An easy to moderate circular trail through the Engordador section of the Cantareira forest, passing the Cachoeira do Tombo and Cachoeira do Veu waterfalls and a small reservoir before returning to the gate.
The Trilha da Cachoeira do Tombo starts at the Engordador gate of the Parque Estadual da Cantareira in the Zona Norte of Sao Paulo, reached from Tucuruvi metro station (Line 1-Blue) via bus line 2023-10, or by car along Avenida Coronel Sezefredo Fagundes. A paid park entry ticket is required. The circular route covers 3.9 km with a modest 150 m of rolling cumulative gain, following a wide dirt-and-gravel forest path rated easy to moderate and suitable for hikers of most fitness levels. The trail passes the Cachoeira do Tombo and Cachoeira do Veu waterfalls, both of which feed natural pools where swimming is permitted, and continues past a small reservoir before looping back to the gate. Shade from the surrounding Cantareira forest covers most of the route, with open sun only at the waterfall clearings. There are no refuge huts along the loop, but the waterfall pools serve as natural rest and turn-around points for hikers who prefer a shorter outing. The waterfalls run fullest during the rainy season from December to March, while the dry months from April to September offer calmer pools and firmer trail footing.
| Distance | 3.9 km circular route |
|---|---|
| Duration | About 2-3 hours |
| Trailhead | Metro to Tucuruvi (Line 1-Blue), then bus line 2023-10 (Cachoeira) to the park gate |
| Best season | Year-round; waterfalls run fullest December-March during the rainy season |
| Address | Avenida Coronel Sezefredo Fagundes, 19100, Tremembe, Sao Paulo - SP, 02420-000 |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Nucleo Engordador, Parque Estadual da Cantareira, Zona Norte de Sao Paulo
What to bring
- Hiking shoes
- Swimwear for the waterfall pools
- 1.5 litres of water
- Insect repellent
- Paid park entry ticket
Weather through the year in São Paulo
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C.
Location
Avenida Coronel Sezefredo Fagundes, 19100, Tremembe, Sao Paulo - SP, 02420-000
-23.4225, -46.6395 View on map
Highlights
- Cachoeira do Tombo and Cachoeira do Veu waterfalls with swimmable pools
- Easy circular route suitable for most fitness levels
- Small forest reservoir along the loop
- Shaded Cantareira forest cover for nearly the entire circuit
Tips for visiting
- Bring swimwear if planning to swim in the waterfall pools
- Visit December-March for the fullest waterfalls, or April-September for calmer, clearer pools
- Wear hiking shoes with grip, since rocks near the waterfalls get slippery when wet
- Buy the paid park entry ticket at the Engordador gate before starting
- Bring 1.5 litres of water and insect repellent for the forest sections
When to visit
Weekday mornings during the December-March rainy season give the fullest waterfalls, while April-September mornings offer firmer footing and clearer pools for swimming.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair-friendly; it follows a dirt-and-gravel forest path with some uneven, rocky ground near the waterfall pools.
Frequently asked questions
Can visitors swim at the waterfalls?
Yes, both the Cachoeira do Tombo and Cachoeira do Veu have natural pools where swimming is permitted.
How difficult is this trail compared to others in the Cantareira?
It is one of the easier circuits in the park, with a gentle 3.9 km loop and only about 150 m of rolling elevation gain.
When are the waterfalls at their fullest?
The waterfalls run fullest during the rainy season from December to March; the dry season from April to September brings calmer flows.