Gruta da Terceira Légua
A serene cave shrine to the Virgin Mary, featuring a waterfall and forest trails, popular with hikers and climbers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Gruta da Terceira Légua
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene cave shrine to the Virgin Mary, featuring a waterfall and forest trails, popular with hikers and climbers.
"Incredible positive energy! A must-visit for nature and spiritual seekers."
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The 150 steps and surrounding trails can be slippery. Comfortable, grippy footwear is a must!
💧 Prepare for the Climb Up
The descent is easy, but the 150 steps back up can be tiring. Pace yourself and stay hydrated.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gruta Nossa Senhora de Lourdes
The main cave shrine
A unique cave shrine built within a basalt shelter, featuring an altar for prayers and a peaceful ambiance.
Cascata da Gruta
Near the cave
A beautiful waterfall cascading near the grotto, offering a refreshing natural spectacle and a sense of purification.
The Rosary Staircase
Entrance to the grotto
A striking 150-step staircase, each step representing a bead of a rosary, leading down to the grotto.
Forest Trails & Climbing Spots
Surrounding area
Explore easy hiking trails through the forest and discover popular spots for rock climbing enthusiasts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for the Descent
Embrace the Natural Beauty
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The 150 steps and surrounding trails can be slippery. Comfortable, grippy footwear is a must!
💧 Prepare for the Climb Up
The descent is easy, but the 150 steps back up can be tiring. Pace yourself and stay hydrated.
📸 Capture the Scenery
Bring your camera for stunning views of the grotto, waterfall, and forest. Golden hour offers beautiful light.
🙏 Respect the Sacred Space
It's a place of worship. Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor, especially inside the grotto.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The 150 steps and surrounding trails can be slippery. Comfortable, grippy footwear is a must!
💧 Prepare for the Climb Up
The descent is easy, but the 150 steps back up can be tiring. Pace yourself and stay hydrated.
📸 Capture the Scenery
Bring your camera for stunning views of the grotto, waterfall, and forest. Golden hour offers beautiful light.
🙏 Respect the Sacred Space
It's a place of worship. Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor, especially inside the grotto.
🚗 Be Cautious on the Road
The access road is part of a cyclist route. Drive carefully and be aware of cyclists.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Gruta da Terceira Légua for its incredible positive energy and serene natural beauty. The unique combination of a cave shrine, a waterfall, and surrounding forest trails makes it a captivating destination for hikers, climbers, and those seeking spiritual reflection. Some find the 150-step descent and ascent challenging, but the overall experience is highly rewarding.
"Great place, it has an incredible positive energy!"
Felipe Oliveira
"This is a great place to rock climb"
Andrew Sykes
"Good place to visit"
André Paes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gruta da Terceira Légua is located about 17 km from the center of Caxias do Sul. You can drive there via a branch of the Estrada do Imigrante. Be mindful that the road is also a popular route for cyclists. 
Information on direct public transportation is limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach the site.
The road is part of the 'Roteiro dos ciclistas' (cyclist route), so drivers should exercise caution and be aware of cyclists.
While not explicitly detailed in all sources, parking is generally available for visitors arriving by car.
Yes, the area is popular with cyclists, and the roads leading to it are part of a designated cycling route.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Gruta da Terceira Légua is a free-access natural attraction.
As a natural site, there are no set opening hours. Visitors can typically access it during daylight hours.
No booking is required as there is no entrance fee. You can visit spontaneously.
Access involves descending and ascending 150 steps, which may be challenging for individuals with mobility issues.
Visitors are encouraged to be respectful of the natural and sacred environment.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can explore the cave shrine, admire the waterfall, hike through the surrounding forest, and enjoy rock climbing.
A visit can range from an hour to half a day, depending on how much you explore the trails and climbing spots. The short trail to the waterfall is about 10 minutes.
While the waterfall is beautiful, swimming safety is not explicitly mentioned. Exercise caution and assess conditions if you consider entering the water.
The terrain includes a 150-step staircase, a short trail with stones, and forest paths. It's generally considered an easy to moderate hike.
Yes, the area is known to be a good spot for rock climbing.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique architecture of the grotto, the cascading waterfall, the scenic staircase, and the surrounding forest.
Daytime with clear weather offers good natural light. The 'golden hour' before sunset can also provide beautiful lighting.
There are no specific regulations mentioned regarding drone usage. It's advisable to check local drone laws and be respectful of other visitors.
Photography inside the grotto is generally permitted, but it's important to be respectful of the sacred nature of the site.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the grotto and waterfall. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions or long exposures of the waterfall.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The short trail to the waterfall provides a manageable exploration for younger children, and the surrounding forest offers space to roam. It's a good idea to pack snacks and water, as amenities are limited. The site's free access makes it an economical outing for families looking to connect with nature.🧗♀️ Adventure Seekers & Climbers
+1 Beyond climbing, the hiking trails through the forest provide opportunities for exploration and enjoying the natural beauty of the Serra Gaúcha. Remember to bring appropriate climbing gear and ensure you are aware of any local climbing regulations or conditions. 🧘♀️ Spiritual & Reflective Visitors
The peaceful forest surroundings and the gentle sound of the nearby waterfall enhance the contemplative atmosphere. It's an ideal destination for those seeking a quiet escape and a moment of spiritual connection.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spiritual and Natural Haven
The natural surroundings are equally captivating. Visitors descend a striking 150-step staircase, each step representing a bead of a rosary, leading to the grotto. From there, a short, rocky trail leads to the beautiful Cascata da Gruta, a waterfall that adds to the serene atmosphere. The combination of spiritual significance and natural beauty makes it a compelling visit for many.
+2Beyond the grotto and waterfall, the area is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. It's a popular spot for hiking through the surrounding forests and a recognized destination for rock climbing. The trails offer an easy to moderate trekking experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural landscape of the Serra Gaúcha.
+2Planning Your Visit: Practicalities and Tips
While the descent is manageable, the climb back up can be tiring, so pacing yourself and staying hydrated is key. The site is a natural attraction with no set opening hours, generally accessible during daylight. Since it's a free-access location, no tickets are needed, making it a spontaneous visit option. However, it's important to remember that the grotto is a place of worship. Visitors are expected to maintain a respectful and quiet demeanor, particularly inside the chapel.
+1For those arriving by car, be aware that the access road is part of a popular cyclist route. Drive cautiously and be mindful of cyclists sharing the road.
Photography enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities, from the unique grotto architecture to the cascading waterfall and the lush forest. Consider visiting during daytime with clear weather for the best natural light, or during the 'golden hour' for softer, more dramatic shots. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit