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Cascata Vu do Ye - Cascata do Aracua

The classic 100-metre waterfall walk in Santa Catarina's mountain interior.

Where
Urubici
Time needed
Half day
Tickets
R$25
Tall waterfall dropping into a green canyon at Urubici Tall waterfall dropping into a green canyon at Urubici

What to expect at Cascata Vu do Ye - Cascata do Aracua

The Aracua waterfall complex sits in the Serra Geral mountains outside Urubici, where Santa Catarina's coastal state suddenly climbs to 1,400 metres and becomes cattle country, wine country and — in winter — snow country. The complex is a private nature reserve with a 100-metre main waterfall (Cascata Vu do Ye) and several smaller falls linked by a two-kilometre wooden boardwalk. It matters as the accessible showpiece of the Urubici highlands, which are Santa Catarina's mountain counterpart to its coast — and increasingly its slow-tourism, agroturismo hub.

The visit is a loop. From the entrance you follow a maintained boardwalk down through araucaria pine forest to the base of the main waterfall — 25 minutes descending — with viewing platforms at three levels. A pool at the base is swimmable in summer but ice-cold; a smaller side loop takes in Cachoeirinha and a mineral-water spring. Return climb is 40 minutes; there are handrails throughout and it's safe for anyone in reasonable shape but not stroller-friendly. The owners run a small cafe at the top with quentao (hot spiced wine, R$18) — Urubici is one of the few places in Brazil where you actually want it.

Best from May to September for the winter cold and clear air; December through February is warm and green with more insects. Book nothing — just show up and pay the R$25. Skip Tuesdays when the reserve closes. Combine Cascata Aracua with Morro da Igreja (Santa Catarina's highest paved lookout at 1,822 m) and the Pedra Furada rock arch — all three are within an hour's drive and make a solid Urubici day. Bring layers and closed shoes.

Plan your visit TicketsR$25 Time neededHalf day WhereUrubici Opening hours Wed-Mon 8:30-17:00 Closed Tuesdays Last entry 15:30 Hotels near Cascata Vu do Ye - Cascata do Aracua

Questions about Cascata Vu do Ye - Cascata do Aracua

How much is the Cascata do Aracua reserve?

R$25 per person for adults; R$12 for children under 10.

Is there ever free entry?

No. This is a private reserve with a fixed ticket.

How long is the visit?

Half a day — around two hours on site plus driving from Urubici.

Any closed days?

Closed every Tuesday. Also closes during heavy storms.

Do I need to book?

No booking. Show up and pay at the gate.

How do I get there?

Drive 30 km east from Urubici centre on Estrada do Aracua, unpaved final 8 km, no public transport.

Where to stay

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