on days when beaches are packed, rio de janeiro offers attractive alternatives to find relief from the heat. one of them is the stunning cachoeira do horto, or waterfall located rio de janeiro's jardim botânico neighborhood in zona sul (south zone) inside the botanic garden.

it is one of the most popular places chosen by cariocas to celebrate the arrival of spring. the access to the 15 minute trail, that leads to the cachoeira is pretty simple and the hike requests a moderate level of fitness and mobility.

the road rua pachecho leal, parallel to the botanical garden in the direction to vista chinesa, leads to the entrance of this trail, which passes by an old reservoir that used to provide water for the city. there is a natural water pool pool right by the entrance of vista chinesa and parking places are also available.