The plateau of the Serra do Tepequém is cut by streams that drop off its edges in waterfalls — and walking between them is the great program of the range. This is the itinerary for missing none of them.
Cachoeira do Funil
Tepequém’s number one: the water squeezes between rock walls and falls into a wide pool of dark, refreshing water. The trail, around 40 minutes with rocky descents, is the most structured on the range — go early to have the pool to yourself. Moderate effort with steep sections on the way back.
Barata, Paiva, Cupim and Cipó
The Barata forms stepped pools that are perfect for a family swim; the Paiva repays a longer trail with the sight of the fall against the escarpments; Cupim and Cipó are the wild ones of the circuit, almost always empty. With local guides you can combine two or three in the same day — the accesses start from different points of the village.
Mirante Mão de Deus
The compulsory end of the afternoon: from the edge of the plateau, the lavrado stretches to the horizon in golden tones, with the border ranges behind. Access requires an accredited local guide — besides keeping visitors safe on the edges, it is income that stays in the community. Take a flashlight for the way back.
Circuit tips
- Hire guides in the village (R$ 100-200 per group per circuit) — the trails have treacherous forks.
- Sneakers with grip: the wet slabs of the plateau are slippery.
- Water and a snack in your backpack; there are no shops on the trails.
- In the rains (Apr-Aug), respect the closures — a flash flood is a real risk.
- Leave every pool as you found it: the range has no rubbish collection on the trails.
🥾 Who is it for?
Effort: moderate — trails of 30 minutes to 2 hours with rocks and short climbs. Children: Barata from ages 5-6; Funil and Paiva from 8. Older travelers and reduced mobility: the plateau viewpoint (close to the car) and the lagoons stand in well for the trails; the Funil is feasible for those who walk slowly with the support of a pole. Plan the day around your group’s pace — the range has an option for everyone.
