
Cachoeira dos Pretos Joanópolis
Experience the grandeur of Cachoeira dos Pretos, São Paulo's second-highest waterfall, with free entry and refreshing swimming spots.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene

Cachoeira dos Pretos Joanópolis
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the grandeur of Cachoeira dos Pretos, São Paulo's second-highest waterfall, with free entry and refreshing swimming spots.
"What a wonderful place to spend the day and this local has a good infrastructure with restaurants bars abd gift shops."

🚗 Parking Availability
Parking is available for R$15. Arrive early on busy days to secure a spot.
💰 Free Entry
Enjoy the main waterfall views and swimming areas for free! Activities like boia cross have separate fees.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Cascade
Main viewpoint
Witness the breathtaking 154-meter freefall, the second-highest in São Paulo. A truly awe-inspiring natural wonder.

Refreshing River Swim
Base of the falls
Cool off in the natural pools at the base of the waterfall. Perfect for a family-friendly dip on a warm day.

Adventure Boia Cross
Rio Piracicaba
Experience the thrill of floating down the river on an inflatable tube. An exciting way to explore the surrounding nature.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting There Without a Car
Best Time for Fewer Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking is available for R$15. Arrive early on busy days to secure a spot.
💰 Free Entry
Enjoy the main waterfall views and swimming areas for free! Activities like boia cross have separate fees.
🥾 Comfortable Footwear
Wear sturdy shoes for exploring the area and any short trails.
📱 No Ride-Sharing Apps
Uber and 99 are not available. Taxis can be hard to find, so plan transport in advance.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking is available for R$15. Arrive early on busy days to secure a spot.
💰 Free Entry
Enjoy the main waterfall views and swimming areas for free! Activities like boia cross have separate fees.
🥾 Comfortable Footwear
Wear sturdy shoes for exploring the area and any short trails.
📱 No Ride-Sharing Apps
Uber and 99 are not available. Taxis can be hard to find, so plan transport in advance.
🍽️ On-site Amenities
Restaurants, snack bars, and gift shops are available, especially on weekends.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking beauty and impressive scale of Cachoeira dos Pretos, calling it a wonderful place with good infrastructure. The free entry and swimming areas are highlights, though some note challenges with transportation from Joanópolis downtown.
"Lovely place to go with family and friends! If you're not going by car, it may be hard to you get a transport to get from the Joanópolis downtown ( There's no Uber, 99 or any other driver app and the Taxi's may be hard to find)"
Mateus Chagas
"Nice place to visit"
Evald Kristensen
"What awonderful place to spend the day and this local has a good infrastructure with restaurants bars abd gift shops most are ooen on weekends."
Rubens Da Silva (The Bugs Man)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cachoeira dos Pretos is located in Joanópolis, about 130 km from São Paulo. Driving is the most convenient option. If you don't have a car, you can take a bus to Joanópolis and then arrange local transport, as ride-sharing apps are not available.
Public transport directly to the waterfall from Joanópolis downtown is limited. Taxis can be difficult to find, and ride-sharing apps like Uber and 99 do not operate in the area. It's advisable to arrange transport in advance or consider a tour.
The distance is approximately 130 kilometers (about 80 miles) from São Paulo city. The drive typically takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic.
Yes, Cachoeira dos Pretos is a popular day trip destination from São Paulo. Many visitors drive there for the day to enjoy the waterfall and its surroundings.
Yes, there are camping options available. Camping Zé Roque is located right next to Cachoeira dos Pretos, offering a complete structure for a comfortable stay.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The main attraction, Cachoeira dos Pretos, has free entry. However, activities like boia cross and jeep tours have separate fees.
The waterfall area is generally accessible during daylight hours. On-site facilities like restaurants and shops are typically open on weekends.
Parking is available for a fee of R$15. It's recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends, to ensure a parking spot.
Cachoeira Encantada, located near Cachoeira dos Pretos, charges a small fee of R$5 per person for entry, which includes parking.
While not always necessary, it's a good idea to inquire about booking options for activities like boia cross, especially during peak season, to secure your spot.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can admire the impressive waterfall, swim in the natural pools, enjoy the on-site restaurants and shops, and participate in activities like boia cross and jeep tours to the top.
Yes, it's a great spot for families. Children can enjoy the swimming areas and the natural beauty. The on-site facilities add to the convenience for families.
The site offers good infrastructure including restrooms, restaurants, ice cream shops, and gift shops, making it a comfortable place to spend the day.
While the main attraction is the waterfall itself, there are opportunities for short walks and exploring the immediate surroundings. The access to Cachoeira Encantada involves a short, easy trail.
Cachoeira dos Pretos has a freefall of 154 meters (approximately 505 feet), making it the second-largest waterfall in the state of São Paulo.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are restaurants and snack bars available on-site, particularly open on weekends, offering food and refreshments for visitors.
The on-site eateries typically offer a range of local dishes and snacks suitable for a day trip. It's a convenient option for lunch or a quick bite.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally acceptable to bring your own snacks and drinks for a picnic, especially if you plan to spend the whole day. However, supporting the local vendors is also encouraged.
Information on specific dietary options is limited. It's advisable to inquire directly with the restaurants on-site about vegetarian or vegan choices.
Yes, there are ice cream shops and cafes available, perfect for a sweet treat on a warm day.
📸 📸 Photography
The main viewpoint offers stunning perspectives of the waterfall. Drone photography is also popular for capturing the grandeur of the falls and the surrounding landscape.
Drone photography is popular and seems to be permitted, with many users sharing aerial shots. However, always be mindful of local regulations and other visitors.
Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the waterfall, while late afternoon can offer softer light. Consider the sun's position to avoid harsh shadows.
The main viewing area provides excellent, unobstructed views. For different angles, consider the trails leading to nearby attractions like Cachoeira Encantada.
Social media showcases the sheer scale of the waterfall, aerial views from drones, and people enjoying the swimming areas and adventure activities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the main waterfall is the star, nearby attractions like Cachoeira Encantada offer easy trails suitable for little legs. Consider packing sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water. If you're not driving, planning your transportation from Joanópolis downtown is essential, as ride-sharing apps are unavailable.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Make sure to factor in time for the boia cross or a jeep tour if you're seeking a bit more adventure. The on-site amenities mean you can easily spend several hours here, enjoying the natural beauty and local food. Remember that ride-sharing apps are not available, so if you plan to leave your car and explore Joanópolis, arrange your return transport beforehand.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majesty of Cachoeira dos Pretos
Beyond its impressive height, the waterfall offers a refreshing experience at its base. The natural pools formed by the falling water are perfect for a cooling dip, making it a popular spot for families and those looking to escape the heat. The accessibility of these pools, combined with the free entry to the main viewing area, makes it an attractive destination for a day out.
For the more adventurous, activities like boia cross (river tubing) offer an exhilarating way to experience the Piracicaba River. Companies operating near the waterfall provide guided tours, adding an element of thrill to the natural beauty. The area also offers opportunities for jeep tours that can take you to the top of the falls for a different perspective.
Planning Your Visit: Practicalities and Tips
The entry to the main waterfall area is free, which is a significant draw. However, popular activities such as boia cross come with a fee, typically around R$30 per person. Parking is also available for a fee of R$15. To make the most of your visit and avoid the largest crowds, visiting on weekdays or early mornings is recommended. Weekends and holidays tend to be busier, especially with families.
On-site infrastructure is a plus, with restrooms, restaurants, snack bars, and gift shops available, particularly on weekends. This makes it convenient for visitors to spend the entire day. For those looking to extend their stay, camping options like Camping Zé Roque are located nearby, offering a chance to immerse oneself further in nature.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit