Waterfalls in Maresias and Nearby: Which Ones to Visit with a Guide
By MaresiasTur · · Updated on · 4 min read
Quick answer
The waterfalls in Maresias that can be visited with a guide are Cachoeira das 7 Quedas, at the end of an easy 2 km round-trip trail, and Cachoeira de Calhetas, reached by a 96-meter rappel. For a river swim, there's Poço do Caetano, on the Rio Maresias.
Behind the beach, the Atlantic Forest climbing the Serra do Mar hides fresh water. The waterfalls in Maresias that can be visited with a guide, starting from the village, are two: Cachoeira das 7 Quedas, at the end of an easy trail, and Cachoeira de Calhetas, reached by rappelling down. For those who just want a river swim, there's also Poço do Caetano, a natural pool on the Rio Maresias.
Each one calls for a different kind of tour and energy level. Here's what to expect from each place, how to get there, and what to bring.
Which waterfalls can be visited with a guide from Maresias?
| Place | How to get there | Effort | Tour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cachoeira das 7 Quedas | 2 km trail, round trip | Easy | Eco Hike – Maresias Waterfall (7 Quedas), about 3 hours |
| Cachoeira de Calhetas | 96-meter rappel descent | Adventure; for those not afraid of heights | Calhetas Rappelling, about 3 hours |
| Poço do Caetano (Rio Maresias) | By bike through the village and a stretch of trail | Easy | BikeTour 360º or Maresias Adventure Package |
What is Cachoeira das 7 Quedas like?
It's the easiest waterfall to visit from Maresias. The trail is 2 km round trip, passes through preserved Atlantic Forest and a conservation unit, and ends at a waterfall suitable for swimming. The tour lasts about 3 hours, with departures at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. every day, led by a certified ecotourism guide.
The São Paulo State Government's Protected Areas Guide lists the Trilha da Cachoeira das 7 Quedas under the Serra do Mar State Park. Everything about the guided tour is in the post about the Cachoeira das 7 Quedas trail.
Can you visit Cachoeira de Calhetas?
Yes, but in a different way: by rope. Calhetas Rappelling descends 96 meters down the wet rock beside the waterfall, with the forest all around and the sea on the horizon. Certified adventure tourism guides teach the technique beforehand and accompany the descent, and all equipment and individual insurance are included. Departure is from the agency, at Av. Francisco Loup, 500, at 9 a.m. or 2 p.m.
The technique is easy to learn, but it's recommended for those who aren't afraid of heights. Anyone who has never rappelled before can first read the guide to rappelling for the first time and the post about rappelling at Cachoeira de Calhetas. One note: EcoTour – Calhetas Beach is a beach tour, and its description doesn't include the waterfall.
What is Poço do Caetano?
It's a natural pool in the crystal-clear waters of the Rio Maresias. It's not a tall waterfall, but a pool among rocks, good for those who want a freshwater swim without a long trail. It's a stop on the BikeTour 360º in Maresias, a roughly 3-hour bike tour, and on the Maresias Adventure Package, which combines the ride, the river swim, and Lookout Rappelling – Paúba Beach in the same day.
Are there other waterfalls near Maresias?
The São Sebastião Unit of the Serra do Mar State Park lists other freshwater attractions in the municipality, such as Cachoeira do Ribeirão de Itu, Cachoeira Rio das Pedras, in Sertão de Cambury, and the Poções pools, in Barra do Una. Visiting the unit requires advance booking, and admission is free, according to the Protected Areas Guide. These places aren't part of MaresiasTur's tours, and the conditions of each trail should be confirmed with the unit. The post about the Serra do Mar State Park in São Sebastião explains how to book.
What precautions should you take at a waterfall?
- Wear footwear with good grip: the rocks near the water are slippery.
- Only enter the water where the guide indicates.
- Check the weather forecast, since heavy rain makes rivers and rocks more dangerous.
- Bring swimwear, a towel, water, and a snack, since drinks and food are not included.
- Take your trash back with you.
The full list is in what to bring for a boat tour, hike, or rappel. If the departure is canceled due to weather or safety, the traveler can choose between rescheduling at no cost or getting a full refund, per the cancellation policy.
How much does it cost to visit the waterfalls with a guide?
| Tour | Waterfall or pool | Price per person |
|---|---|---|
| Eco Hike – Maresias Waterfall (7 Quedas) | Cachoeira das 7 Quedas | R$ 70 |
| BikeTour 360º | Poço do Caetano | R$ 90 |
| Maresias Adventure Package | Poço do Caetano, plus Lookout Rappelling – Paúba Beach | R$ 150 |
| Calhetas Rappelling | Cachoeira de Calhetas | R$ 300 |
These are reference prices as of September 2026. The updated price and available times for the trail are on the Eco Hike – Maresias Waterfall (7 Quedas) page. To combine a waterfall with other hikes, the guide to hiking trails in Maresias lists all the guided options.
Frequently asked questions
- Which is the easiest waterfall to visit in Maresias?
- Cachoeira das 7 Quedas. The guided trail is 2 km round trip, is easy level, and lasts about 3 hours, with a swim at the end.
- Can you swim at Cachoeira de Calhetas?
- Cachoeira de Calhetas is visited on the Calhetas Rappelling tour, with a 96-meter descent beside the waterfall. The tour is about rappelling, not swimming.
- Is Poço do Caetano a waterfall?
- It's a natural pool on the Rio Maresias, with crystal-clear water, with a swim stop on the BikeTour 360º and the Maresias Adventure Package.
- How much does the guided trail to Cachoeira das 7 Quedas cost?
- R$ 70 per person (reference price as of September 2026; the updated price appears on the tour page).
- Do you need a guide to visit the waterfalls in Maresias?
- MaresiasTur's waterfall tours are always guided, by a certified guide or leader. For trails within the Serra do Mar State Park, visits require advance booking, and each trail's rules should be confirmed with the unit.
