Cachoeira do Cleandro - Rio do Engenho

The boat nudges the riverbank and the river falls away behind you. On the way up the Rio de Contas, the mangrove drifted slowly past, with egrets standing still in the mud and crabs among the roots. Now all you hear is falling water. Cachoeira do Cleandro, on the Rio do Engenho, asks for this slow arrival: the way in is by water, and the journey is part of the outing.

Upriver, through the mangroves

The trip starts in Itacaré, by boat or canoe, heading up the Rio de Contas. The crossing takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour, depending on the vessel. Visitors often single out the mangrove stretch, with its egrets and crabs, as one of the best moments of the day. The few complaints concern the time spent on the boat, which feels long to some.

There is more than one way to make the trip. The motorboat leaves at 9h from Praia da Concha (beach) on a 6-hour outing: 3 hours at the waterfall and 3 hours on the river, with the sunset. The Hawaiian canoe includes entrance, water and a picnic. Boatmen from Concha and local agencies also run people out there.

Ten minutes of trail, three falls

From the landing point, an easy trail of about 10 minutes leads to the waterfall. There are three falls with a natural pool, the place for a swim. Visitors often name the pools as the highlight, after a morning of river and sun.

The area belongs to a farm with a restaurant and plantations of cacao and clove. There is an entrance fee per person, charged to those arriving by river.

Who it's for

The waterfall works well for families: it is listed as ideal for children and accepts pets. It also suits anyone who prefers a water excursion to a long hike, since the walk is short and easy. It is not the best choice for those who mind time on a boat, which weighs on the ratings of some visitors. Those with mobility restrictions should arrange boarding with the operator beforehand.

Practical info

• Getting there: by boat or canoe up the Rio de Contas; then an easy trail.
• Duration: between 30 minutes and 1 hour by boat or canoe to the entrance, plus about 10 minutes on the trail. The full motorboat outing is 6 hours, 3 of them at the waterfall.
• Prices: entrance fee of R$ 15; R$ 75 with agency and guide; motorboat at R$ 150 per person shared or R$ 2.000 private for up to 6, minimum of 6 people for the shared option; Hawaiian canoe at R$ 185 per person, with entrance, water and picnic.
• Motorboat departure: 9h, from Praia da Concha.
• Operators: Itacaré Turismo, Itacaré Soul (SUP and Va'a), Concha boatmen and agencies.
• Facilities: farm with restaurant; cards accepted.
• Hours: open 24 hours, every day.
• Contact: (73) 99839-1047.
• Children and pets: ideal for children; pets accepted.