Encontro dos Rios, Lumiar: where the Macaé meets the Bonito

It is one of Lumiar's postcards. Here the Macaé river takes in the Bonito in a landscape of rock and Atlantic Forest, 6 km from the square.

Ponte dos Alemães bridge over the Macaé river at Encontro dos Rios, Lumiar
Ponte dos Alemães over the Macaé river. Photo: TMbux / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

The entrance is signposted on the Serramar towards Casimiro de Abreu. At the falls there are no services and the river can be rough. If you want calm, turn left after the bridge to the Bar do Encontro, with tables, snacks and toilets, per Descubra Nova Friburgo.

Rafting and canoeing

Rafting and canoe trips in the area run from the Encontro. One side has calm water for swimming with children; the other belongs to the rapids. The Viciada em Viajar writer parked by the rivers and walked a dirt track to a stretch with little "bathtubs" between the rocks.

Water rushing through a channel between big rocks at Encontro dos Rios
Rapids between the rocks of the Encontro. Photo: TMbux / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Beyond the Encontro

The dirt road to Toca da Onça starts here, about 5 km on. On the way back, Poço Verde comes just before. Villa São Romão is further down the same highway. The rest is in Lumiar waterfalls.

The rapids stretch is no place to swim without gear. Raft only with an operator.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a fee at Encontro dos Rios?
At the falls there is no charge and no facilities. The Bar do Encontro is a separate business.

Sources

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