Cachoeira do Ribeirão de Itu
Discover the free, stunning waterfalls of Ribeirão de Itu in São Sebastião, offering easy trails and refreshing natural pools.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene experience.
Cachoeira do Ribeirão de Itu
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the free, stunning waterfalls of Ribeirão de Itu in São Sebastião, offering easy trails and refreshing natural pools.
"Cachoeiras maravilhosas! Vale o passeio."
🎯 Bring Water & Repellent
Essential for comfort on the trails. Mosquitoes can be present, especially in humid conditions.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails can be uneven and have inclines. Good grip is important for navigating rocks.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cachoeira da Hidromassagem
Ribeirão de Itu Trail
A gentle cascade perfect for a relaxing soak, easily accessible via a short, flat trail.
Cachoeira da Pedra Lisa
Ribeirão de Itu Trail
The tallest waterfall on the trail, offering a more adventurous experience with opportunities for climbing and jumping.
Cachoeira da Samambaiaçu
Ribeirão de Itu Trail
A more secluded waterfall requiring a longer hike, rewarding intrepid explorers with natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Prepare for Nature
Free Access, Essential Gear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bring Water & Repellent
Essential for comfort on the trails. Mosquitoes can be present, especially in humid conditions.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails can be uneven and have inclines. Good grip is important for navigating rocks.
♻️ Pack Out Your Trash
Help keep this natural beauty pristine by taking all your waste with you.
🚗 Parking Available
Paid parking is available near the trailhead, offering amenities like restrooms and showers.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bring Water & Repellent
Essential for comfort on the trails. Mosquitoes can be present, especially in humid conditions.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails can be uneven and have inclines. Good grip is important for navigating rocks.
♻️ Pack Out Your Trash
Help keep this natural beauty pristine by taking all your waste with you.
🚗 Parking Available
Paid parking is available near the trailhead, offering amenities like restrooms and showers.
🗺️ Easy Access
The main trails to Hidromassagem and Pedra Lisa are very easy and short.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the beautiful, free waterfalls at Ribeirão de Itu, praising the easy access to cascades like Hidromassagem and Pedra Lisa. While some find the trails a bit crowded, the natural beauty and refreshing waters make it a worthwhile adventure for many.
"easy to arrive, easy to enjoy. HOT TIP: bring with you: water and mosquito’s lotion protection."
Victor Farsette
"If it had been lass crowded it would have been great"
Marcello Borring
"Top"
José Marcones
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The waterfalls are located in São Sebastião, on the north coast of São Paulo. You can drive to Boiçucanga and then follow signs for the Ribeirão de Itu trail. Many visitors use Waze and search for 'Cachoeira da Serpente – Ribeirão de Itu' to find the trailhead parking.
Yes, there is paid parking available, such as at Cícero's parking lot, which often includes restrooms and showers. Street parking is also an option on parallel streets.
It's approximately a 3-hour drive from São Paulo capital, making it a feasible day trip or weekend getaway.
The trails are generally well-marked. For the main waterfalls like Hidromassagem and Pedra Lisa, the paths are quite straightforward. For Samambaiaçu, the trail is longer and has more inclines.
While public transport might be possible to Boiçucanga, having a car offers more flexibility for reaching the trailhead and exploring the region.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the entrance to the Ribeirão de Itu waterfalls within the Parque Estadual Serra do Mar is free. Parking, however, usually has a fee.
As it's a natural park area, there are no strict operating hours. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
No advance booking is required as the access is free and self-guided.
The main restriction is to respect nature and pack out all your trash. Some areas might have specific safety guidelines, especially around the waterfalls.
Generally, pets are not allowed in state parks to protect the local wildlife and ecosystem. It's best to leave your furry friends at home.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main trail system leads to three notable waterfalls: Cachoeira da Hidromassagem, Cachoeira da Pedra Lisa, and Cachoeira da Samambaiaçu.
The trails to Hidromassagem and Pedra Lisa are considered easy, with short distances and minimal elevation gain. The trail to Samambaiaçu is longer and has more inclines, making it moderately challenging.
Yes, swimming is possible in the pools of some waterfalls, particularly at the base of Pedra Lisa. Exercise caution due to slippery rocks and varying water depths.
Bring water, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, a small bag for trash, and wear comfortable, sturdy footwear.
While many visitors climb the rocks and jump into the river, it's advisable to be cautious if you're unfamiliar with the area or if the rocks are wet and slippery.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The cascades themselves offer stunning photo opportunities. Capture the mist from Pedra Lisa, the serene pools of Hidromassagem, and the lush surrounding greenery.
Morning light can be beautiful, filtering through the trees. Midday can be harsh, but the water spray can create interesting effects. Consider golden hour for softer light if you stay late.
A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the beauty. If you have a DSLR, consider a polarizing filter to reduce glare on the water and enhance colors.
Use a slower shutter speed on your camera to create a silky, blurred effect for the water. A tripod can help keep your camera steady for longer exposures.
Experiment with low angles to emphasize the height of Pedra Lisa or get closer to the water for macro shots of droplets.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of water, snacks, and mosquito repellent, as these are essential for a comfortable family outing.
While the trail to Samambaiaçu is more challenging, the first two waterfalls offer plenty of fun and natural beauty for a memorable family day trip. Ensure children are supervised, especially near the water and on any rocky areas. 💰 Budget Travelers
The main cost you'll encounter is for parking, which is typically a reasonable fee. To keep costs even lower, pack your own food and drinks from home. This avoids the need to purchase them at potentially higher prices nearby. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, but beyond that, the only other 'cost' is your time and effort to explore the beautiful trails.
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers
While the main trails are popular, venturing towards Samambaiaçu can offer a more secluded experience. Remember to inform someone of your plans, carry sufficient water, and be aware of your surroundings. The accessibility and natural beauty make it a great spot for a refreshing solo hike.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Ribeirão de Itu Waterfalls
+1The Cachoeira da Hidromassagem is known for its gentle flow and shallow pools, perfect for a relaxing dip. Just a short distance further, the Cachoeira da Pedra Lisa is the most impressive, standing as the tallest waterfall on the trail. It's a popular spot for those seeking a bit more adventure, with opportunities to climb the rocks and jump into the deeper river below. For those willing to venture further, the Cachoeira da Samambaiaçu requires a longer hike with more challenging inclines, rewarding the effort with a more secluded natural experience.
Access to these natural wonders is free, making it an attractive destination for budget-conscious travelers. However, it's crucial to remember to pack out all trash and bring your own water and mosquito repellent to ensure a comfortable and responsible visit. The trails can be uneven, so wearing appropriate footwear is highly recommended.
Navigating the Trails and Accessibility
These sections are well-maintained, with some areas featuring handrails and support structures. However, the trail to Cachoeira da Samambaiaçu presents a different challenge. After a bifurcation point, this trail involves a more significant climb and takes about 25 minutes to reach. While it has handrails and places to hold onto, individuals with limited mobility might find it more difficult.
Overall, the experience is designed to be enjoyable for a wide range of visitors, but it's wise to be prepared for varying terrain. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, and carrying water is essential, especially during warmer months.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit