Thinking of exploring Brazil waterfalls in 2025? Excellent choice, my friend. Brazil is the land of samba, sun, and some seriously jaw-dropping waterfalls — the kind that make you question whether gravity is showing off.
From sky-scraping cascades that look like they’re in 4K IRL to turquoise pools that make you rethink your life in a cubicle, the waterfalls in Brazil are a travel flex everyone needs in their life.
Let’s dive into the Top 10 Brazil Waterfalls of 2025 (and yes, bring a raincoat — nature doesn’t care about your blow-dry).
1. Iguaçu Falls (The Beyoncé of Brazil Waterfalls) -Paraná State
Let’s get the obvious one out of the way.
Iguaçu Falls (or Iguaçu/Iguazú depending on which side you’re on—Brazil or Argentina) isn’t just a waterfall. It’s 275 waterfalls lined up in a dramatic, thunderous, misty spectacle, stretching nearly 2.7 kilometers wide. It’s like the Niagara Falls said, “Hold my water.”
It’s located in Iguaçu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it draws millions of visitors every year—and for good reason. The highlight? The Devil’s Throat, a U-shaped monster of a drop that will make you feel like you’re standing at the edge of the world.
Now here’s the kicker: you can explore it from both Brazil and Argentina, but the Brazilian side gives you panoramic views that are simply a chef’s kiss. Oh, and bring a raincoat. Or five.
🔹 Must see: Devil’s Throat (Garganta do Diabo) – a massive U-shaped section that literally roars
🔹 Pro tip: Visit from both Brazil and Argentina sides if you can
🔹 UNESCO status: Oh yes, it’s that official
2. Cachoeira da Fumaça (Smoke Without Fire) – Bahia
Next up, Cachoeira da Fumaça, which literally means Smoke Waterfall.
At 340 meters tall, it’s one of the tallest waterfalls in Brazil, and yes—it’s so high that by the time the water hits the bottom, it’s basically turned into mist. Hence the name. It’s the closest you’ll get to a live-action optical illusion.
Nestled in Chapada Diamantina National Park in Bahia, this one’s for the hikers, the photographers, and the drama queens of Instagram. The trail to the top isn’t a walk in the park—it is the park. But every step is worth it.
Want to impress someone? Tell them you’ve hiked to a place where the waterfall disappears midair—instant cool points.
🔹 Best for: Hikers, nature lovers, and people who enjoy flexing on friends back home
🔹 Fun fact: It was once believed to be Brazil’s tallest until Cachoeira do El Dorado was discovered
3. Caracol Falls (The Waterfall With a Viewing Tower) – Rio Grande do Sul
Let’s swing by the Rio Grande do Sul now, where the super dramatic Caracol Falls resides near the town of Canela. This waterfall is 131 meters of cascading water surrounded by lush forest and the faint scent of BBQ from the nearby churrascarias.
What makes this place unique isn’t just the waterfall—it’s the observation tower. That’s right. Brazil gave a waterfall its own personal catwalk. You climb, you gasp, you click a hundred photos.
And for the adventurous ones, there’s also a cable car and a steep staircase that leads to the base of the falls (warning: your thighs will file a complaint afterward).
The stairs? 927 steps. So if you skip leg day — well, this is your redemption arc.
🔹 Instagram rating: 10/10 — it even has a skywalk
🔹 Easy access: Unlike some others, this one is stroller and flip-flop-friendly
4. Véu da Noiva (The Bride’s Veil) – Mato Grosso
Let’s be real — any waterfall called The Bride’s Veil already sounds dramatic and romantic, right? And Véu da Noiva, located in Chapada dos Guimarães National Park, fully lives up to the name. Cascading 86 meters (282 feet) off a red sandstone cliff, it flows down like a delicate sheer veil, especially when mist catches the sunlight just right.
It’s the centerpiece of the park and one of the most iconic Brazil waterfalls — not just for its beauty but for its location. The panoramic view from the top of the canyon? Chef’s kiss. You’re not just seeing a waterfall; you’re seeing a cathedral built by erosion and time.
🔹 Access: Viewpoint easily reachable by car + short walk
🔹 Best for: Romantics, photographers, and fans of waterfalls that look like they’re auditioning for a perfume commercial
🔹 Fun fact: It’s the most photographed site in Chapada dos Guimarães National Park — and no wonder
5. Cachoeira do Tabuleiro (Best Kept Secret) – Minas Gerais
Tabuleiro has been voted the most beautiful waterfall in Brazil multiple times. And no, that’s not just a travel blogger saying that. Even actual geographers are impressed.
It drops 273 meters (896 feet) from a sandstone cliff and lands in a crystal-clear pool perfect for a swim. If waterfalls were celebrities, this would be the indie darling with the killer IMDB profile.
🔹 Access: Medium-difficulty hiking trail, 7 km round trip
🔹 Vibe: Romantic, wild, and unfiltered
6. Santa Bárbara Waterfall (Brazil’s Tropical Screensaver Come to Life) – Goiás
If Cachoeira do Tabuleiro is the tall, mysterious one, Santa Bárbara Waterfall is the charming, photogenic stunner that makes everyone scream, “Is this even real!?”
Nestled in the heart of Cavalcante, Goiás, in the Chapada dos Veadeiros region, Santa Bárbara Waterfall (or Cachoeira Santa Bárbara, if you’re feeling fancy) is what happens when nature decides to go full tropical paradise. It may not be the tallest of waterfalls in Brazil (clocking in at around 30 meters), but what it lacks in height, it makes up for in crystal-clear Caribbean-blue water that’ll make your jaw drop, then ask politely for a snorkel.
Seriously—this place looks like someone photoshopped the watercolor just to flex.
🔹 Height: Only about 30 meters, but the clarity and hue steal the show
🔹 Eco tip: You’ll need a local guide (great for supporting the community!)
🔹 Visitor limit: Yes — only a certain number allowed per day, so book early
7. Salto do Yucumã (Brazil’s Horizontal Waterfall) – Rio Grande do Sul
Just when you thought Brazil waterfalls couldn’t get any wilder, along comes Salto do Yucumã, flipping the script—literally.
This isn’t your average vertical plunge. Oh no. Salto do Yucumã, located in the Turvo State Park in Rio Grande do Sul, is the longest longitudinal waterfall in the world (Turvo State Park, RS). Translation? The water doesn’t fall down—it falls sideways. Nature said, “Let’s do something different.”
Stretching over 1,800 meters in length, the falls run along the Uruguay River and form a gaping trench, almost like a crack in the Earth’s crust that water is rushing into. It’s dramatic, powerful, and honestly a little terrifying in the coolest way.
🔹 Best time to visit: Between August and October, when the river is calmest
🔹 Unique geography: It flows into a canyon, not a plunge pool
8. Cachoeira Casca D’Anta (The First Impression of a Giant) – Minas Gerais
Ah, Casca D’Anta—the first big waterfall of the São Francisco River and the kind of place that makes you stop mid-sentence and say, “Whoa.” At 186 meters tall, it’s like nature’s way of saying, “Let me show you how it’s done,” complete with misty drama and a soundtrack of roaring water.
Tucked inside Serra da Canastra National Park, getting to it is a mini-adventure. You can take a chill walk to the base or hike from the top if you’re feeling brave (and your legs haven’t filed for early retirement). Either way, you’re rewarded with views that make your phone’s storage weep.
Despite its name meaning “Old Bark,” this waterfall is anything but cranky. It’s lively, loud, and the perfect spot to feel small—in a good, existential crisis but make it pretty kind of way.
🔹 Wildlife spotting: Capuchin monkeys, toucans, maybe your ex (just kidding… hopefully)
🔹 Swimming allowed: At the base, yes
9. Boca da Onça (The “Big Cat” of Brazil Waterfalls) – Mato Grosso do Sul
You like variety? Great. Because here, you don’t get just one waterfall. You get twelve — along a hiking trail that’ll leave your legs crying, but your soul smiling.
The main fall, Boca da Onça literally means Jaguar’s Mouth, and honestly, that’s exactly the kind of dramatic energy this waterfall brings. At 156 meters, it’s the tallest waterfall in the state—and it doesn’t just fall, it poses on the way down like it’s doing a slow-motion shampoo commercial.
Located in the lush region of Bonito, this spot is a waterfall lover’s dream. Not only do you get Boca da Onça’s thunderous beauty, but you also pass by multiple smaller waterfalls and natural pools along the trail—kind of like nature’s version of a tasting menu.
There’s even a steel staircase hanging off a cliff (don’t look down) that leads to jaw-dropping views. Pro tip: bring your swimwear, a decent camera, and a sense of adventure. Leave the jaguar—he already has his mouth full.
🔹 Highlights: Natural pools, canyons, tropical fish
🔹 Accessibility: Guided tours only — safety
10. Itiquira Falls (The Tall, Handsome One) – Goiás
Meet Itiquira Falls, the tall drink of water in the Goiás state. Standing proud at 168 meters (551 feet), this is one of the tallest accessible waterfalls in Brazil, and you don’t need to take a helicopter, fight off mosquitos, or hike for six hours to reach it. We love a low-effort, high-reward king.
The name “Itiquira” comes from the Tupi-Guarani language and means “falling water” — which is both literal and poetic. The falls sit in a protected area, surrounded by cliffs, tropical greenery, and that constant soothing soundtrack of roaring water and chirping birds.
🔹 Access: Super easy — drive up, walk a short trail, boom, you’re impressed
🔹 Vibe: Calm, meditative, and very Instagrammable
🔹 Fun fact: Although it’s not the absolute tallest in Brazil, it’s one of the tallest that’s actually easy to visit without needing a helicopter or a mountain goat as a guide.
11. Tabuleiro Falls (Where the Mountains Cry) – Minas Gerais
Ever heard of a waterfall so stunning it makes the mountains cry tears of joy? Welcome to Cachoeira do Tabuleiro. At 273 meters (896 feet), it’s Brazil’s tallest waterfall outside the Amazon basin and repeatedly voted the most beautiful waterfall in the country. It’s the kind of place where you pause, take a deep breath, and whisper, “Yep, nature’s got some serious skills.”
This waterfall tumbles over a sandstone cliff in the Serra do Espinhaço Mountains, pouring into a crystal-clear pool that’s perfect for a refreshing swim. The trail to get here is about 7 km round trip and moderately challenging — so bring your hiking shoes and a spirit ready for adventure.
🔹 Trail length: 7 km round trip, medium difficulty
🔹 Why visit?: The blend of thunderous cascades, lush greenery, and tranquil swimming spots makes it a highlight of Minas Gerais and a must-see among waterfalls in Brazil.
🔹 Extra: In the dry season, the water flow softens to a delicate trickle — like the mountains are whispering their secrets.
12. Paulo Afonso Falls – The Mighty Giant on the Bahia/Alagoas Border
Paulo Afonso Falls isn’t just a waterfall—it’s a full-on power move. Straddling the border between Bahia and Alagoas, this fierce cascade on the São Francisco River used to roar with untamed energy before being partially harnessed by a hydroelectric plant. Yes, this one went corporate.
Even so, when the floodgates open, it still puts on a show that makes your jaw drop and your phone camera overheat. With a total height of around 80 meters, split across rocky cliffs and narrow canyons, it’s a dramatic mix of wild nature and human engineering.
Locals once called it the “Niagara of Brazil”, and honestly? It lives up to the name—minus the souvenir shops and maple syrup.
🔹 Best for: Engineers, waterfall nerds, and anyone impressed by water-defying rock
🔹 Also notable: A nearby canyon you can kayak through. Very Indiana Jones vibes
Okay But Why Are Brazil’s Waterfalls So… Extra?
There’s no denying it—waterfalls in Brazil are nature’s way of bragging. And why wouldn’t they? The country has:
- Tropical climates fueling endless rain and river systems
- Massive national parks and dense forests keeping ecosystems lush
- And let’s be honest, the drama just runs in Brazil’s veins—from telenovelas to its terrain.
That’s why Brazil waterfalls are often multi-tiered, mega-tall, or thunderously wide. They’re not here to be subtle.
When Should You Visit?
Here’s the thing. Brazil is generally waterfall-friendly all year thanks to its warm climate. But if you want max power and splash:
- Visit between November and March, during the rainy season. Waterfalls are in full flow.
- The dry season (April–October) offers clearer skies and easier hikes, but less dramatic water volume.
Basically, it’s always a good time to chase waterfalls in Brazil. Just adjust your expectations. And pack waterproof everything.
What to Pack
- Waterproof shoes or sandals
- A lightweight poncho (you’ll need it)
- A dry bag for your phone/camera
- Insect repellent (Amazon region especially)
- Sunscreen — waterfalls don’t block UV rays, sadly
Language Tip
“Waterfall” in Portuguese is cachoeira. Handy to know when asking for directions or reading maps.
Why Visit Brazil Waterfalls in 2025?
Let’s be honest: you could go see the same beach everyone’s posting about on Instagram. Or… you could hike into a hidden valley in Bahia, find a glowing turquoise pool, and jump into it like a cinematic hero.
2025 is the perfect time. With eco-tourism surging, national parks improving accessibility, and renewed interest in natural heritage post-pandemic, waterfalls in Brazil are the kind of adventure your future self will thank you for.
Oh, and let’s not forget — the photos will slap. We’re talking desktop wallpaper material.
Wrapping Up
Whether you’re the “one photo and done” kind or a full-blown hiking junkie, Brazil waterfalls will spoil you for life. From the majestic roar of Iguaçu to the misty magic of Cachoeira da Fumaça, these falls don’t just drop water—they drop jaws.
They’re stunning, powerful, Instagram-worthy, and surprisingly accessible. So next time you think Brazil’s all about beaches and football, just remember—it’s also a place where water falls from the sky in 300-foot theatrical performances.
And hey, if this has got you excited about traveling, we’re here to help. At Get Visa Info, we provide info about visas, immigration, travel, food, and a whole lot more (but without boring you to death).
Now go pack that poncho.
