Cachoeira do Amor

Hidden within the Tijuca Forest lies Cachoeira do Amor, a waterfall so elusive it barely has a name. Some call it Cachoeira do Amor. Others know it as Cachoeira do Alto da Boa Vista. Cachoeira do Amor is a hidden gem, a testament to the unexplored wonders tucked away within Rio de Janeiro. Few know of its existence. Fewer still have witnessed its beauty firsthand. Finding the start of the trail is a challenge in itself. But the reward is well worth the effort. One access point is near Santa Marcelina College. Park your car in the square nearby. Walk down the road. You’ll see a fork. Take the flatter path. The street may seem deserted and somewhat abandoned. Continue for about three minutes. You’ll hear the sound of the river. Look for a small entrance on your left. This unmarked entryway leads to the river and the start of the trail. Look for an arch-shaped structure in the stream. It marks the correct path. As you descend towards Cachoeira do Amor, you’ll encounter other waterfalls. The first resembles a small grotto. Further down, a scene unfolds that looks like Rio’s own “Window to Heaven.” This waterfall is like a small staircase with a shallow pool. It’s truly inviting. To reach Cachoeira do Amor, find the path on the left side of the “Window to Heaven.” The trail is somewhat steep and slippery, but manageable. However, be careful. One section brings you close to the edge of a precipice. There have been reports of injuries here. Cachoeira do Amor boasts a six-meter drop. The water volume is impressive, even during Rio’s intense summer. You can climb the right side of the main waterfall and bathe beneath it. There’s even a small ledge to sit and feel the full force of the water on your back. The pool below the falls is deep enough for a swim. The smaller cascade at the pool’s edge offers a soothing massage. The area around Cachoeira do Amor is open and sunny, perfect for basking in the morning and afternoon sun. Return the same way you came. Be mindful of the slippery rocks. The water quality is uncertain. Some say it’s unsuitable for swimming. Others disagree. It seems the water quality degrades after it passes a certain church. This makes the area near the falls potentially safe for bathing. Enter at your own discretion.