As with the beaches, Ubatuba also has a huge collection of waterfalls. Many of them are hidden deep in the forest, and require hours of hiking trails to access them. Others have easier access – find below a few tips for visitors.
Prumirim Waterfall
25km north of the city centre, at the 30km marker of the BR101 (Rio-Santos highway), on the side of the road. There are various levels to the waterfall, one of them forming a natural slide which finishes in a lagoon, followed by a large fall which creates the largest of the pools. It is advisable to park your car in the available parking – vehicles parked on the side of the national road are liable to be fined.
Staircase Waterfall
On the side of the BR101 (Rio-Santos highway) at the the 3km marker, 47km from the city centre, heading towards Rio de Janeiro. One of the largest waterfalls in Ubatuba, with the shape of a giant staircase, forming various smaller waterfalls.
Ipiranguinha Waterfall
7km from the city centre along the SP125 highway in the direction of Taubaté, in the Ipiranguinha district of Ubatuba. This waterfall is encircled by green on all sides and has a height of 7 meters, forming a small sandy beach with deeper pools where swimmers slide across the the slippery rocks into a refreshing dive.
White Water Waterfall
In Sertão da Quina, Maranduba, this is the start of a 10km walking trail in the middle of the Atlantic forest. Also known as the Bride’s Veil waterfall, due to the immense waterfall calculated to be 300m high. It is compulsory to hire an ecological guide to access the waterfall.
Mirror Waterfall
The entrance to the waterfall is at the 20km marker of the BR101 (Rio-Santos highway) heading north from Ubatuba, taking the dirt road which leads you in the direction of Sertão do Cambucá. The trail to the waterfall can be done on foot, in the middle of the forest. It’s essential to have the assistance of a guide, who will inform you about the ecological trail and local information. The waterfall’s lake possesses an enormous rock in the middle, with a layer of water above. When the sun’s rays shine on the rock, it creates the effect of standing in front of a giant mirror.
Source: Revista Turismo