throughout the many paths and trails of tijuca national forest several refreshing cachoeiras (waterfalls) are hidden, offering replenishment for the tired hiker. some of the most well known cachoeiras at tijuca are cachoeira de gruta, cachoeira do quebra chuveiro, cachoeira dos primates, cachoeira das almas and cachoeira taunay.

most of these waterfalls are reached by trails surrounded by ancient trees, whose branches create stepping-stones along the path. the water tends to be cold and prisitne, cascading over the rocky ground. the pure water of the mountains of tijuca national park and several rock formations, that work as seats, makes a very attractive meeting point. during summer time the sun penetrates the forest vegetation at around 2pm and it can become very hot, with the cold water offering relief from the heat.