discover a hidden paradise in Rio's Tijuca National Park: hike to refreshing waterfalls and escape the city bustle.
Cachoeiras do Horto encompasses a series of three waterfalls hidden within the verdant Tijuca National Park, the world's largest urban forest. Located in the Alto da Boa Vista neighborhood, this natural attraction provides a refreshing escape from Rio de Janeiro's bustling city life. The trail that connects the waterfalls is considered to be of moderate difficulty. The first, smaller waterfall is located right at the entrance to the trail and is suitable for washing your hands or dipping your head. A 10-minute hike will reveal the second waterfall, where most hikers stop to bathe. If you continue hiking up, you'll encounter a small rocky wall with a rope that can be a bit challenging to pass. After passing it, you'll arrive at the third waterfall, the largest and most beautiful of the three. There is also a small, natural, shallow lake where you can dive. The park itself is a 40-square-kilometer protected section of the Atlantic Forest, boasting impressive biodiversity. Once spanning over 350 million acres, the Atlantic Forest has been significantly reduced due to logging and development, making Tijuca National Park an important sanctuary. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching and immerse themselves in the calming sounds of the forest.
Local tips
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for potentially slippery conditions.
- Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds.
- Bring insect repellent and sunscreen.
- Pack water and snacks, as there are no facilities near the waterfalls.
- Avoid using personal hygiene products like shampoo or sunscreen in the waterfalls to protect the ecosystem.
A brief summary to Cachoeiras do Horto
- Estr. da Vista Chinesa, Rio de Janeiro, Alto da Boa Vista, State of Rio de Janeiro, BR
Getting There
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Public Transport
From various points in Rio de Janeiro, take a bus to Alto da Boa Vista. From Antero de Quental, you can take bus lines 409 or 416 to Cachoeira do Horto. From Alto da Boa Vista, you may need to walk or take a short taxi/ride-share to the trailhead. Bus fares within Rio de Janeiro typically cost around R$4.05.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
From areas like Copacabana or Ipanema, a taxi or ride-share to Cachoeiras do Horto will take approximately 40-60 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay between R$60-R$80 for the trip. Note that parking near the trailhead can be limited, especially on weekends.
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Walking
From the entrance to Tijuca National Park, follow the well-marked trail to Cachoeiras do Horto. The hike to the main waterfall takes approximately 30-45 minutes and is considered moderately easy. Be prepared for some uneven terrain and potentially slippery rocks near the waterfalls.
