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Rio de Janeiro mountains, Brazil

Lumiar, Nova Friburgo: pousadas, waterfalls and village guide

Lumiar is the 5th district of Nova Friburgo, in the mountains of Rio de Janeiro state, about 28 km from the city centre. The village fits in a short walk, but around it lie dozens of river pools and waterfalls on the Macaé and Bonito rivers, most of them reachable by car.

Find a pousada in Lumiar

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View of the Lumiar valley with red-roofed houses among Atlantic Forest hills
Lumiar in its valley among Atlantic Forest hills. Photo: marcusrg on https://www.flickr.com/people/canoafurada/ / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

The name became known across Brazil thanks to the song "Lumiar" by Beto Guedes and Ronaldo Bastos, released in 1977. The story behind it is in the song Lumiar. Today most visitors want three things: a river swim, a quiet pousada and a good meal on the square.

Where to stay in Lumiar

Lodging splits into suites and pousadas a short walk from the square, chalets along the dirt roads, and larger hotels outside the village such as the Parador in Boa Esperança. The full comparison with Booking scores and review counts is in pousadas in Lumiar. If you want more bars at night, also look at São Pedro da Serra, 6 km away.

Illustrative image: chalet with fireplace and hot tub facing the forest
PousadasScores and location
Wide cascade over rock slabs forming a pool in Lumiar
WaterfallsFees, distance, facilities
Street in Lumiar with a European style house, palms and forest behind
Getting thereCar and bus

Compare dates and prices in Lumiar

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The most visited river pools

The table with entry fees, pet rules and access for each one is in Lumiar waterfalls.

When to go

Summer is swimming season and also rain season: according to Climatempo averages, December gets about 348 mm and January 319 mm. From June to August it rarely rains, but lows sit at 13 °C and the water gets cold. The month by month numbers are in weather in Lumiar.

After a heavy storm, mountain rivers rise fast. If the water turns muddy or the level climbs, get out.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Lumiar?
It is the 5th district of Nova Friburgo, in Rio de Janeiro state, about 28 km from the city centre via the Mury-Lumiar road (RJ-142). From Rio it is roughly 170 km.
Is Lumiar a town of its own?
No. Lumiar is a district of the municipality of Nova Friburgo, like São Pedro da Serra, 6 km away.
Do you need a car?
It helps a lot. Buses run from Nova Friburgo to Lumiar, but the pools are spread along roads, some unpaved. See how to get to Lumiar.

Sources

Checked on October 19, 2026. Prices and opening hours change: always confirm with the official source before you travel.

Keep planning

Pousadas in LumiarLumiar waterfallsThings to doHow to get to LumiarWeather in Lumiar