Roncador Waterfall
Discover breathtaking waterfalls across Brazil, from the wetlands of Lençóis Maranhenses to the mystical Serra do Roncador.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Roncador Waterfall
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover breathtaking waterfalls across Brazil, from the wetlands of Lençóis Maranhenses to the mystical Serra do Roncador.
"A refreshing escape into Brazil's wild nature, with stunning cascades and clear pools."
🚗 Hire a Local Guide
Essential for navigation and local insights, especially if you don't speak Portuguese.
🚤 Boat Trip Adventure
Consider a boat trip for a unique perspective and access to remote areas.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 262 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Roncador Waterfall's Cascades
Various locations across Brazil
Experience the raw power and beauty of cascading waters in stunning natural settings. A refreshing escape awaits!
Serra do Roncador's Mystique
Mato Grosso, Brazil
Explore the enigmatic Serra do Roncador, a region steeped in natural wonders and local legends.
Crystal-Clear Pools
Lençóis Maranhenses, Brazil
Swim and relax in pristine, clear pools surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Perfect for a cooling dip.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating to Roncador Waterfall
Timing Your Visit for Best Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Hire a Local Guide
Essential for navigation and local insights, especially if you don't speak Portuguese.
🚤 Boat Trip Adventure
Consider a boat trip for a unique perspective and access to remote areas.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Be prepared for hikes and uneven terrain. Good footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Hire a Local Guide
Essential for navigation and local insights, especially if you don't speak Portuguese.
🚤 Boat Trip Adventure
Consider a boat trip for a unique perspective and access to remote areas.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Be prepared for hikes and uneven terrain. Good footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. :droplet:
📸 Capture the Beauty
Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning scenery. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Roncador Waterfall for its stunning natural beauty and refreshing waters, often describing it as a highlight of their trip. The experience is enhanced by the opportunity for boat rides and swimming in clear pools. However, some note that hiring a guide is essential for navigation and that access can sometimes be challenging.
"Definitely one of the best experiences in Lençóis. No need a guide to get there. You can drive for about 1 hour (mostly unpaved road). Once there, you can hire a boat and go to Roncador, a trip that lasts 1h30min and costs 200 reais (we were in two, so 100 reais each). It stunning! We also hired someone to take our car to the parking for the return trip for it to be faster, this way we could enjoy longer at Sonrisal pools. We ate in a local restaurant by the pools, 35 reais each (eat as much as you can). Then we walked back for 30 minutes to reach our car at the parking."
Adriano Marques
"This is an experience that I do think it was worth hiring a guide for, especially since we don't speak Portuguese. We drove to the Quilombo village and hired Lino, a great guy who took us by canoe through the wetland. Our guide drove the car to the parking spot by the river.
We went early to avoid the heat, leaving Lençóis at 7am. We arrived at the old miners' house and then walked to the pools, which are stunning and which we had to ourselves for around 30min. After that we had lunch at the house (R90 per kilo) and went down to the Roncador River for another swim.
Then we walked about 40 min to the car parking spot and drove back to lençóis. It would have been difficult to find these places without our guide."
Rafael
"A Nice surprise after a hike or boat ride. Simple but great local food prepared on the woodstove. Depending on the waterlevel a waterfall or ponds for refreshing close by."
Thomas Leitz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access varies by location. Some Roncador Waterfalls are reachable by car on unpaved roads, while others require boat trips or guided hikes. For example, in Lençóis Maranhenses, you can drive for about an hour on mostly unpaved roads, then hire a boat. In other regions like Mato Grosso, guided tours are often recommended.
While some areas might be accessible independently, a local guide is highly recommended, especially if you don't speak Portuguese. They can help with navigation, safety, and provide valuable local insights.
Road conditions can vary significantly. Some routes involve unpaved roads that may be challenging, especially after rain. It's advisable to check local conditions or travel with someone familiar with the area.
In some locations, like Lençóis Maranhenses, you can drive to a certain point, and then hire a boat or arrange for your car to be moved to a parking spot for your return. Always confirm accessibility with local tour operators.
Options often include rental cars, local taxis, or organized tours. For areas like Serra do Intendente, local guides often arrange transportation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry fees can vary depending on the specific Roncador Waterfall location and whether it's within a protected park. It's best to check with local tourism offices or tour operators for current pricing.
Opening hours are not always strictly defined, as many natural attractions are accessible during daylight. However, it's advisable to visit during reasonable daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
Yes, booking tours in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and ensure a smooth experience.
Permits are generally not required for most public access points, but if visiting a national park or protected area, check for specific regulations.
In Lençóis Maranhenses, a boat trip can cost around 200 reais for the round trip, which can be shared among travelers.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Activities include swimming in the refreshing waters, hiking scenic trails, enjoying the natural beauty, and taking photos. Some locations offer boat rides through wetlands.
Yes, many Roncador Waterfalls have clear pools or calmer sections perfect for swimming and cooling off.
Pack essentials like swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, plenty of water, and a camera.
Facilities can be limited, especially in more remote areas. It's best to come prepared and use facilities at your starting point if available.
Crowds can vary. Visiting early in the morning or during the off-season can help you avoid peak times and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Some locations have local restaurants offering regional cuisine, often with an 'eat as much as you can' or 'per kilo' pricing. It's also a good idea to pack snacks and drinks.
Expect simple, delicious local dishes, often prepared with fresh ingredients. In Lençóis Maranhenses, you can find restaurants by the pools.
Yes, bringing your own food and snacks is a great option, especially if you plan to spend a full day exploring. Remember to pack out all your trash. :wastebasket:
Options may be limited at very local eateries. It's advisable to inquire beforehand or pack suitable options if you have specific dietary needs.
Meals can range from around 35 reais for an 'eat as much as you can' option to 90 reais per kilo at some local restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for vantage points that capture the full cascade, the surrounding lush greenery, and the clear waters. Drone shots can offer spectacular perspectives. 
Early morning or late afternoon light often provides the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography, minimizing harsh shadows.
While a good smartphone camera can capture great shots, a wide-angle lens can be useful for landscapes, and a polarizing filter can help with water reflections.
Drone usage regulations can vary by location. Always check local rules and be respectful of other visitors and wildlife.
The powerful cascades, the vibrant green of the surrounding vegetation, and the crystal-clear pools are highly photogenic.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit