Mandassaia Waterfall and Lapão Cave

1 day

This day trip is perfect for those who enjoy hiking without spending much time in a car and prefer exploring preserved natural sites off the beaten path. Despite their proximity to Lençóis and the beauty of the visited sites, this is one of the least frequented areas in the region. Each attraction is very different from the others, and visitors will experience a variety of landscapes, making this tour one of the most diverse in the area, alternating between caves, waterfalls, underground rivers, and viewpoints.

Mandassaia Waterfall and Lapão Cave

Practical Information

Highlights
of the Hike

Duration: 1 day
Departure Time: 8:00 AM
Return Time: 5:30 PM
Total Hiking Time: 3.5 hours
Driving Distance (One Way): 20 minutes

Mandassaia Waterfall with its unique water jet
Ferradura Waterfall with its U-shaped multiple cascades
Walk along the Mandassaia River, featuring series of natural pools
Underground hike in the Lapão Cave to observe quartzite formations
Visit to the immense main chamber of Lapão Cave
Panoramic viewpoints over the city of Lençóis and the surrounding valleys

What is not included?

Professional guide
Transportation (one way)
Agency’s insurance

What is included?

Lunch: bring your own picnic
Snacks: you can bring your own if desired

What shall I Bring?

Hiking shoes or sneakers
Swimwear
Towel
Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, UV t-shirt)
Water (1.5 L recommended)
Flashlight with batteries (or a fully charged phone light)
Picnic

Hike overview

We depart from Lençóis by car around 8:00 AM. After a 20-minute drive on dirt roads, we begin our hike towards the Mandassaia River. In just 20 minutes, we reach the stunning Cachoeira da Ferradura (horseshoe waterfall), where we discover a magical environment. The multiple cascades emerging from the surrounding vegetation in a U-shape encircle visitors in a 180° panorama. Be cautious of the slippery rocks while exploring this enchanting area.

Next, we continue our descent through the valley to the Mandassaia Waterfall, renowned for its unique water jet that provides a refreshing natural hydromassage.

We then ascend back the Mandassaia Valley and take a trail leading to the Lapão Cave. We enter a fascinating underground world, formed by numerous galleries, culminating in the enormous main cave where we can admire beautiful quartzites formations reflecting the light from our lamps.

We exit the cave through a different entrance and follow a gently sloping path that takes us back to Lençóis in approximately 30 minutes.

Total Distance: 11 km
Starting Point: 400 m
Highest Point: 750 m
Lowest Point: 400 m

Notes:

This tour is more impressive after heavy rains when the waterfalls are fuller and more spectacular.
Groups wishing to hike more can choose to walk the entire round trip from the agency, adding approximately 8 km to the journey.