The Sanctuary Waterfall truly is a haven of peace and natural beauty in the Amazon. It’s a series of falls, with a small statue of the patron saint Santa Clara on display at the first. As well as the Sanctuary Waterfall, this area is close to the Iracema Waterfall, another picturesque destination for visitors hoping to hike through the forest and discover Brazil’s natural hidden gems. Day trip tours are frequent and convenient, but you can also visit the falls independently.
There is no entry fee to visit Sanctuary Waterfall, however, some of Presidente Figueiredo’s trails request nominal donations.
The rainforest itself is preserved—stay within the limits of the trails and waterfalls to keep wildlife and plants safe.
It can get hot and very humid, so bring extra water and stay out of the sun.
The easiest and most affordable way to travel to Sanctuary Waterfall is by bus. Daily services run regularly to and from Manaus, costing around R$20 per person. If you would rather travel privately in an air-conditioned vehicle, you can book a day tour or transit service to access the falls.
There’s no denying that the Sanctuary Waterfall is a popular attraction. To avoid the crowds, travel earlier in the day—this is also when the temperatures are cooler and more pleasant for hiking in. Mid to late afternoon is when the falls are at their busiest. The falls are not a part of a park or enclosed space, so there are no official opening or closing times.
Every waterfall in Presidente Figueiredo, including Sanctuary Waterfall, has helped shape the natural terrain and ecosystem of the Amazon rainforest over millions of years. Witness the power of the water and learn how it erodes the rock slowly over time, creating gorges and cave systems and sending minerals downstream to fertilize the rainforest beyond.
