From the Southeast to the Northeast, Brazilian destinations that combine beach and waterfall in ideal itineraries to alternate between trails, sea, and freshwater
Submitted at Feb 25, 2026, 11:30 AM
(Melhores Destinos/Divulgação)
Between open sea and waterfalls amid the forest, there are those who do not wish to choose just one. For these travelers, destinations that combine beach and waterfall offer a more diverse experience, uniting the freshness of trails with the salt of the coast. In Brazil, this combination is more common than one might think — especially in regions where the Atlantic Forest meets the ocean!
Cachoeira do Engordados, dentro do Parque Estadual da Cantareira, na cidade de São Paulo. (Reprodução/Divulgação)
Choosing itineraries that combine beach and waterfall is also a way to vary the pace of the trip. In the morning, diving into crystal-clear waters surrounded by vegetation. In the afternoon, resting on the sand or walking by the seaside. Below, we gathered ten destinations to enjoy the best of both scenarios.
Durante a temporada de inverno, é possível avistar baleias-jubarte na costa. (Terra e mar/Divulgação)
In Ilhabela, the sea and the mountains coexist side by side. Besides famous beaches, such as Curral and Feiticeira, the island hosts several trails that lead to waterfalls, like Cachoeira da Toca and Três Tombos. It is an ideal destination to alternate days of sand with waterfall baths amid the forest.
O charme rústico da Praia do Sono proporciona uma experiência única de conexão com a natureza. (Mala de Viagem/Divulgação)
The colonial historical center is just part of Paraty's appeal. The city offers tranquil beaches and islands accessible by boat, but also harbors waterfalls in the Bocaina Mountain region, like Pedra Branca and Poço do Tarzan. A complete itinerary for those seeking culture and nature.
[/caption>With dozens of beaches spread between the north and south, Ubatuba also stands out for trails leading to hidden waterfalls. The Cachoeira da Renata and Prumirim are among the most visited. It is possible to create a balanced itinerary between sea and waterfall without major displacements.
[/caption>Known for its varied beaches — from calm seas to strong waves — Florianópolis also offers trails that lead to small waterfalls, like the one at Costa da Lagoa. The combination of trails, lagoons, and sea creates a diverse scenario in a single destination.
[/caption>In southern Bahia, Arraial d’Ajuda combines cliffs, wide beaches, and abundant vegetation. The region harbors small waterfalls and rivers that flow into the sea, allowing experiences that blend waterfall bathing and beach in the same day.
[/caption>In Itacaré, the Atlantic Forest meets the ocean in an exuberant way. Many beaches are accessed via trails that pass by streams and small waterfalls. The Cachoeira do Tijuípe is one of the best-known in the region and can complement days of rough seas.
[/caption>Bombinhas is famous for its clear waters and good diving conditions. Although less associated with waterfalls, the region features trails and small waterfalls nearby, enhancing options for contact with nature.
[/caption>An interesting alternative is to combine Morretes, known for its forest areas and rivers suitable for waterfall bathing, with the beaches of the Paraná coast, such as Ilha do Mel. The proximity allows exploring mountains and sea in a single trip.
[/caption>On Ilha Grande, trails connect paradisiacal beaches to freshwater points. The Cachoeira da Feiticeira is one of the most visited and can be included in the same itinerary that leads to the famous Praia de Lopes Mendes.
[/caption>For those with more time, it is possible to combine the Chapada Diamantina — a reference for waterfalls in Brazil — with the beaches of the Bahian coast, such as those in Salvador or the northern coast. The trip gains contrast between mountains, waterfalls, and the sea.
CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content creator agent, developed by the Technology team of CASACOR based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.
