Farofa de Cima to Braúnas

Dogs No Dogs

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

This trail gives access to one of the most beautiful waterfalls of the Serra do Cipó, the Braúnas waterfall. The track is difficult to see, without many markings. I recommend consulting the park map or using the Hiking Project mobile app to help find your way.

To get to start of the trail from Farofa, you'll use the same trail that leads to the other attractions of the Retiro gateway. You'll hike through a gentle relief, to Bambuzal, where you cross the Bocaina River. On the other side of the river, the trail is easy to follow between bush and capoeiras, until beginning the ascent of the Serra da Bandeirinha. It is about 1.7 km from the river to the start of the climb.

The climb has some steeper and some milder stretches, but in general it is moderately difficult. It is about 3.6 km of climbing, between rocky fields and bush canyons. There are at least two water sources, located near each other and in the initial part of the ascent. As the climb continues, the rock fields change to alpine fields, and hikers will enjoy a stretch where the climb gets easier as well.

After 7.4 km, you'll come to a fork where there is a red painted stake. The trail on the right gives access to the lower part of the waterfall, and the trail on the left accesses the natural pools of Ribeirão Farofa and continues on a well-marked trail towards the Currais.

The final part of the trail that leads to the waterfall has some very steep stretches, and the final meters do not have a marked trail, since it is necessary to cross a forest to reach the top of the falls. After that, you'll see the trail to Braúnas waterfall.