7 Quedas Waterfall Hike in Maresias: Easy, Guided, with a Swim at the End
By MaresiasTur · · Updated on · 4 min read
Quick answer
It's easy: the 7 Quedas Waterfall hike in Maresias covers 2 km (1.2 mi) round trip and takes about 3 hours, ending with a swim at the waterfall. It's led by a certified ecotourism guide, passes through the Atlantic Forest of the Serra do Mar State Park, and departs at 9 am or 2 pm.
Anyone who thinks Maresias is just a beach hasn't done the 7 Quedas Waterfall hike yet. The Atlantic Forest surrounding the neighborhood hides waterfalls, and this trail is the easiest way in: it's 2 km (1.2 mi) round trip, at an easy level, ending with a freshwater swim.
The tour lasts about 3 hours, is led by a certified ecotourism guide, and runs through the Serra do Mar State Park: the São Paulo State Guide to Protected Areas lists the 7 Quedas Waterfall Trail within this conservation unit. There are departures at 9 am and 2 pm, every day, and bookings start at 1 person.
What is the 7 Quedas Waterfall hike like?
The walk follows preserved Atlantic Forest to a waterfall suitable for swimming. The pace is leisurely, with stops for the guide to point out the forest, and the total time includes the swim in the pool.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance | 2 km (1.2 mi) round trip |
| Level | Easy |
| Duration | About 3 hours, including time for a swim |
| Times | 9 am and 2 pm, every day |
| Group | Up to 15 people per departure; bookings from 1 person |
| Setting | Preserved Atlantic Forest, inside the Serra do Mar State Park |
Why hike with a certified guide?
The certified ecotourism guide does more than show the way. The tour includes an educational immersion into the fauna and flora of the Atlantic Forest, and the guide points out where it's safe to enter the water and where the rocks are slippery. Travelers leave the trail understanding much more about the forest surrounding Maresias.
Since the route lies inside the Serra do Mar State Park, walking with someone who knows the area's rules also helps protect the site. What the park is and how it works in the municipality is covered in the guide to the Serra do Mar State Park in São Sebastião. To know what to look out for along the way, it's worth reading the guide to the Atlantic Forest in Maresias. And to understand what sets a serious agency apart, the post on ecotourism safety covers the points to check.
Where is it and how do you get there?
The activity takes place on the Maresias Waterfall Trail. Transportation to the tour location isn't included, and the meeting point appears on the tour page and is confirmed by the team when your booking is confirmed. It's recommended to arrive 30 minutes early.
Apps like Uber and 99 don't work in São Sebastião, so it's a good idea to plan your transportation ahead of time. The guide to getting to and around Maresias can help with that.
What's included and how much does it cost?
| Included | Not included |
|---|---|
| Certified ecotourism guide | Drinks |
| Hike inside a Conservation Unit | Food |
| Educational immersion in the Atlantic Forest | Transportation to the tour location |
| Personal expenses and photographs |
The price is R$ 70 per person (reference price for September 2026). The current price and open time slots are on the Maresias Waterfall Eco Hike (7 Quedas) page. Ecotourism tours are paid in advance, and the cancellation policy explains refund and rescheduling deadlines.
What should you bring on the waterfall hike?
- Sneakers or sandals with good grip, since the rocks near the water are slippery.
- Swimwear under your clothes and a small towel.
- Water and a light snack, since drinks and food aren't included.
- Insect repellent and sunscreen.
- A bag to carry your trash back out.
The full checklist, with tips for combining a hike, rappelling, and a boat tour, is in the post what to bring for a boat tour, hike, and rappelling.
Can you go with kids or on a cloudy day?
Being short and easy, it's one of the best options for families and for anyone who has never hiked before. If there's any mobility limitation, it's best to talk to the team before booking. More family trip ideas are in the guide to tours in Maresias with kids.
When the weather isn't right for the beach, the hike becomes a great option: the forest stays cool and the tour is still beautiful. It's worth checking the forecast, though, since heavy rain makes rivers and rocks more dangerous. If a departure is canceled due to weather conditions, travelers can choose between rescheduling at no cost or getting a full refund. More ideas for those days are in what to do in Maresias when it rains.
How to combine it with other adventures?
Anyone who falls in love with the forest can check out the other options in the guide to hikes in Maresias and the guide to waterfalls in Maresias. To take the adventure up a notch, the Lookout Rappelling is just 10 meters (33 ft), and the Maresias Adventure Package combines biking, a river swim, and rappelling in the same day.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 7 Quedas Waterfall hike difficult?
- No. It's 2 km (1.2 mi) round trip, at an easy level, and takes about 3 hours, including the waterfall swim.
- Can you swim at the 7 Quedas Waterfall?
- Yes. The hike ends at a waterfall suitable for swimming, and the guide points out the safe spots to enter the water.
- What are the guided hike's departure times?
- There are departures at 9 am and 2 pm, every day, with up to 15 people per group. It's recommended to arrive 30 minutes early.
- How much does the guided 7 Quedas Waterfall hike cost?
- R$ 70 per person (reference price for September 2026; the tour page shows the current price).
- Can kids do the waterfall hike in Maresias?
- It's a short, easy-level hike, suitable for families. In case of a mobility limitation, check with the team before booking.
- What's included in the guided hike?
- A certified ecotourism guide, a hike inside a Conservation Unit, and an educational immersion into the Atlantic Forest. Drinks, food, transportation to the location, and photos aren't included.
