Cachoeira dos Frades
A stunning, free-access waterfall in Teresópolis, offering a peaceful escape with natural pools and serene surroundings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid crowds, enjoy peace
Cachoeira dos Frades
Best Time
Avoid crowds, enjoy peace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning, free-access waterfall in Teresópolis, offering a peaceful escape with natural pools and serene surroundings.
"Beautiful nature waterfall, very calm and relaxing place. Excellent to read a book while the water sounds clean your mind."
🚗 Easy Access by Car
Park close by and enjoy a short, easy walk to the waterfall.
🧺 Pack Your Picnic
No shops nearby, so bring food and water. Remember to take all your trash with you.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Majestic Waterfall
Main cascade
A breathtaking cascade offering stunning photo opportunities and a serene natural escape.
Natural Pools & Rock Seating
Base of the waterfall
Enjoy a picnic or relax by the water in natural pools and on rock formations.
Tranquil Surroundings
Vale dos Frades
Experience a peaceful atmosphere perfect for reading or simply unwinding to the sound of water.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Cachoeira dos Frades
Respecting Nature's Beauty
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Easy Access by Car
Park close by and enjoy a short, easy walk to the waterfall. 
🧺 Pack Your Picnic
No shops nearby, so bring food and water. Remember to take all your trash with you.
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Ideal for capturing beautiful nature shots, though swimming might be restricted.
🤫 Keep it Peaceful
No barbecues or loud music allowed. Respect the natural soundscape.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Easy Access by Car
Park close by and enjoy a short, easy walk to the waterfall.
🧺 Pack Your Picnic
No shops nearby, so bring food and water. Remember to take all your trash with you.
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Ideal for capturing beautiful nature shots, though swimming might be restricted.
🤫 Keep it Peaceful
No barbecues or loud music allowed. Respect the natural soundscape.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the beautiful nature and incredible waterfalls at Cachoeira dos Frades, calling it a peaceful and relaxing spot perfect for picnics and unwinding. While the road can be a bit rough, it's generally easy to find. Some note that direct swimming in the main cascade might be restricted, but the natural pools offer enjoyable recreation.
"Beautiful nature, and incredible waterfalls. The road to get here is a little off the beaten path, but there are good signs and it is easy to find from the main road."
Christopher Suttenfield
"Beautiful nature waterfall. But you can only look, because it has fences along to protect from people entering and destroying or littering. If all you need is pictures you will enjoy. Now if you want to bath in the water you dont need to go."
JC Shopping USA
"Despite the dirt road, there is place to park. Also, there are many places into the waterfall that you can sit with your family to picnic. Very calm and relaxing place. Excellent to read a book while the water souds clean your mind."
Robson Cruz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cachoeira dos Frades is about a 2-hour drive from Rio de Janeiro. You'll follow the Teresópolis-Friburgo road (RJ-130) and turn off at Km 20. The road can be a bit off the beaten path, but there are signs to guide you.
Yes, while the road might be a bit unpaved, there are good signs from the main road, making it relatively easy to find.
Driving is the most convenient option. You can also consider organized tours that include transport from Rio.
It's a short drive, approximately 30 minutes from the center of Teresópolis, making it a great day trip destination.
Yes, there is a place to park your car near the waterfall, and you can then walk a short distance to reach it.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Cachoeira dos Frades is a free attraction, making it an accessible natural wonder for everyone.
As it's a natural attraction, there are no strict opening hours. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
No booking is required as it's a free natural site. Just arrive and enjoy the beauty.
Yes, barbecues and loud sound systems are prohibited to maintain the peaceful environment. Visitors are also urged to collect their trash.
While there are natural pools, some reviews suggest fences might limit direct access to bathing in the main cascade. It's best to check on arrival.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can admire the beautiful waterfall, take photos, relax by the natural pools, and enjoy a picnic in the serene surroundings. +1
No, there isn't a long trail. You can park very close and take a brief, easy walk to reach the waterfall.
There are no amenities like bathrooms or trash cans available, so visitors must bring their own supplies and take all waste back with them.
Yes, it's a great spot for families to enjoy a relaxing day trip, with natural pools and picnic areas.
Expect lush greenery and the impressive sight of the waterfall. It's part of the Parque Estadual dos Três Picos, known for its natural beauty.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light. Weekdays are ideal to avoid crowds and get unobstructed shots.
Capture the grandeur of the waterfall, the serene natural pools, and the surrounding lush landscape. It's a photographer's delight.
The area around the base of the waterfall and the rock formations offer excellent vantage points for capturing the cascade.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the entire waterfall and its surroundings. A tripod can be useful for longer exposures in lower light.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local park rules before flying a drone to ensure compliance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities on-site. Emphasize the importance of leaving no trace by bringing all trash back home. It's a wonderful opportunity to introduce children to the beauty of Brazil's natural landscapes in a relaxed setting.
📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
Nature lovers will appreciate the peaceful ambiance and the opportunity to connect with the natural environment. It's an ideal spot for quiet contemplation, reading a book, or simply enjoying the sounds of nature. The accessibility makes it a great option for those who want a dose of nature without a strenuous trek.
🚗 Day-Trippers from Rio
+1Plan to leave early to maximize your time. Pack a picnic to enjoy by the water, and remember to bring everything you need, as amenities are scarce. It's a perfect way to experience the natural beauty of the Serra dos Órgãos region without committing to an overnight stay.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Vale dos Frades
While the waterfall is the main draw, the surrounding landscape is equally captivating. Visitors often describe the area as incredibly peaceful and a perfect spot for relaxation. The journey to the waterfall, though sometimes on unpaved roads, is part of the adventure, leading you deeper into the natural splendor of the Serra dos Órgãos.
For those looking to extend their stay or explore more, nearby attractions like the Pico dos Dois Bicos offer more challenging hikes with rewarding panoramic views. The Vale dos Frades is truly a gem for anyone seeking to connect with nature and escape the city bustle.
Visitor Experience and Etiquette
However, it's crucial to adhere to the site's etiquette to preserve its charm. Visitors are strongly reminded to take all their trash back with them, as there are no bins. Additionally, loud music from speakers is discouraged to maintain the natural soundscape. The prohibition of barbecues also helps keep the area clean and safe.
While some reviews mention fences, suggesting limited access for swimming in the main cascade, the surrounding natural pools and rock formations still offer enjoyable spots to relax by the water. The emphasis is on observation and appreciation rather than extensive recreational activities that could disturb the environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit