Cachoeira Braúnas

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

The hike to Braúnas waterfall is a full 21km as an out-and-back hike. The start of the trail is uphill, which is challenging at first, but becomes more gradual as you climb. There are several bifurcations in the beginning, since the trail was a cattle passage to the top of the mountain range, but almost all lead to the same place.

We entered through a gorge, a passage through the lowest point of Serra da Mutuca, and soon reached the highest point of the route: 1,469m. After this, the trail begins a gentle descent that ends in Ribeirão Bandeirinhas. There are some water access points along this section.

Arriving at Ribeirao Bandeirinhas, the trail will cross a forest. The trail does not disappear, but it is necessary to pay attention at some points, since the trail can be overgrown in places. Use caution as some of the shrubs do have thorns. The creek is small in normal conditions and easy to cross. After all the climbing, the shaded forest and cool river are very attractive for a bath or dipping your feet to cool off.

After crossing the creek, it can be a bit difficult to find the trail, but it is there. We returned to the fields which were followed by a very smooth relief, and eventually we saw the waterfall.

At this point, Braúnas can be seen from a distance. First, hikers can spot a fall away from the Stream of the Heron, then the first well of the fall called Brauninha and, finally, the complete fall.

After this first glimpse of the waterfall, hikers will continue on a descent. It is necessary to be careful because the slope is steep, and the gravel is loose in several points. Almost at the end of the descent, there is a small camping area. The ground is not the most comfortable since it is hard and covered in gravel.

If it is not the largest, the Braúnas is one of the largest waterfalls in the national park. The waterfall is high and has good flow throughout the year. It is ideal is to visit it in the summer, since in winter the waters of the Stream Garça and Mutuca are very cold.

To get to Brauninha (the upper well), it is necessary to cross the stream after the well and to climb through a very steep section of forest. I think that the climb only worthwhile for who are planning to spend the night and have time to explore the area. For those who are doing a day hike, exploring the base of the falls before heading back will still give you plenty to see.