Jeribucaçu waterfall, 10 km from central Itacaré: an easy hike of about 15 minutes through forest and mangrove to a natural pool, on the site of the old power plant.
The trail leaves from the edge of the Estrada Parque, and within a few steps the road disappears. You enter the Mata Atlântica, then the mangrove, and the path stays easy until the water appears: a natural pool at the foot of the falls that, for four decades, powered Itacaré.
From the road to the mangrove
The starting point is 10 km from central Itacaré, on the Estrada Parque Itacaré–Serra Grande. From there, it is about 15 minutes of easy walking, with no rush, alternating between forest shade and mangrove ground. It is a short route, best taken with an eye on your surroundings: the vegetation changes character with every stretch, and the pace of the trail invites you to notice it.
The falls and the power plant
The Usina waterfall takes its name from the hydroelectric plant that operated here and supplied Itacaré with power between the 1920s and the 1960s. The height of the falls is given as somewhere between 12 and 20 meters. At its foot, the natural pool is the place to stop: the end of the trail and the reason people linger once they arrive.
A note on location: Itacaré has two waterfalls called Usina. This one is in Jeribucaçu; the other is in Taboquinhas. When booking a tour, confirm which one is on the itinerary.
Onward to the sea
The waterfall is in the Praia de Jeribucaçu area and is usually visited on the same outing as the beach. For those who want to walk farther, there is an alternative: a trail that follows the course of the Rio Jeribucaçu to the beach, about 1 hour through mangrove and forest.
Who it's for
For anyone who wants a waterfall with a natural pool without facing a long hike: the trail of about 15 minutes is easy. It suits those building a day around Jeribucaçu who want to add the falls to the beach. For those after a more demanding trek, the appeal lies in the 1-hour alternative to the beach, not in the direct route to the waterfall.
Practical info
- Getting there: the trail starts 10 km from central Itacaré, on the Estrada Parque Itacaré–Serra Grande.
- Trail: about 15 minutes of easy walking through Mata Atlântica and mangrove to the natural pool. Alternative route along the Rio Jeribucaçu to the beach: about 1 hour.
- Falls: between 12 and 20 meters high.
- Tour: included in the Jeribucaçu + Arruda + Usina tour, between R$ 160 and R$ 170 (prices as of Feb 2025).
- Operators: Itacaré Adventure (73 99949-6881) and Itacaré Turismo include the waterfall in the Jeribucaçu tour.
Before you go
- Getting there
- Trail starts 10 km from the center, on the Estrada Parque Itacaré–Serra Grande; ~15 minutes of easy walking through Mata Atlântica and mangrove to a natural pool. itacare.com.br
- Located in the Praia de Jeribucaçu area; usually visited on the same outing as the beach. Bruno Ferreira, editor (conhecimento local)
- Trail
- An alternative trail follows the course of the Rio Jeribucaçu to the beach, about 1 hour, crossing mangrove and forest. Melhores Destinos (Guia de Destinos)
- Price
- Included in the Jeribucaçu + Arruda + Usina tour (R$ 160 with Itacaré Turismo; R$ 170 on Civitatis in Feb 2025). Itacaré Turismo
- History
- The name comes from the hydroelectric plant that supplied Itacaré with power here between the 1920s and the 1960s. Ecoporan Hotel (blog)
- Good to know
- Height of the falls: 12 m according to Itacaré Turismo; other sources cite 15 m and about 20 m. Itacaré Turismo
- Itacaré has two waterfalls called Usina: this one, in Jeribucaçu, and the one in Taboquinhas. Bruno Ferreira, editor (conhecimento local)
- Who runs it
- Itacaré Adventure (73 99949-6881) and Itacaré Turismo include the waterfall in the Jeribucaçu tour. itacare.com.br
What this place offers
- Good for children
Practical info
- Address
- Itacaré, BA, 45530-000, Brasil
- Type
- waterfall
Location
Frequently asked questions
How long does the trail to the Usina waterfall take?
About 15 minutes of easy walking through Mata Atlântica and mangrove, starting from the Estrada Parque Itacaré–Serra Grande.
How far is it from central Itacaré?
The trail starts 10 km from central Itacaré.
Why is it called Usina?
The name comes from the hydroelectric plant that supplied Itacaré with power between the 1920s and the 1960s.
Who runs tours to the waterfall and how much does it cost?
Itacaré Adventure (73 99949-6881) and Itacaré Turismo include the waterfall in the Jeribucaçu tour. The Jeribucaçu + Arruda + Usina tour cost between R$ 160 and R$ 170 in Feb 2025.
Is it the same Usina as the one in Taboquinhas?
No. Itacaré has two waterfalls called Usina: this one, in Jeribucaçu, and the one in Taboquinhas.
Do you manage this place? Correct details, send photos or request removal.
