The Mata Sul Region of Pernambuco is rich in natural beauty, including several waterfalls that attract visitors in search of leisure and contact with nature.

The beaches along Pernambuco’s 187-kilometre coastline are already popular with tourists, but far from the coast there is a lesser-known way to refresh your body with year-round dives: the waterfalls.

The Mata Sul Territory of Pernambuco covers an area of 4,003.40 Km² and is made up of 19 municipalities: Barreiros, Bonito, Jaqueira, Rio Formoso, São José da Coroa Grande, Tamandaré, Água Preta, Amaraji, Belém de Maria, Catende, Cortês, Gameleira, Joaquim Nabuco, Maraial, Palmares, Primavera, Ribeirão, São Benedito do Sul and Xexéu.

The municipalities of Mata Sul de Pernambuco are home to some of the best waterfalls, and the fact that the route is little publicised means that the place is emptier, and the visit is almost pioneering.

Features of the Mata Sul Region of Pernambuco

Geography and Climate

• Location: The Mata Sul is situated to the south of the capital, Recife, and stretches as far as the border with the state of Alagoas.
• Climate: The region has a humid tropical climate, with rainfall concentrated between the months of March and August. Temperatures are generally high, with annual averages of around 25°C.
• Hydrography: Mata Sul is rich in water resources, with important rivers such as the Una River, which runs through several municipalities. The abundance of water contributes to the lush vegetation and the presence of several waterfalls.

Natural Beauties

• Waterfalls: The region is famous for its waterfalls, such as the Véu da Noiva waterfall in Bonito and several others scattered throughout the region.
• Trails and Ecotourism: There are several trails and areas for ecotourism, including hiking, abseiling, zip-lining and boat trips.
• Atlantic Forest Reserve: The Mata Sul is home to remnants of the Atlantic Forest, with a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna.

Videos – Tourist attractions in the municipalities of Bonito, São Benedito do Sul, Primavera and Gravatá in Pernambuco

Waterfalls in the municipalities of Mata Sul de Pernambuco

1. Municipality of São Benedito do Sul PE
2. Municipality of Primavera PE
3. Municipality of Gravatá PE
4. Municipality of Bonito PE

1 Municipality of São Benedito do Sul, PE

The water potential of São Benedito do Sul in the Mata Sul region of Pernambuco is represented by 20 waterfalls distributed in small reserves of Atlantic forest, which share space with sugar cane fields and pastures.

São Benedito do Sul, known as the “City of Waterfalls”, is a municipality in Pernambuco that offers a variety of natural and cultural attractions for tourists. Located in the agreste region of the state, it is known for its natural beauty, including waterfalls and mountainous landscapes.

The municipality has at least nine waterfalls and has become one of the most popular places for rural tourism. The Peri Peri, Poço do Índio, Poço do Soldado, Véu da Noiva, Cajá, Cidade Baixa, Laje, da Índia, Roncador and Caboclo waterfalls have already been catalogued. With the exception of the last one, all are open to visitors.

1. Peri-Peri Waterfall

• Location: The Peri-Peri hike is simple and accessible, with a 480-metre route, considered light, with a 10-minute walk to reach the Peri-Peri Waterfall. This is too easy. Walking for just 10 minutes and falling into the marvellous waters of the waterfall is TOP.
• Features: The waterfall has a waterfall that forms a natural pool at the base, ideal for a refreshing dip. The water is clean and the surrounding area is very peaceful, with vegetation typical of the region.

2. Poço do Soldado waterfall

• Location: The Poço do Soldado Waterfall Trail is considered to be of a light level, with a route of 200 metres and a trail time of 5 minutes.
• Features: The waterfall has a significant drop that forms a large natural pool at the bottom, perfect for swimming. The surrounding area is surrounded by Atlantic forest, which makes for a very beautiful and unspoilt setting.

3. Poço do Caboclo waterfall

• Location: The trail to the Poço do Caboclo waterfall is considered to be of a light level, with a route of 970 metres, taking 15 minutes. 
• Features: The waterfall has a waterfall that forms a natural pool. The water is generally clean and ideal for swimming. The surroundings are surrounded by dense, lush vegetation.

4. Laje Waterfall

• Location: The Laje Trail is 170 metres long, considered to be of moderate level, with a trail time of 10 minutes, leading directly to the Laje Waterfall.
• Features: The waterfall has a waterfall that forms a natural pool at the bottom, perfect for swimming. The water is clean and generally quite inviting for a refreshing dip.

5. Véu da Noiva Waterfall

The Véu da Noiva Waterfall is one of the top natural attractions in São Benedito do Sul, Pernambuco. The waterfall is known for its impressive beauty and the elegant shape of its waterfall, which resembles a veil.

• Location: The Véu da noiva waterfall is 590 metres long, with a hiking time of 15 minutes. 
• Features: The waterfall is famous for its tall, narrow waterfall that resembles a veil. The natural pool formed at the base is ideal for swimming. The surrounding area is surrounded by dense, lush vegetation typical of the Atlantic rainforest.

6. Aritana Waterfall

• Location: This is a light level trail, 300 metres long, with a trail time of 5 minutes.
• Features: The waterfall has a waterfall that forms a natural pool at the bottom, ideal for a refreshing swim. The surroundings of the waterfall are surrounded by dense, lush vegetation, typical of the Atlantic rainforest.

7. Boa Vista Waterfall

• Features: The waterfall has a waterfall that forms a natural pool at the bottom, perfect for a refreshing swim. The surrounding area is surrounded by rich vegetation, typical of the Atlantic rainforest, offering stunning natural scenery.

2. Municipality of Primavera PE

The municipality of Primavera in the Mata Sul region of Pernambuco has three famous waterfalls, all very close together.

1. Cachoeira do Urubu
2. Cachoeira do Convento

The tour starts at the Parque Ecoturístico da Cachoeira do Urubu, three kilometres from the centre of Primavera.

The Urubu Waterfall has a waterfall of 77 metres, but bathing there is not recommended. For this reason, there are natural water pools in the park, as well as restaurants, picnic areas and camping sites.

From there, the visit continues to the Cachoeira do Convento, with at least three falls up to 18 metres high.

3. Municipality of Gravatá PE

Via the Serra das Russas, visitors reach the town of Gravatá in the Mata Sul region of Pernambuco, which has a pleasant tropical climate, but on hot days they can take refuge in the Tio and Palmeira waterfalls. Both waterfalls are open to visitors on a daily basis and you have to pay a preservation fee.

1. Tio Waterfall

The Tio Waterfall is 19 kilometres from the centre of Gravatá, in the rural area of the municipality. The access road is signposted.

The waterfall is approximately 27 metres high, divided into two stages, in the course of the Uruçu-Mirim stream. The site is used for cascading (progressive exploration).

2. Palmeiras Waterfall

The Palmeiras Waterfall has a stepped waterfall about 23 metres high. You can bathe in the pools formed by the Uruçu-Mirim stream. Sítio Palmeira also has toilets and a support area, as well as the practice of rural tourism with the harvesting of seasonal fruit and vegetables in cultivated areas.

4. Municipality of Bonito

The municipality of Bonito in the Mata Sul region of Pernambuco is famous for its waterfalls and natural beauty, and is a popular destination for ecotourism.

1. Véu de Noiva Waterfall 1

The Véu da Noiva Waterfall is the most famous waterfall in Bonito and is over 30 metres high.

At the Véu da Noiva 1 waterfall you can abseil down its vertiginous waterfalls, which can give you a feeling of conquest as you face the powerful current. With excitement coursing through your veins, each descending step offers a spectacular panoramic view of the turbulent waters and the lush surrounding landscapes;

2. Véu da Noiva Waterfall II

The Véu da Noiva 2 waterfall is one of the most popular attractions in the area and is 32 metres high, especially appealing to extreme sports enthusiasts such as abseiling and zip-lining.

Despite its challenging location, the waterfall is usually packed with visitors at weekends. For a quieter experience by the falls, it is advisable to explore the Véu da Noiva 2 waterfall during weekdays, from Monday to Friday.

3. Pedra Redonda Waterfall

The Pedra Redonda Waterfall is a serene place for bathing and relaxing. Although small, you can immerse yourself in the water or rest on the rocks.

4. Barra Azul Waterfall

The Barra Azul Waterfall offers a haven of tranquillity and natural beauty, with a pool at the bottom and a spectacular view at the top. With its rock formations and surrounding forest, the waterfall offers a lovely space to relax by the water’s edge, suitable even for families with children.

5. Paraíso Waterfall

The Paraíso Waterfall stands out as a recommended option for bathing, especially for children and the elderly, due to its accessibility. With several waterfalls, it is the perfect place to relax and enjoy family time.

6. Cable car ride in Bonito, Pernambuco

The cable car ride in Bonito is an essential experience among the activities in the region. At around 1,200 metres long, it is the highest cable car in the Northeast. You can enjoy a 12-minute journey from the events courtyard to the Chapel of Our Lady of Mount Serrat, where there are also snack bars.

7. Chapel of Monte Serrat

After taking the cable car, visit the Chapel of Our Lady of Monte Serrat. Erected in 1954 through auctions, raffles and donations from local residents and the agreste region of Pernambuco in fulfilment of a promise. When you visit, be sure to explore the interior and get to know the rich history that surrounds it, while enjoying the magnificent, panoramic view provided by the site.

8. Hot air balloon ride

9. Bonito Ecoparque

Bonito Ecoparque is a haven of adventure for nature lovers.

How to get to Bonito PE

Bonito, a charming destination in the interior of Pernambuco, is easily accessible from several nearby towns. Located around 140 kilometres from Recife, between the Zona da Mata and Agreste regions of Pernambuco, the town offers different options for getting there.

For those who are closer, Bonito is within easy reach of important cities in the interior, such as Gravatá (55 km), Caruaru (55 km) and Garanhuns (140 km).