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Top 5 most beautiful waterfalls in the Serra da Canastra
- Aug 24
- 5 min read
Do you dream of swimming in emerald-green natural pools at the foot of majestic cliffs, far from the crowds of mass tourism? The waterfalls of Serra da Canastra, in Minas Gerais, make up one of Brazil’s most stunning waterfall regions. The national park and its surroundings are home to dozens of cascades, ranging from iconic, picture-perfect sights to small, secret falls reached via a hike through the cerrado.
In this article, Pure Brazil Tour we offer a selection of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Serra da Canastra, including information on the level of difficulty of access, whether swimming is possible, and the best time to visit. Everything you need to plan an authentic nature getaway, perfect for couples, families, and travelers seeking a truly immersive experience.
Top 7 of the most beautiful waterfalls of the Serra da Canastra
Cascade | Difficulty of access | Bathing | Best time |
Casca d’Anta | Easy to moderate: road to the lower entrance of the park then short but potentially slippery trail. | Yes, but with caution: large natural pool and cool water. | All year round, with a preference for the dry season (May-October). |
Fundão Waterfall | Moderate to difficult: longer hike with rocky sections and exposed to the sun. | Yes: the main pool is ideal for cooling off after exercise. | Dry season or stable weather for safer trails. |
Rasga Canga Waterfall | Moderate: track in an adapted vehicle then walking with uneven terrain. | Yes: several calm swimming spots. | Beginning and heart of the dry season, when the water remains stable. |
Delfinópolis Waterfalls | Highly variable: from a short walk to several hours of hiking. | Yes, in most waterfalls, with natural pools. | All year round, with an advantage in the dry season for hikers. |
Cascade familiale (Saint John the Baptist of Glory) | Easy: good track then short walk with little elevation gain. | Yes: moderate depth, suitable for children under supervision. | All year round, leaving early in the southern summer to avoid the heat. |
Why the Serra da Canastra is a paradise of waterfalls
The Serra da Canastra is a mountain range protected by a National Park created to preserve the sources of the São Francisco River, the canyons, and the mosaic of Cerrado landscapes. Visitors can hike, observe wildlife, and sample the famous local cuisine. Canastra cheese… and above all, you will discover some of the most beautiful sets of waterfalls in Brazil.
The park and its surroundings, particularly the Delfinópolis region, are home to dozens of very different waterfalls: some easily accessible, others requiring a real hike. This diversity ensures there's something for everyone, from the sporty traveler to parents with children.
Casca d’Anta
Atmosphere and landscape
The main waterfall is approximately 180 meters high. The water plunges from a vertical rock face into a large natural pool, nestled in a spectacular canyon.
Difficulty of access
Easy to moderate: road to the lower entrance of the park then short but potentially slippery trail.
Bathing
Yes, but with caution: the pool is large and the water is cool.
Best time
All year round, with a preference for the dry season (May-October).
Fundão Waterfall
Atmosphere and landscape
Several degrees of drop in a rocky amphitheater surrounded by cerrado vegetation.
Difficulty of access
Moderate to difficult: longer hike, rocky sections and exposed to the sun.
Bathing
Yes: the main pool is ideal for cooling off after exercise.
Best time
Dry season or stable weather: safer trails and easier river crossings.
Rasga Canga Waterfall
Atmosphere and landscape
A series of waterfalls and natural pools surrounded by rocks and low vegetation.
Difficulty of access
Moderate: track in an adapted vehicle then walking with uneven terrain.
Bathing
Yes: several calm swimming spots.
Best time
Beginning and heart of the dry season, when the water remains stable and the tracks are passable.
Delfinópolis Waterfalls
Atmosphere and landscape
A wide variety of waterfalls in narrow gorges or amidst rocky walls, translucent rivers and panoramic views of the plateaus.
Difficulty of access
Highly variable: from a short walk in a fazenda to several hours of wild hiking.
Bathing
Yes, in most waterfalls: natural pools suitable for children who know how to swim.
Best time
All year round, with an advantage in the dry season for hikers.
A family-friendly waterfall in the São João Batista do Glória area
Atmosphere and landscape
Medium-sized waterfalls, natural pools surrounded by rocks and open spaces convenient for families.
Difficulty of access
Easy: good track then short walk with little elevation gain.
Bathing
Yes: moderate depth, suitable for children under supervision.
Best time
All year round: in the southern summer, leave early to avoid the heat.
Practical tips for enjoying the waterfalls of Serra da Canastra
Recommended equipment
Hiking boots or walking sandals with good grip
Hat or cap, sunglasses, sunscreen
Swimsuit, lightweight microfiber towel
Sufficient water supply and energy snacks
A lightweight windproof jacket is recommended depending on the season, especially near heavy waterfalls.
Waterproof pouch for phone or camera
Safety and respect for the environment
Stay on the trails, follow the instructions of rangers and landowners, leave no trace, and avoid any behavior that could disturb wildlife. In some areas, it is essential to know how to swim and to follow the rules related to currents.
FAQ
Are the waterfalls of Serra da Canastra suitable for children?
Yes: several waterfalls accessible by short walks and featuring shallow pools are suitable for families. Casca d’Anta (lower section) and waterfalls near São João Batista do Glória or Delfinópolis are ideal, provided children are supervised near the water.
How many days should you plan to spend enjoying the waterfalls?
Allow at least three full days: one day for Casca d’Anta, one for a long hike like Fundão, and one for closer waterfalls or Delfinópolis. With four or five days, the pace is more relaxed.
Do you need a guide to visit the waterfalls of Serra da Canastra?
For the most accessible waterfalls, a guide isn't essential, although their knowledge will certainly enhance the visit. For longer hikes or more secluded waterfalls, a guide is highly recommended for safety, optimal route planning, and the opportunity to spot local wildlife.
L’expertise Pure Brazil Tour
The Serra da Canastra is a region that is best discovered through its landscapes as much as its pace. Here, not all waterfalls are experienced in the same way: some are easily accessible, others require a longer walk, a good vehicle or simply a better knowledge of the terrain.
At Pure Brazil Tour, we always tailor the tour to each traveler's desires and skill level. A family with children won't necessarily be looking for the same experience as a couple who love hiking or a traveler willing to venture off the beaten path.
The season also plays an important role. After the rains, the waterfalls can be particularly spectacular, but access to some areas becomes more difficult. During the dry season, the trails are often easier to navigate and swimming is more pleasant in some places.
Our advice: don't necessarily try to see as much as possible. In the Serra da Canastra, it's better to take the time to enjoy a few well-chosen spots, swim, observe the landscape, and discover the small producers and villages that also contribute to the region's charm.
It is this knowledge of the terrain that allows us to build a balanced itinerary, selecting the waterfalls that truly match your way of traveling.
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