## Cachoeira Vale do Gavião: Wild Cerrado Waterfall Near Rondonópolis, MT

Cachoeira Vale do Gavião (often chamada simplesmente de Cachoeira do Gavião) is one of the classic day trips from Rondonópolis in southern Mato Grosso. The waterfall drops into a rocky pool framed by cerrado vegetation and sandstone walls, in a rural valley a short drive from the city. Local tourism pages and visitor photos describe a main drop of roughly 40 metres, forming a strong curtain of water and a natural swimming area at the base.

You’re not in a polished resort here. This is a rural property with basic infrastructure, dirt tracks, and a trail that still feels like the countryside around Rondonópolis rather than a theme-park attraction. That’s exactly why it’s become a favourite weekend escape for residents looking for a quick swim, some shade, and a few hours away from the BR-364. Hora

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## Where is Cachoeira Vale do Gavião?

– Municipality: Rondonópolis, Mato Grosso, Brazil
– Approx. coordinates: –16.510636, –54.7574721 (rural zone north-west of the city)
– Distance from city centre: Local sources put it at roughly 12–14 km from Rondonópolis by road. Resmini

Regional media describe the access as leaving Rondonópolis on the BR-364 and then turning onto the road to Gleba Rio Vermelho, which leads into the rural area often referred to as Vale Encantado / Vale do Gavião. Hora

Recent posts from local tourism profiles and visitors report that this access road has been asphalted for much of the way, reducing the amount of rough dirt driving compared with a few years ago.

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## What the Waterfall is Like

### The Setting

Cachoeira Vale do Gavião sits in a shallow valley cut into the cerrado plateau. The stream forms a significant vertical drop into a pool ringed by rock slabs, with gallery forest and shrubs clinging to the banks.

Expect:

– A tall, single main drop (around 40 m according to local pages) with a narrow plume of water.
– A natural pool suitable for swimming in normal conditions, with rocky edges and some shallow areas depending on the season. | Trilhas do Mundo
– Exposed rocks that heat up under the sun – good for warming up after a cold swim, but slippery when wet.

Some hiking logs and videos from the area also mention other smaller cascades and pools in the surrounding “Vale do Gavião” trails, with a first small pool suitable for an easier swim and one or two additional falls further upstream or downstream. | Trilhas do Mundo Not every visitor will do the full circuit; many people simply walk to the main waterfall and spend the day there.

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## Trail and Difficulty

There isn’t a single official “park trail” map, but a few consistent points show up in trip reports and GPS tracks: | Trilhas do Mundo

– Trail length: From the last parking area on the rural property, hikers report around 1 hour of walking to the main waterfall at a relaxed pace.
– Terrain:
– Sections of rock slabs, some scrambling, and short steeper parts.
– In places you may need to duck under taboca (bamboo) or step over roots and small obstacles.
– Technical level: Generally described as easy to moderate for people who are used to walking, but with some spots that can be challenging for those with reduced mobility or anyone uncomfortable on uneven rock.
– Navigation: Some routes in the wider Vale do Gavião area have side paths and viewpoints that don’t lead to another waterfall, so staying on the main, most trodden line is advisable if you’re not with a local guide. | Trilhas do Mundo

### Accessibility considerations

– The track involves irregular ground, rock steps and possible stream crossings, so it is not wheelchair-accessible and may be difficult for visitors with balance or mobility impairments.
– There is usually no handrail infrastructure, and the approach to the pool can be slippery during and after rain.

If you’re travelling with children, older adults, or anyone with reduced mobility, it’s worth checking up-to-date local advice before committing to the full walk.

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## Getting There from Rondonópolis

### By car

Most visitors go by private car or hired driver; public transport does not currently run all the way to the access points mentioned in recent reports.

The typical approach, based on local newspapers and visitor descriptions, looks like this: Hora

1. Leave Rondonópolis toward Cuiabá on BR-364.
2. Turn off on the paved road signposted for Gleba Rio Vermelho.
3. Continue along this road, which more recent accounts say is now largely asphalted, until the turn-off signed (formally or informally) for access to the waterfall / Vale do Gavião.
4. From that point, you typically drive a short stretch on rural road within private land to reach the parking area or farmhouse that controls access.

Because this involves private properties and small rural tracks, exact details can change – gates may move, signage can appear or disappear, and landowners sometimes alter access rules. When planning, it’s sensible to:

– Check the latest posts from Rondonópolis tourism pages and local operators.
– Save an offline map with the coordinates you have (–16.510636, –54.7574721) in case mobile data drops.

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## Entrance Fees and Local Infrastructure

Here’s where the “outdated information” warning matters.

– A 2021 trekking log for “Cachoeiras e trilhas do Gavião” mentions paying around R$ 10 per person to access the property, with a small kiosk (“vendinha”) and bathrooms, and the possibility of booking lunch. | Trilhas do Mundo
– An older blog post from 2012 refers to accessing the waterfall via Balneário Vale Encantado, with a fee of R$ 7.50 at the time, or via a simpler restaurant entrance. Resmini

Both of those values are historical and almost certainly out of date in 2025 given inflation, changes in ownership, and infrastructure improvements (like the paved road).

What’s safe to say today:

– Access is controlled through private rural properties; you should expect to pay some form of entrance or day-use fee.
– Basic infrastructure such as parking, toilets and a simple bar or kiosk has existed in recent years, but availability and opening hours can change seasonally. | Trilhas do Mundo

For current prices and opening days, it’s best to:

– Check recent social media posts tagged with #cachoeiravaledogaviao or shared by official Rondonópolis tourism profiles.
– Contact a local agency or guide in Rondonópolis before driving out.

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## Best Time to Visit

Mato Grosso has a tropical savanna (cerrado) climate with well-marked wet and dry seasons, which directly affects waterfalls like Vale do Gavião:

– Dry season (roughly May–September):
– Trails are usually drier and less muddy, making the approach more comfortable.
– Water volume drops but the pool is still suitable for swimming in most reports.
– River levels are more predictable, lowering the risk of sudden surges.

– Rainy season (roughly October–April):
– The waterfall is visually stronger, but storms can raise water levels quickly.
– Rocks become slippery; there is a higher risk of flash floods (“cabeças d’água”) in narrow sections or side canyons across the region.
– Access roads in rural areas can deteriorate after heavy rain, even where most of the route is paved.

For most travellers, especially those unfamiliar with local conditions, the transition months in the dry season are usually the safest bet: still-green vegetation, reasonable flow, and easier logistics.

Regardless of the month, always check the same-day forecast and avoid entering riverbeds or narrow ravines if heavy rain is predicted upstream.

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## What to Pack and Wear

Given the combination of strong sun, water, and rock, a few items significantly improve the experience:

– Footwear: Closed trekking shoes or sandals with good grip for wet rock. Flip-flops are uncomfortable on the trail.
– Sun protection: Hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and sunglasses – much of the region around Rondonópolis is quite exposed. | Trilhas do Mundo
– Insect repellent: Hikers specifically mention many mosquitoes on the Gavião trails; repellant is strongly recommended. | Trilhas do Mundo
– Water and snacks: Do not rely on the kiosk being open; carry your own drinking water and light food.
– Swimwear and quick-dry towel: The pool at the base of the falls is the main reward after the walk. Resmini
– Dry bag / protection for electronics: Spray from the waterfall and potential rainstorms can soak phones and cameras.

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## Safety and Environmental Care

A few region-specific points are worth emphasizing:

– Rock safety:
– Do not climb high on wet rock faces; several sections are smooth sandstone.
– Always check depth before jumping into the water – sediment and logs move between seasons.
– Weather: Leave the area if the sky darkens rapidly or thunder is audible. In the broader cerrado, heavy upstream storms can send sudden pulses of water down otherwise calm streams.
– Wildlife and plants:
– This is cerrado habitat; snakes and insects exist, though encounters on popular trails are relatively rare.
– Stay on paths, avoid touching unknown plants, and respect any local guidance about fauna.
– Leave no trace:
– Pack out all rubbish, including food packaging and cigarette butts.
– Avoid loud music; several rural communities in Mato Grosso have begun restricting Bluetooth speakers at natural attractions due to noise complaints.

Respecting local residents, landowners and the environment helps keep access open and affordable for everyone.

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## Who Will Enjoy Cachoeira Vale do Gavião?

Based on the trail profile and visitor reports, this is a good fit for: | Trilhas do Mundo