Waterfalls: See the 5 most beautiful in Brazil

Waterfalls and heat are words that surround the collective imagination of the vast majority of Brazilians during the summer season – especially those who live in regions that tend to be very hot.

However, not all waterfalls are classified as being among the most beautiful or even appear in the minds of their visitors as the ideal 'waterfall' to enjoy.

Therefore, continue reading until the end to discover ten of the most beautiful waterfalls in Brazil and discover some of their characteristics that attract the attention of their visitors.

What makes a waterfall the 'most beautiful'?

What characteristics of a waterfall are relevant for someone – you or a friend of yours – to consider it beautiful to the point that you want to see it and experience it?

This question may not seem so pertinent, but it is important to take it into consideration since waterfalls, waterfalls or whatever they are called, have different characteristics that allow direct interactions or not.

Therefore, you will find three types of waterfalls out there:

• Waterfall – It has this name when the fall is from a mass of rocks with an irregular slope, in a vertical direction, with which the water slides over a series of rugged slopes;
• Jump – It has this name when the fall is in the form of a splash, and in an uninterrupted fall from a great height;
• Cataract – It has this name when the waterfall has a large flow and in the form of a curtain.

Now that you know this, you can imagine that, in general, exploring a waterfall will always be a little more complicated, while enjoying a jump or a waterfall is much more peaceful – in addition to being much more common.

Furthermore, you will find a waterfall in a wide variety of places – in Brazil they occur in practically all possible types, with the only exception being those that appear on glaciers, ice shelves or even icebergs.

5 most beautiful waterfalls in Brazil

Now that you have an idea of what waterfalls you can find, especially how to define what type each one has, you must be looking to know which five waterfalls were chosen in the article.

Therefore, the following list reveals these five examples, among many others, of the most beautiful waterfalls in Brazil. Those that you can be sure will be worth knowing at some point.

Some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Brazil are:

• Santa Barbara Waterfall
• Formiga Waterfall
• Caracol Waterfall
• Viking Retreat Waterfalls
• Fumaça Waterfall

As already said, these waterfalls are some of the most beautiful, however, with these you will have some of the most beautiful and famous of those that can be qualified as 'the most beautiful'.

Santa Bárbara Waterfall, Chapada dos Veadeiros in Goiás

Located in Goiás, in the magnificent Chapada dos Veadeiros, the Santa Bárbara waterfall is known for having blue waters like those of the Caribbean Sea, which makes it one of the most popular attractions in Chapada.

Santa Bárbara is within the Kalunga territory, the largest quilombola area in the country, in Cavalcante. 

Furthermore, one of the reasons that qualifies it to be one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Brazil and, therefore, most popular, is its well – the waterfall is around 30 meters. Therefore, it is not considered very large – it surrounds the waterfall.

Therefore, on the most beautiful days, expect spectacular water transparency, leaving it turquoise blue like the Caribbean Sea. Thus, providing incredible dives as well as photographs – which are very popular whenever they are taken.

Formiga Waterfall, Jalapão in Tocantins

The Formiga waterfall, located in Tocantins, in the Jalapão region, is known for its intense blue water, which gives the place a very special touch.

With its transparent and crystal clear waters, bathing in this waterfall becomes perfect. And that is why the place is considered one of the best-known places in Jalapão, being sought after by all tourists who visit the region.

However, don't go expecting a very big waterfall, as it isn't. However, this makes it easier to bathe in the waterfall itself and enjoy the natural pool that forms with it. It's a perfect set for you to enjoy!

Furthermore, the temperature of the Formiga waterfall is not freezing, but is at the ideal point to combat the strong heat in the region, making it a good place to relax or take a dip. Therefore, this is why it is among the most beautiful waterfalls in the country.

Caracol Waterfall, Canela in Rio Grande do Sul

The Caracol waterfall is easily included in the hall of the most beautiful waterfalls in Brazil. Located in the pleasant and popular city of Canela, in Rio Grande do Sul, the waterfall stands out for its size, 131 meters completely surrounded by untouched nature.

Furthermore, the Caracol waterfall is part of the attractions of the Caracol State Park, which is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Canela, and its bigger sister, Gramado. It's a beautiful place and has the waterfall as its flagship.

However, this is not one of those waterfalls made for those without breath. To reach its base, it takes almost a thousand steps to descend to the base of the waterfall. A simpler – and more expensive – solution is to observe it from the panoramic elevator.

Retiro Viking Waterfalls, Capitol in Minas Gerais

Little known, the Retiro Viking waterfall circuit, in Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, is an attraction that deserves all the attention of visitors. There are five waterfalls and some swimming holes, as well as trails that connect everything in the region.

The circuit has some different waterfalls, which have different characteristics – which make the waterfall complex incredible – such as:

Trovão, which has the highest waterfall, is considered one of the most beautiful stops made along the way. However, Patinho Feio, with caramel-colored water and rapids surrounded by rocky walls, is a favorite with some visitors.

Meanwhile, the Little Box of Surprises, calm and great for relaxing. However, there is the Little Mermaid, which has a great well for you to swim in. Finally, Quelé, home to a perfect waterfall that descends in the form of small cascades onto the rock.

Cachoeira da Fumaça, Chapada Diamantina in Bahia

Known for its size, with around 340 meters of waterfall, the Fumaça waterfall is also one of the waterfalls with the easiest access in all of Brazil. 

Located in Vale do Capão, in Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, the Fumaça waterfall has a magical setting. Its more than 300 meters in length are surrounded by rocky walls and unspoiled and exuberant nature.

However, be prepared to get to the top of the waterfall, as there are 12 km of trails, including the round trip. However, there is an initial climb of 2 km that requires some degree of physical fitness.

In addition, you can also explore the base of the waterfall, however it is more difficult and longer, requiring an overnight stay at a campsite. However, even so, it is worth it when the spectacle of 'smoke' is seen for the first time.

Conclusion on the most beautiful waterfalls in Brazil

In short, as you have read previously in the topics, there are many beautiful waterfalls in Brazil. Therefore, consider these examples as tips to help you start your waterfall circuit on your future trips, but don't forget, there is much more!