Melancía Waterfall hike near Paraty: Two falls and forest swim

Pause for lunch beside crystal-clear pools deep in Serra da Bocaína’s protected wilds

Melancía Waterfall hike near Paraty is a 6-hour guided trek into Serra da Bocaína National Park, 25km from town, covering 3km of technical forest trail to reach two separate falls where you swim and rest. The route includes a professional guide in your choice of English, Spanish or Portuguese; transport from Paraty; travel insurance; and lunch at the second waterfall site.

The experience

The trail starts 25km outside Paraty and climbs through protected forest on a technical path that takes about 2 hours to cover the 3km to the first waterfall. You'll move at a leisurely pace, watching for birds and dense vegetation as the forest opens onto the falls. At the first Melancía drop, you stop to swim in clear water and take in the scale of it before continuing another 15 minutes uphill to the second fall, where the water pools deeper and the light filters differently through the canopy.

Lunch happens at the second waterfall site, giving you time to rest in the water and on the rocks before the walk back down. A professional legalized guide leads the group in English, Spanish or Portuguese, and the operator handles transport to and from Paraty, plus travel insurance for everyone on the hike. The technical terrain (rocky, rooted, steep in sections) means the hike demands real fitness and steady footing, though the distance itself is short.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
• round-trip transport from Paraty to the trailhead.
• travel insurance.
• lunch at the second waterfall.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (14 and older) · Under 14: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Physically demandingNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Paraty Tours

Is this one for you?The technical terrain and high fitness requirement mean this hike suits experienced hikers comfortable with rocky, rooted forest and steep sections. The 6-hour commitment and two swimming stops make it a full-day immersion in the forest rather than a quick waterfall visit.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How technical is the trail to Melancía Waterfall?

The 3km path is technical despite being short and not especially steep. It crosses rocky and rooted forest floor with sections that require careful footing and balance. The terrain is the main challenge, not the grade or distance.

Can I swim at both waterfalls?

Yes, you swim at both the first and second falls. The second pool is deeper and is where you spend more time, resting and eating lunch before the return hike.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes a professional guide, round-trip transport from Paraty to the trailhead, travel insurance, and lunch at the second waterfall. You bring your own food and drinks beyond the meal provided.

Is this hike suitable for someone with limited fitness?

The operator requires a high level of physical fitness and does not recommend the hike for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, spinal injuries or pregnancy. The technical terrain and 2-hour uphill section demand real stamina.