Foz do Iguaçu: Secret Waterfalls Hike & River Swim Trails

Summary

Swim in forest waterfalls hike secret trails hear river sounds

You’ll follow forest trails near Foz do Iguaçu with a local guide, swim beneath hidden waterfalls on two rivers, and feel wild spray on your skin. Expect muddy shoes, free group photos, and plenty of laughter—plus those moments where it’s just you and the sound of falling water.

What’s the experience like?

“Wait, that’s the trail?” I remember laughing as our little group followed André down a narrow path just outside Foz do Iguaçu. The ground was still damp from last night’s rain, soft under my shoes. We could hear the Carimã River before we saw it—just this low, steady rush behind the green. André stopped to show us a weird-looking seed pod (he called it “jaracatiá” or something like that), and then we kept moving. The first waterfall was louder than I expected—almost too loud for talking—and the spray felt cold on my face. I didn’t even care about getting wet at that point.

We’d been promised “natural hydromassages,” which sounded like marketing fluff, but honestly? Sitting under that second fall on the Eremita Trail, water pounding my shoulders, I got it. It’s not fancy spa stuff—it’s wild and kind of rough and you can smell the river on your skin after. André took a bunch of photos (he kept saying “smile!” even when I was shivering), and then we piled into a van for the short drive to the Tamanduá River. That part was quick—maybe five minutes? The Carimã Trail is shorter but somehow feels more tangled, with roots everywhere and birds flitting overhead so fast you can’t really catch their colors.

The last pool was wide enough for everyone to float around, which we did until our fingers wrinkled up. There were these tiny yellow flowers along the edge—I never figured out their name. A couple of locals passed by with fishing rods and nodded at us like they see this every day (which maybe they do). We finished up muddy and grinning, shoes squelching all the way back to the van. Still think about how quiet it got between waterfalls—just birds and water and us breathing hard from laughing too much.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hike and swim at secret waterfalls

• Start hike on Eremita Trail
• Enjoy bath in 3 waterfalls
• Travel by vehicle to next trail
• Hike 400 meters on Carimã Trail
• Swim and bathe in 2 waterfalls

Top questions

How long is each trail on this Foz do Iguaçu waterfall hike?

The Eremita Trail is about 1.3 km; Carimã Trail is around 400 meters.

Are there swimming spots during the day trip?

Yes, there are several waterfalls along both trails with ample space for swimming and bathing.

Is this tour suitable for beginners or kids?

The trekking is easy to moderate; suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for people with mobility issues or pregnant travelers.

What’s included in this secret waterfalls hike?

Bottled water, safety equipment, accident insurance, all photos taken by your guide, landing fees.

Are pets allowed on these hiking trails?

Yes, pets are allowed with prior notice.

How do we get between trails?

A vehicle transfer is provided between Eremita and Carimã Trails.

Can infants join this tour?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

What’s included

Your morning includes all safety equipment, bottled water throughout both hikes along Eremita and Carimã Trails near Foz do Iguaçu, free group photos taken by your guide (shared after), accident insurance with full coverage, plus vehicle transfers between trails so you can focus on soaking up waterfalls instead of logistics.