Spring has arrived and, with it, the desire of waking up very early to see the sun rise, to flourish  in the warm bustle of Rio, which brings a peace of mind only understood and enjoyed by the passionate with the Marvelous City!

Here, when the flowers sprout in colorful gardens and the sun goes in the clear blue sky, the best program is outdoors, which energizes through the pure air or through the contact with nature – and, almost all the times, is free!

So after enjoying with Lime&Tonic TidBits as a day of music and joy in São Salvador Square, a Saturday of beauty and happiness at Rio Antigo Fair and a moment of relaxation and inspiration in Jardim Botânico (Botanical Garden, in free translation), the tip is to take advantage of the flower season’s invitation and go to the Horto waterfalls!

Different from what suggests a weekend of blue sky in the Marvelous City – famous for its beautiful beaches –, the freshwater bath may reveal another facet of the city that can surprises even the locals!

In the green of the forest, the natural pool is a great choice for those seeking a refreshing alternative to the bustling beaches. Of less movement (and others of total privacy!), the Horto waterfalls provide a complete experience of immersion into nature. Best of all is the route to reach them, which is already part of the weekend program!

But before you think about laziness, know that there are options nearby and easily accessible. The most sought in this sense are the Represa do Quebra, the Cachoeira do Chuveiro and the Cachoeira dos Primatas.

Located in Forestal Horto, in the Tijuca National Park, Jardim Botânico neighborhood, all of them represent that shade and cool water that we search on hot days. Secure, the Horto waterfalls and the trails leading to them are patrolled daily by guards who, besides promoting the security of visitors, give information about the area, serve as guides for those who don’t know the track and also provide first help in case of an accident. So, the fun is guaranteed, and the only rule is to enjoy the special day! You just need to choose the waterfall and go to the ride with a forest adventure spirit!

If you want to take a freshwater bath without sweating a lot on the way there, the Represa do Quebra is a great choice. With just one minute of walk, you can jump into the lake of the waterfall and just relax. Because of the proximity to the road and super easy access, the program is great to do with family and children! The track entrance is on Estrada Dona Castorina, rising to the Vista Chinesa.

Following this same path, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the area can be enjoyed: the Cachoeira do Chuveiro! With a longer track, 150-meter walk (around 10 minutes) on the roots of trees and small climbing, all the effort is rewarded with a delicious waterfall! This is one of the most famous and, because of this, most popular on sunny days.

Now, for those who have more breath, the Cachoeira dos Primatas is the best idea when it comes to forest exuberance and dynamics trail. With access in Sarah Vilela Street – a dead end at the end of Lopes Quintas Street –, the 510-meter walk, which lasts about 30 minutes, is through small rivers and waterfalls. Although a bit steep, the trail is worth it when a wonderful shower, which flows between two rocks, presents themselves! The well is quite small but, despite the size, it’s delicious!

So? Do you want to exchange the saltwater by the freshwater? Put light clothing over the bath clothing, wear comfortable and stick shoes, separate sunglasses and a jacket (it may be cooler inside the forest) and enjoy a peace of mind that a waterfall bath can bring. Oh, also try a picnic as a reward for the effort (and delight!) of the walk – without leaving the trash behind, of course! Then, just be sure to come back here to tell us!