Paraty: Private Waterfalls 4x4 Tour & Cachaça Tasting

Summary

Jeep through Paraty’s wild green, swim under falls, taste cachaça

You’ll ride a 4x4 jeep deep into Paraty’s Atlantic Forest, swim in cool natural pools beneath Pedra Branca and Tobogã waterfalls, sample local cachaça straight from a working distillery, and relax over lunch beside Tarzan Waterfall. Expect laughter with your guide and a few surprises from nature along the way.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was how the air in Paraty feels thick with green — like you’re breathing in leaves. We bumped along the old Gold Trail in this sturdy jeep, windows down, and it was just birds, the slap of branches, and our guide Jango humming some tune I didn’t recognize. He pointed out where gold caravans used to pass (hard to imagine now with all this forest swallowing the stones). The first waterfall at Pedra Branca Farm — cold water over smooth rocks, moss everywhere, and that earthy smell you get after rain even though it hadn’t rained. I dunked my head under and honestly, my brain froze for a second but it woke me right up.

After drying off (well, sort of — my shirt stuck to me most of the morning), we stopped at this little alambique for cachaça tasting. The owner explained everything about how they make Paraty’s famous cachaças — silver, gold, then Gabriela with clove and cinnamon. I tried saying “Gabriela” with the right accent but got laughed at (fair enough). The tasting was no joke; tiny sips burned a little but then left this sweet warmth behind. There were also trays of sweets made from local fruit — jabuticaba? Not sure I got that name right. It tasted purple if that makes sense.

The next stop was Tobogã waterfall — people sliding down this long rock like it was nothing. Jango said locals have contests here but I chickened out after seeing one guy wipe out spectacularly (he was fine, just wet and laughing). Lunch was at this wooden place right by Tarzan Waterfall. You could hear water crashing while eating moqueca so fresh it steamed up my glasses. We lingered longer than planned because nobody wanted to leave that sound or the shade.

I still think about that cold shock under Pedra Branca and how everyone on the tour seemed lighter by the end — maybe it was the cachaça or just being out there together. If you want to see Paraty’s waterfalls without any rush (and maybe get your pronunciation corrected), this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Waterfalls, cachaça tasting, and lunch

• Visit Pedra Branca waterfalls
• Taste cachaça and sweets at Alambique Paratiana
• Pass old Murycana farm
• Enjoy Tobogã waterfall and natural slide
• Lunch at Tarzan's restaurant near waterfall
• Return to city

Top questions

How long is the private waterfalls tour in Paraty?

The tour lasts about 6 hours from pickup to return.

Is lunch included on this Paraty waterfalls day trip?

No, lunch is not included but there is a stop at Tarzan’s restaurant where you can order food.

Are there swimming opportunities during the tour?

Yes, you can swim at both Pedra Branca and Tobogã waterfalls during stops.

What is special about the cachaça tasting on this tour?

You visit an authentic distillery for guided tasting of several types of local cachaça including Gabriela with clove and cinnamon.

Is hotel pickup provided for this Paraty waterfalls tour?

The tour includes private transportation but check if your specific hotel is within pickup range when booking.

Can children join the private 4x4 waterfalls tour?

Yes, children can join but infants must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

The tour involves walking on uneven ground and some climbing near waterfalls; not ideal for those with limited mobility or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes private jeep transportation along historic trails around Paraty, guided visits to two major waterfall complexes (Pedra Branca Farm and Tobogã), entry to an artisanal cachaça distillery for tastings of spirits and sweets, plus plenty of time to swim or relax before returning to town in late afternoon.