Here you can swim. The Poço do Paredão is one of the natural pools in the Serra dos Órgãos National Park. This park is a haven for nature lovers.
The Serra dos Órgãos National Park was established in 1939. It protects the stunning landscape. It also protects the biodiversity of this part of the Serra do Mar. The park spans over 20024 hectares. It covers the municipalities of Teresópolis, Petrópolis, Magé and Guapimirim.
Inside this protected area, you can find Poço do Paredão. The park has an incredible variety of plants and animals. There are over 2800 plant species. Also there are 462 bird species, 105 mammal species, 103 amphibian species, and 83 reptile species. Among these are 130 endangered species. Many are endemic meaning they are found nowhere else.
To get to Poço do Paredão you must visit the park. The park is open from Tuesday to Sunday. It is also open on national holidays. On Mondays, the park is closed for internal maintenance. Access to the park is free. Once the maximum capacity is reached, the gates are closed. They will not reopen that day. Entry requires individual identification. You need your CPF and a photo ID like an RG, CNH or passport.
You can bring food and drinks into the park. However domestic animals are not allowed. Also barbecues, bonfires, sound equipment, glass bottles and drug use are prohibited.
The park has three main entrances. They are in Teresópolis, Petrópolis and Guapimirim. The Teresópolis entrance is on Avenida Rotariana. It connects to the BR 116 Rio-Bahia highway. The Petrópolis entrance is in the Bonfim district of Corrêas. Access is via the BR 040 highway. The Guapimirim entrance is at Km 102 of the BR 116 highway.
Within the park you will discover Poço do Paredão. The park offers various attractions. You can enjoy natural pools and waterfalls. There are also many hiking trails for all difficulty levels.
One of the popular trails is the Pedra do Sino trail. Pedra do Sino is the highest point in the Serra dos Órgãos. It stands at 2275 meters. From the top you can see Guanabara Bay and Rio de Janeiro. The trail is about 11 km long. It takes five to six hours to hike from the park headquarters in Teresópolis.
The park also has camping facilities. Camping Jaguatirica is located in the Teresópolis headquarters. Camping Araçari is in the Guapimirim headquarters.
Besides Poço do Paredão other natural pools include Poço da Capela. It is near the historic chapel of Nsa Sra da Conceição do Soberbo. There is also Poço da Preguiça. It is a 15 minute walk from the Visitor Center. Poço Paraíso is a beautiful place to swim. It is a short walk from the Bonfim entrance.
The Serra dos Órgãos National Park is also a famous place for rock climbing. There are over 130 climbing routes of different difficulties. The Dedo de Deus is considered the birthplace of climbing in Brazil. The Agulha do Diabo was named one of the 15 most spectacular rock climbs in the world.
Remember to respect the environment during your visit to Poço do Paredão. Follow the park rules. This helps preserve this natural paradise for future generations. Enjoy your swim in the refreshing waters of Poço do Paredão.