there are many ways to travel to the numerous waterfalls of rio das paineiras in the western  neighborhood of vargem grandeso the journey there can often be just as enjoyable as swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing in the cool waters.

if driving to the waterfalls, and time is not an issue, taking the leisurely route is an attractive option - a quick visit to christ the redeemer before meandering through rua paineiras towards sumaré on 5 kilometers of winding roads is very scenic, especially when cruising through the belvederes forest.

from here there are incredible views of rodrigo de freitas lake, ipanema, and leblon -not to mention some small yet equally impressive waterfalls.