Cachoeira do Rio Preto
Hidden along a dirt track some 45 km from the city centre, the Cachoeira do Rio Preto is Campos's best-kept outdoor secret — a series of natural swimming pools fed by a dark, clear river tumbling through Atlantic Forest, with rope-swing access, rappelling walls, and a zipline for those who want their swim with an adrenaline chaser.
Swimming Holes & Adventure Trails
The waterfall complex offers multiple tiered pools of varying depths, making it suitable for families with small children as well as thrill-seekers. Local guides offer rappelling descents alongside the main cascade and zipline rides above the river — a combination that has made the site a firm favourite with adventure tourists from across northern Rio state.
The surrounding secondary Atlantic Forest is home to toucans, marmosets, and a chorus of frogs that becomes deafening after rain. Birdwatchers should bring binoculars; the forest edge along the access track is particularly productive in the early morning.
Practical Notes for the Trip
The access road is unpaved and can become impassable after sustained rain, so a 4WD or high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended outside the dry season (April–September). There is a parking area at the trailhead, and a short walk through the forest leads to the first pool.
Bring your own food and water — there are no facilities on site beyond basic parking. A local guide from Campos city can arrange transport, rappelling equipment, and a packed lunch as part of a half-day tour, which is the easiest way to visit without your own car.
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