Cascatinha Taunay: A Waterfall Oasis in Tijuca National Park
Discover the enchanting Cascatinha Taunay, a historic waterfall nestled in Rio de Janeiro's Tijuca National Park, offering a refreshing escape into nature.
Cascatinha Taunay, located in the heart of Rio de Janeiro's Tijuca National Park, is a captivating waterfall steeped in history and natural beauty. The waterfall is named in honor of Nicolas-Antoine Taunay, a French artist who was part of the French Artistic Mission that arrived in Rio in 1816. Taunay was so enchanted by the cascade that he built a small house nearby in 1817 and immortalized it in his paintings, becoming known as the forest's great host. The highest waterfall in the park, Cascatinha Taunay is formed by the convergence of the Tijuca River, the Conde River, and other tributaries. In 1860, engineer Job de Alcântara was commissioned by the Imperial Government to construct the stone bridge, shaped like a Roman arch, that stands in front of the waterfall. While swimming directly under the waterfall is not permitted, visitors can take a dip in the natural pool called Job de Alcântara, located just below the stone bridge. Today, Cascatinha Taunay remains a popular destination for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy activities such as contemplation, cycling, and birdwatching. The surrounding forest offers hiking trails for all skill levels, including the Picos and Vale Histórico circuits, as well as part of the Transcarioca, Brazil's largest urban trail.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning (8:00 AM - 9:30 AM) to avoid crowds, especially on weekends, and enjoy a peaceful experience.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on potentially uneven terrain.
- Bring insect repellent and sunscreen, as the area is surrounded by lush vegetation.
- Pack a picnic to enjoy in the designated areas of the park.
- Check the official Tijuca National Park website for any updates on opening hours or park operations.
A brief summary to Cascatinha Taunay
- Rio de Janeiro, Alto da Boa Vista, State of Rio de Janeiro, BR
- +55212491-1700
- Monday 8 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
- Thursday 8 am-5 pm
- Friday 8 am-5 pm
- Saturday 8 am-5 pm
- Sunday 8 am-5 pm
Getting There
-
Public Transport
From Rio de Janeiro's city center, take Metro Line 1 (orange line) to Jardim Oceânico station, then transfer to Metro Line 4 (yellow line) towards São Conrado. Get off at São Conrado station, and take bus 583 (Alto da Boa Vista) or 584 (Jardim Botânico) to the 'Alto da Boa Vista' stop. From there, walk approximately 15-20 minutes, following the signs for Cascatinha Taunay. Bus fare is approximately R$4.05.
-
Taxi/Ride-Share
From Alto da Boa Vista, a taxi or ride-sharing service to Cascatinha Taunay is a short ride. Expect to pay around R$60-R$80 for a taxi from other parts of the city. Note that parking is available near the waterfall.
-
Walking
From the entrance to the Floresta sector of Tijuca National Park at Praça Afonso Viseu in Alto da Boa Vista, Cascatinha Taunay is a moderate walk. Follow the well-marked trails for approximately 1.5 km to reach the waterfall. The walk is mostly flat or gently sloped.
