Cachoeira das Araras
A waterfall on the Rio São Bartolomeu (a tributary of the Rio das Almas), also called Cachoeira São Bartolomeu, in the RPPN Vale das Araras — a few kilometers from Cavalcante, in the Chapada's buffer zone. A low, wide fall (~5–6 m) that forms a natural hydro-massage, with several crystal-clear pools for swimming — great for families and for late afternoon. The trail, easy and well signposted, crosses preserved cerrado and passes the old stone channels from the gold-cycle era, cut over 200 years ago (the Trilha do Ouro, or Gold Trail). Operated by Pousada Vale das Araras (not to be confused with the neighboring Reserva Renascer).
- Limited spots: ~60 per day.
- Open daily; hours vary by source (approx. 8am–4pm to 7am–5:30pm) — confirm with the Pousada Vale das Araras before you go.
- Clearer water in the dry season.
How to get there
- From Cavalcante3 km
Via the dirt road from Cavalcante toward Colinas do Sul, around KM 3 (~3 km from the center), at the reception of the Pousada/RPPN Vale das Araras — by this access locals call it "Vale das Araras." The final kilometers are dirt, well maintained, less than 10 min by car from the center; from reception, the trail leads to the waterfall. There's also an access via the rural subdivision, by which many know it as "Cachoeira do Bartolomeu."
The route leads to the parking area, where the trail begins — the map pin marks the attraction itself, a short walk from there.
Approximate pin — confirm access with a local guide before driving out there.
The trail
The Araras trail, easy and well signposted (audio guide downloaded at reception): about 1.7 km per stretch, ~30–40 min each, crossing cerrado and streams. Distance to confirm with the operator (one way vs. round trip).
The water & the river
- River
- Rio São Bartolomeu
Ratings
Scored 1 to 5. Beauty is subjective — so we split it into axes, letting you sort by what matters to you.
Planning your visit
Cachoeira das Araras is about 3 km by road from Cavalcante; access is by a well-kept dirt road; the trail is 3.4 km round trip, easy level, around 1 h.
Entry costs R$ 25 per person; there's a limit of about 60 visitors per day.
- Do I need a guide?
- No — open access, no guide required.
- How much is entry?
- R$ 25 per person.
- Can I go in a regular car?
- Yes, with care — well-kept dirt road.
- When to go?
- Clearer water in the dry season.
- What are the hours?
- Open daily; hours vary by source (approx. 8am–4pm to 7am–5:30pm) — confirm with the Pousada Vale das Araras before you go.
Guides for this waterfall
Guides working out of Cavalcante.
- Mercides — quilombo Kalunga, trilhas, Engenho IIWhatsApp
- Guias Kalunga — Complexo Turístico (AKCE) — quilombo Kalunga, Santa Bárbara, Candaru, CapivaraWhatsApp
Approximate position — the exact pin is still being checked with people who know the trail.
Nearby
Other attractions close by, as the crow flies — good candidates for the same day.
FPV video coming soon
Drone footage of this waterfall.
Avaliações
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