- Type
- Waterfall
- Area
- Countryside and mountains
- Free
- No
- Indoor option
- No
The Vargem Grande Ecological Reserve is a private nature reserve (RPPN) on the Estrada dos Pireneus, the road that climbs to the mountain range that gave the town its name. It brings together three well-known Pirenópolis waterfalls — Santa Maria, Lázaro and Véu de Noiva (“Bridal Veil”) — linked by paved trails.
What the reserve offers
- Santa Maria Waterfall and Lázaro Waterfall: the falls highlighted by the City Hall’s Tourism Portal;
- Véu de Noiva Waterfall: completes the set;
- paved trails: make it easier to get between the pools, according to the reserve’s website.
Details such as the total area and the year the reserve was created appear only in secondary sources and have not been confirmed, so we do not highlight them.
Tickets
There is an entrance fee. The City Hall’s Tourism Portal said entry was first come, first served. Check current prices and opening hours on the reserve’s website.
How to fit it into your itinerary
Since it is on the mountain road, Vargem Grande makes a good day out together with Pireneus State Park:
| Time | Suggestion |
|---|---|
| Early morning | Drive up to the Pico dos Pireneus |
| Late morning and afternoon | Swim at the Santa Maria and Lázaro waterfalls |
| Evening | Dinner in the historic centre |
This combination is part of the 3-day itinerary. To compare with other waterfalls, see Pirenópolis waterfalls.
What to bring
- Swimwear and a towel;
- shoes with good grip;
- water, snacks, sunscreen and insect repellent;
- a jacket, if you are going up the mountain on the same day.
Practical tips
- Combine it with a trip up to Pireneus State Park: the reserve is on the same road.
- Leave early: the Tourism Portal said entry was first come, first served, and public holidays get crowded.
- The paved trails help, but the rocks near the water are slippery: wear suitable shoes.
Frequently asked questions
Which waterfalls are in the Vargem Grande Reserve?
The Santa Maria, Lázaro and Véu de Noiva waterfalls, according to the reserve's website and the City Hall's Tourism Portal.
Do I need to book?
The City Hall's Tourism Portal said entry was first come, first served. Since the rules may have changed, check the reserve's website before you go.
Combine with
-
Countryside and mountains Pireneus State Park and Pico dos Pireneus The mountain range that gave the town its name: a state conservation area with the Pico dos Pireneus, high-altitude Cerrado and river springs. See details -
Paid Countryside and mountains Abade Waterfall (Cachoeira do Abade) A private reserve with four waterfalls and two trails, about 17 km from the historic centre. Tickets must be bought in advance. See details -
Paid Countryside and mountains Bonsucesso Waterfalls (Cachoeiras Bonsucesso) Six waterfalls along a trail of about 1.5 km, just 5 km from the historic centre. See details