Natural beauties of the Mata Sul region of Pernambuco

The Mata Sul region of Pernambuco is an area rich in natural beauties, including several waterfalls that attract visitors looking for leisure and contact with nature.

Beaches and waterfalls

The beaches along Pernambuco’s 187 kilometres of coast are popular with tourists. But away from the coast, there is a lesser-known way to refresh your body with year-round diving: the waterfalls.

Municipalities of Mata Sul

The Mata Sul State 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.

A wealth of waterfalls

The municipalities of Mata Sul in Pernambuco have some of the best waterfalls, and the fact that the route is little known means that the place remains empty, making the visit an almost pioneering experience.

Biodiversity and local culture

The region offers a rich biodiversity and a vibrant local culture, with traditional festivals and typical cuisine to delight visitors. Delicacies such as bolo de rolo and tapioca are not to be missed.

Activities and Accessibility

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities at the waterfalls, including walking, boat trips and even adventure activities such as abseiling. The tourist infrastructure, including inns and restaurants, also contributes to a pleasant experience.

Characteristics of the Mata Sul region of Pernambuco

Geography and Climate

• Location: Mata Sul is located south of the capital city of Recife and extends to the border with the state of Alagoas.
• Climate: The region has a humid tropical climate, with rainfall concentrated between March and August. Temperatures are generally high, with annual averages around 25°C.
• Hydrography: Mata Sul is rich in water resources, with important rivers such as the Una, which flows 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 Véu da Noiva 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: 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. Parish of Primavera PE
3. Parish of Gravatá PE
4. Municipality of Bonito PE

1 Municipality of São Benedito do Sul PE

The water potential of São Benedito do Sul, located in the Mata Sul region of Pernambuco, is represented by 20 waterfalls distributed in small reserves of Atlantic Forest, sharing 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. Except for the last one, they are all open to the public.

1. Peri-Peri Waterfall

• Location: The Peri-Peri walk is easy and accessible, 480 metres long, considered easy, with a 10-minute walk to the Peri-Peri waterfall. This is too easy. A 10 minute walk and plunging into the glorious waters of the waterfall is TOP.
• Features: The waterfall has a cascade that forms a natural pool at the base, ideal for a refreshing dip. The water is clean and the area is very peaceful, with vegetation typical of the region.

2. Poço do Soldado Waterfall

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

3. Poço do Caboclo Waterfall

• Location: The path to Poço do Caboclo waterfall is considered easy, with a distance of 970 metres, and takes 15 minutes.
• Features: The waterfall has a cascade that forms a natural pool. The water is generally clean and ideal for swimming. The area is surrounded by dense, lush vegetation.

4. Laje Waterfall

• Location: The Laje Trail is 170 metres long and considered to be of medium difficulty. It takes 10 minutes to walk and leads directly to the Laje waterfall.
• Features: The waterfall has a cascade that forms a natural pool at the bottom, perfect for swimming. The water is clean and generally very 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 cascade, which resembles a veil.

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

6. Aritana Waterfall

• Location: This is an easy trail, 300 metres long, with a walking time of 5 minutes.
• Features: The waterfall has a cascade that forms a natural pool at the bottom, ideal for a refreshing swim. The waterfall is surrounded by dense, lush vegetation typical of the Atlantic Rainforest.

7. Boa Vista Waterfall

• Features: The waterfall has a cascade that forms a natural pool at the bottom, perfect for a refreshing swim. The area is surrounded by lush vegetation typical of the Atlantic Rainforest, providing a 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 to each other.

1. Urubu Waterfall
2. Convento Waterfall

The tour starts at the Cachoeira do Urubu Ecotourism Park, three kilometres from the centre of Primavera.

The Urubu Waterfall has a drop of 77 metres, but swimming is not recommended. There are natural pools in the park, as well as restaurants, picnic areas and campsites.

From there the visit continues to the Convento Waterfall, with at least three waterfalls up to 18 metres high.

3. Municipality of Gravatá PE

Crossing the Serra das Russas, visitors reach the city of Gravatá in the Mata Sul region of Pernambuco, which enjoys a pleasant tropical climate, but on hot days can seek refuge at the Tio and Palmeira waterfalls. Both waterfalls are open to visitors on a daily basis for a conservation fee.

1. Tio Waterfall

Cachoeira do Tio is located 19 kilometres from the centre of Gravatá, in the rural area of the municipality. Access is signposted.

The waterfall is about 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

Cachoeira das Palmeiras, on the other hand, has a cascading waterfall of about 23 metres. 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, located in the Mata Sul region of Pernambuco, is famous for its waterfalls and natural beauty, and is a popular destination for ecotourism.

1. Bridal Veil Waterfall 1

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

At Veil of the Bride Waterfall 1 you can abseil down its dizzying cascades, giving you a sense of achievement as you brave the powerful current. With excitement coursing through your veins, each descent offers spectacular panoramic views of the turbulent waters and lush surrounding landscapes.

2. Véu da Noiva II Waterfall

The Véu da Noiva 2 waterfall is one of the most popular attractions in the area, with a 32 metre drop that attracts extreme sports enthusiasts such as abseiling and zip-lining.

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

3. Pedra Redonda Waterfall

The Pedra Redonda waterfall is a quiet place to swim and relax. Although small, you can dive into 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 place to relax by the water, suitable for families with children.

5. Paraíso Waterfall

The Paraíso Waterfall stands out as a recommended bathing option, 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 PE

Riding the cable car in Bonito is a must-do activity in the region. At around 1,200 metres, it is the highest cable car in the north-east. It takes 12 minutes to reach the chapel of Our Lady of Mount Serrat, where there are snack bars.

7. Chapel of Monte Serrat

After taking the cable car, visit the Chapel of Our Lady of Monte Serrat. Built in 1954 through auctions, raffles and donations from locals and the Agreste region of Pernambuco, in fulfilment of a promise. When you visit, be sure to explore the interior and learn about the rich history that surrounds it, while enjoying the magnificent panoramic views that the site offers.

8. Hot air balloon ride

9. Bonito Ecopark

Bonito Ecoparque is an adventure retreat 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 about 140 kilometres from Recife, between the Zona da Mata and Agreste regions of Pernambuco, the town offers several options for getting there.

For those who are closer, Bonito is a short distance from important cities in the interior, such as Gravatá (55 km), Caruaru (55 km) and Garanhuns (140 km).

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