Cascatinha Taunay Waterfall

A Waterfall Inside the World's Largest Urban Forest

Cascatinha Taunay sits within Tijuca National Park, a sprawling stretch of Atlantic Rainforest rising above Rio de Janeiro. The cascade drops through layered rock into a shallow pool, framed by dense native vegetation that has reclaimed the mountainside.

A Living Atlantic Rainforest

The surrounding Mata Atlântica hosts towering palms, ferns and a rich understory that supports birds, butterflies and small primates. The forest canopy filters the light that reaches the water below, giving the scene its constantly shifting texture.

An Accessible Park Landmark

A paved trail connects the cascade to the park's main entrance in Alto da Boa Vista, making it one of the most visited spots inside Tijuca. A wooden railing and viewing platform let visitors watch the falling water up close without leaving the path.