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Cascata Diamantina is one of the most beautiful waterfalls of Tijuca National Park. Accessed by an easy-difficulty hike, this waterfall is hidden on the middle of the woods, with clear and cold waters. The rocks around it form a kind of natural sanctuary illuminated by the sun, what makes the place more special and private. When you are next to the waterfall, in the middle of the woods, it’s even difficult to believe that you are on one of the largest and most vibrant cities of Brazil.
If you’re inclined, you can get to know some more waterfalls around. Cascata da Baronesa (Baronesa Waterfall) for example, is easy to access, have a little fall you fresh water and is very next to the beginning of the hike to Cascata Diamantina. Not far away is Cascata Gabriela (Gabriela Waterfall), with it tiny fall and a beautiful pool of clean and fresh water where you can dive and have fun with your family, even enjoying a picnic near the waters. A bit more far away is Cascatinha Taunay (Taunay Waterfall), with it beauty and big fall by the rocks.
A trail connects the parking with Cascata Diamantina. The hike takes around 15 minutes and don’t have any big difficult.
Know Before You Go
Even though it’s not literally on the middle of the town, the access is very simple. You can go to the waterfall by bike or car (search for “cascata da Baronesa” on google maps to find the directions). You can go by bus too, using lines 301 or 302, that connects the places to Terminal Gentileza and Terminal Alvorada, two big bus stations where you can find buses to any part of the city. But going by bus you’ll need to walk more 3 kilometers on some roads of the forest to arrive. The national park open at 8 a.m. to cars, and at 6 a.m. to bikes and pedestrians. It’s recommended to arrive early (between 8 and 10 a.m.) to find parking inside the park).