Incrível
1 / 10

Cachoeira do Tobogã Penha

4.8
·2k reviews·, Brazil

Experience the thrill of sliding down a natural rock formation into refreshing pools, surrounded by lush nature and local culture.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Hot days

Perfect for cooling off

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Incrível

Cachoeira do Tobogã Penha

Best Time

Hot days

Perfect for cooling off

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience the thrill of sliding down a natural rock formation into refreshing pools, surrounded by lush nature and local culture.

4.8
(2k reviews)

"This was amazing! Definitely a must visit!!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Bring Your Swimsuit! 🩱

You'll definitely want to slide and swim. Great photo ops here, especially on a rainy day!

Walk Through Nature 🌳

A short, pleasant walk through the forest leads you to the falls. Not a strenuous hike.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Natural Toboggan

The Natural Toboggan

The main rock slide

Slide down a smooth, natural rock formation into refreshing pools. Pure, exhilarating fun for all ages!

Pataxó Indigenous Village

Pataxó Indigenous Village

Adjacent to the waterfall

Experience the culture of the local Pataxó community. A unique opportunity to learn and connect.

Refreshing Pools

Refreshing Pools

Base of the slide

Cool off in the natural pools formed at the bottom of the slide. Perfect for a relaxing dip after sliding.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Slide!

This natural rock formation is a thrilling waterslide! Locals and visitors alike enjoy sliding down. It's a unique experience, perfect for a hot day. No guide is needed, and the walk to get there is pleasant.

Free Fun & Local Vibes

Enjoy this natural wonder without an entrance fee. While free, tipping locals who help with the slide is appreciated. It's a fantastic way to experience local culture and have a blast.

Best Times

When
Hot days
Why
Perfect for cooling off
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter (off-season)
Why
Less crowded, pleasant weather
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Pretendo ir pra Paraty daqui uns meses. Me deem dicas do que visitar por lá

Bring Your Swimsuit! 🩱

You'll definitely want to slide and swim. Great photo ops here, especially on a rainy day!

Walk Through Nature 🌳

A short, pleasant walk through the forest leads you to the falls. Not a strenuous hike.

Free Admission! 🎉

Enjoy this natural wonder without an entrance fee. Tipping locals is appreciated for their help.

Local Bus is Easy 🚌

Take the local bus from Paraty station to Penha. It's cheap and direct, about R$5.

Tips

from all over the internet

Bring Your Swimsuit! 🩱

You'll definitely want to slide and swim. Great photo ops here, especially on a rainy day!

Walk Through Nature 🌳

A short, pleasant walk through the forest leads you to the falls. Not a strenuous hike.

Free Admission! 🎉

Enjoy this natural wonder without an entrance fee. Tipping locals is appreciated for their help.

Local Bus is Easy 🚌

Take the local bus from Paraty station to Penha. It's cheap and direct, about R$5.

Ask Locals for Help 👍

Locals are happy to help you slide safely and can guide you to hidden spots.

What Travellers Say

4.8
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Cachoeira do Tobogã Penha as a unique and fun natural waterslide. It's praised for being free, easily accessible via local bus, and offering a thrilling experience for all ages. The surrounding nature and the opportunity to interact with the local Pataxó community add to its charm.

"Fantastic little place. Parking is only 50 meters away and it's not too crowded in winter. Friendly staff, amazing cocktails, the kids were entertained for hours. Their Jorge Amado Caipirinha is my new favourite cocktail."

Mathias Schuetz

"This was amazing! Definitely a must visit!! We went on a rainy day, which was actually perfect! Make sure to bring your swimsuit, because you can take incredible pics here! (it may have been due to the rain, but we did not pay for entrance. I think I saw a sign that normally there is an entrance fee but we’re not sure as the desk was closed)"

ronald maduro

"A place where you want to take a swim or at least walk in water, especially on a very hot day. To get to the place, you need to walk a bit, but I wouldn't even call it a hike. It's a nice walk through a forest.
No tickets to get to the falls are needed."

Jana Krištanová

What People Like

Natural waterslide thrill
Free admission
Easy access

What People Dislike

Can be crowded
Limited food options

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The easiest way is to take the local bus from Paraty's bus station to Penha, which costs around R$5 per person. Taxis are also an option, costing about 40 Reais. The walk from the bus stop or parking area to the waterfall is short and pleasant, through a forest.

No, the walk is described as nice and not strenuous, more of a pleasant stroll through the forest. It's only about 100 meters from the church at Penha.

No, a guide is not necessary. Locals are present and helpful, and you can easily navigate to the waterfall on your own.

Parking is available very close to the attraction, only about 50 meters away, making it easily accessible.

Yes, taxis are available and will take you to the waterfall. The ride from Paraty typically costs around 40 Reais.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The admission to Cachoeira do Tobogã Penha is free. While there might be a sign indicating a fee, visitors often find it free, especially outside peak hours or when the desk is closed.

The attraction is a natural site, so it's generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to visit when it's not too crowded, like during off-peak seasons or weekdays.

Yes, visiting on a rainy day can be perfect! The slide might be even better, and it can be less crowded. Just be prepared for wet conditions.

It is generally considered safe, and locals are there to assist. While there are spots that can be a bit painful, serious injuries are not common. Listen to local advice for the best experience.

No booking is required as there is no entrance fee. You can visit spontaneously.

📸 📸 Photography

The natural waterslide itself offers dynamic photo opportunities. The pools at the bottom and the surrounding forest also provide beautiful backdrops. Capturing people sliding is a must!

It's best to have someone else take photos of you while you slide for safety. Waterproof phone cases or action cameras are recommended if you plan to capture your own sliding moments.

There are no specific restrictions mentioned for general photography. However, always be respectful of the local Pataxó community if you choose to photograph them or their village.

An action camera like a GoPro is ideal for capturing the sliding experience. A smartphone with a good camera is sufficient for general shots. Consider a waterproof case for your phone.

Yes, cloudy or rainy days can create dramatic lighting and fewer crowds, leading to unique and atmospheric photos. The water might appear more vibrant.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While there aren't extensive dining facilities directly at the waterfall, some reviews mention friendly staff and amazing cocktails available at a nearby spot. It's advisable to bring snacks or plan to eat in Paraty.

One reviewer specifically raved about the 'Jorge Amado Caipirinha' as a new favorite cocktail, suggesting it's a local specialty worth trying.

Bringing your own snacks and water is generally a good idea, especially since dedicated food services might be limited. Remember to pack out any trash.

For a wider selection of dining options, it's best to head back to the historic center of Paraty, which offers numerous restaurants serving local and international cuisine.

While not explicitly mentioned at the waterfall itself, exploring Paraty's historic center will reveal local delicacies. Keep an eye out for regional fruits and sweets.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Cachoeira do Tobogã Penha is a fantastic spot for families! The natural waterslide provides hours of entertainment for children, and the shallow pools at the bottom are perfect for younger ones to splash around in. The short, easy walk to the falls means little legs won't get too tired. Plus, the fact that it's free makes it a budget-friendly outing.

Bring swimsuits and towels for everyone! Consider packing snacks and drinks, as food options might be limited. The locals are generally friendly and helpful, which can add an extra layer of comfort for families. It's a great place for kids to experience nature and have some active fun.

💰 Budget Travelers

This destination is a dream for budget travelers! The admission is completely free, making it an excellent value. Taking the local bus from Paraty is very affordable (around R$5), significantly cutting down on transportation costs compared to taxis. You can pack your own food and drinks to save even more on meals.

While tipping locals for their help is encouraged, it's entirely voluntary and a small gesture of appreciation. This natural attraction offers a high level of fun and unique experience without breaking the bank, making it a top recommendation for those watching their spending.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Cachoeira do Tobogã Penha offers dynamic and unique shots. The natural waterslide provides exciting action photography opportunities, especially with people sliding down. The surrounding lush forest and the clear pools at the base create beautiful natural compositions. Consider visiting on a cloudy or rainy day for more dramatic lighting and fewer crowds.

Action cameras like GoPros are ideal for capturing the slide experience. If using a smartphone, a waterproof case is highly recommended. Be mindful of the Pataxó village and always ask for permission before photographing individuals or their homes to ensure respectful content creation.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Thrill of the Natural Slide

Cachoeira do Tobogã Penha is famous for its unique natural waterslide. This smooth, sloping rock formation allows visitors to slide down into refreshing pools below. It's an exhilarating experience that draws both locals and tourists looking for a fun way to cool off on a hot day. The slide is quite large, often bigger than it appears in photos, and offers a thrilling ride for those brave enough to try it. Locals are often on hand to help guide visitors and ensure a safe descent.

Many visitors describe the slide as 'extreme fun,' with some even comparing it to surfing down the rock. While generally safe, there are parts of the slide that can be a bit intense, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive. The locals' willingness to assist and share their knowledge of the slide adds to the charm and safety of the experience. It's a natural attraction that provides pure, unadulterated fun without the need for manufactured amusement park rides.

Safety Note: While locals help, it's always wise to assess the conditions yourself and slide within your comfort level. The water at the bottom provides a soft landing. The experience is free, but a small tip for the locals who help is a great way to show appreciation for their hospitality and assistance.

Cultural Immersion at the Pataxó Village

Cachoeira do Tobogã Penha is located within or adjacent to a Pataxó Indigenous Village. This offers a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with and learn about the local indigenous culture. Interacting with the Pataxó community can provide valuable insights into their traditions, way of life, and connection to the land. It's a chance to experience a different perspective and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of the region.

While the primary draw is the natural waterslide, the presence of the Pataxó village adds a significant cultural dimension to the visit. Visitors are encouraged to be respectful and mindful when interacting with the community. Supporting the village through respectful engagement or purchasing local crafts, if available, can be a meaningful way to contribute. This cultural aspect transforms the visit from a simple recreational activity into a more enriching and educational experience.

Respectful Tourism: Always approach cultural interactions with sensitivity. Ask for permission before taking photos of people or their homes. Learning a few basic phrases in Portuguese can also enhance communication and show respect.

Getting There: Practical Travel Tips

Reaching Cachoeira do Tobogã Penha is straightforward, making it an accessible day trip from Paraty. The most recommended and budget-friendly option is to take the local bus from Paraty's main bus station directly to Penha. This journey is inexpensive, costing around R$5 per person, and is a convenient way to travel. The bus route is direct, and you won't miss your stop as it's a well-known destination.

For those who prefer more privacy or are traveling in a group, taxis are readily available. A taxi ride from Paraty to the waterfall typically costs about 40 Reais. Parking is also conveniently located just about 50 meters from the attraction, making it easy for those arriving by car. The walk from the parking area or bus stop to the waterfall itself is short and pleasant, described as a nice walk through a forest, rather than a strenuous hike.

Key Takeaway: The accessibility of Cachoeira do Tobogã Penha is a major plus. Whether you opt for public transport or a taxi, getting there is hassle-free, allowing you to focus on enjoying the natural waterslide and the surrounding environment.

You may also like