CACHOEIRA DO CANTÃO

Criciúma to Cachoeira do Cantão: A Ride and Hike Adventure

Tips for the Cachoeira do Cantão Hike

Check the weather: Always check the weather forecast before heading to waterfall hikes. Heavy rain can quickly increase water volume and make trails slippery.
Wear proper footwear: Choose shoes with good traction, especially on slippery and steep sections of the trail.
Bring water and snacks: Even on shorter hikes, staying hydrated and energized is important. A hydration pack and some snacks are a good idea.
Be cautious on slippery areas: Some parts of the trail can be slippery, especially near waterfalls. Use the ropes provided if necessary.
Prepare for unexpected issues: Carry a basic repair kit for your bike if you’re cycling, and be ready for any surprises.
Crossing streams: Some parts of the trail involve crossing small streams. Be prepared to get your shoes wet.
Don’t underestimate the ascent: The final stretch up to the waterfall can be challenging, especially with steep and rocky sections.
For more information and updates, check out the official Instagram page: Cachoeira do Cantão Instagram.

On a Saturday morning, I set out for my next adventure, this time with better preparation after learning from my previous rides. I packed my hydration backpack and made sure I had everything I needed for a longer ride. The destination: Cachoeira do Cantão, located in Nova Veneza, around 27 kilometers from my home in Criciúma.

The ride itself was fairly smooth, mainly taking country roads through the interior, which were mostly dirt roads. The landscape was beautiful, with fields of rice and corn stretching along the way. The weather was perfect, and the ride felt easy compared to previous trips, giving me a chance to enjoy the scenery.

Upon reaching the base of the hill where the trail to the waterfall begins, I left my bike at a house at the foot of the hill, where the local guardians of the area reside. To access the trail, there’s a fee to be paid, as the land is privately owned. The fee can be lower if you hike alone, or slightly higher if you choose to go with a guide. I opted for the solo hike and paid the lower fee for the trail access.

The trail to Cachoeira do Cantão is approximately 2 km one way, making the round trip about 4 km. It took me about 20 minutes to reach the base of the waterfall, and from there, I had another 10 minutes of steep climbing to get to the top of the larger fall.

The trail begins with a short stretch of road, which ends about 500 meters ahead. From there, it follows a well-marked path through dense forest, always alongside the river, so there’s no risk of getting lost. The first part of the trail, which leads to the base of the first waterfall, is considered easy. It’s almost flat, with only a few moderate ascents. Along the way, there’s also another small waterfall to enjoy.

Once I reached the base of the first waterfall, I paused to take some photos and admire the stunning height of the waterfall and the surrounding landscape. The view was breathtaking, and I couldn’t help but appreciate the beauty of nature.

The second part of the trail, leading to the “infinite edge” at the top, is considered moderately difficult. This section, which skirts the rock wall beside the waterfall, is short but very steep and slippery. I had to climb over some rocky sections, and at one point, there’s a rope installed to assist with the ascent, making it easier to tackle the nearly 90-degree slope.

Once I reached the top, I took a refreshing shower under the waterfall and spent some time enjoying the view from the edge. I also met a few people up there, and we exchanged stories before I began the return journey.

The way back required me to pick up the pace on the bike, as I noticed a storm was brewing. I didn’t want to be caught in the rural area and dirt roads when the rain started, so I pushed myself to pedal faster. I managed to get back to Criciúma before the rain hit. However, as soon as I reached the city, the storm began, but by then, I was already home, safe and sound, having completed yet another memorable adventure.