17. Dona Castorina x Primatas

Section: Dona Castorina x Primatas

Orientation

Technical Information

Attractions

Section Map

Interactive Map

How to Get There

This section can be reached by trail (continuing from the Vista Chinesa x Jequitibá section in the West x East direction following the black/yellow footprints, or from the trail coming from Cachoeira dos Primatas in the East x West direction, following the black/yellow footprints). There is also the possibility of going by vehicle via Estrada Dona Castorina starting in the Jardim Botânico neighborhood, or from the end of Rua Sara Vilela which has access to the main trail.

There is no public transportation to these locations, but they can be easily accessed by walking, private vehicle, or taxi. Another good option is to take a bus in front of Botafogo Praia Shopping to Rua Othon Bezerra de Melo (former terminus of line 409) located near the ascent of Estrada da Vista Chinesa.

For those walking in the East x West direction, the best option is to start at the end of Rua Sara Vilela where a trail branch with access to the main Transcarioca Trail will allow you to cover the Primatas x Jequitibá section (black/yellow footprints).

Route Description

(West x East Direction / Barra de Guaratiba x Pão de Açúcar)

For those starting this section coming from Vista Chinesa, we now have an asphalt crossing ahead (watch out for cars and bicycles at high speed). We continue walking (150 m) along the main trail with yellow/black footprint markings and soon we will find the secondary trail branch that leads to Cachoeira do Jequitibá. A downhill walk (300 m) will lead to a great opportunity to bathe in two small but immensely refreshing waterfalls. After returning to the main trail, we continue (100 m) to the entrance of the centenary Jequitibá that enchants visitors with its huge size.

Continuing along the main trail, guided by the yellow/black footprints, we walk a long stretch (1.8 km) to a stone slab with a small waterfall sliding down the rock wall. We arrive at Cachoeira da Lage which on rainy days requires special care when crossing its waters. A little further ahead (150 m) there is an exit branch to the asphalt for those who wish to end the adventure (500 m), but for those who prefer to continue on the Main Trail, just walk (150 m) to the great Cachoeira da Gruta which will provide a delicious bath inside a small grotto. After this bath, we have another (1.2 km) of trail ahead until the start of the Primatas x Paineiras/Corcovado section, but it is possible to turn right on an exit branch and walk to Rua Sara Vilela (450 m) from where you can walk downhill another (1.0 km) to Rua Jardim Botânico or call a taxi.

(East x West Direction / Morro da Urca x Barra de Guaratiba)

For those starting the trail in the reverse direction (East x West / Morro da Urca x Barra de Guaratiba), just follow the reverse route described above, now guided by the black/yellow footprints. You can start from Rua Sara Vilela towards the Jequitibá or coming from Parque Lage along the Main Trail until you find the mentioned section.

Attractions

This section is characterized by the presence of a centenary Jequitibá, many jackfruit trees, and waterfalls, especially Cachoeira do Jequitibá and Cachoeira da Gruta. The first is three hundred meters from the main trail on a steep slope with moderate access. It has two waterfalls great for bathing, and on summer days they are very popular with city residents. Cachoeira da Gruta can also be easily reached by locals who know the local trails well and easily get to this destination. The centenary Jequitibá is an unmissable attraction, as it is hollow, allowing up to ten people to enter its trunk simultaneously as if it were a cave.

Another great attraction is the Mirante do Horto, almost at the arrival at Cachoeira dos Primatas, with a breathtaking view of Lagoa, Ipanema, Horto, Jardim Botânico, and even Pão de Açúcar.

The marmosets and capuchin monkeys also delight hikers, as they feed on the fruits of the numerous jackfruit trees found in this section.

Shops/Accommodation

Currently there is no partnership between the Transcarioca Trail and local businesses.

There are some bars and restaurants on Rua Lopes Quintas or Pacheco Leão near the exit point on Rua Sara Vilela.

Water Points

There are several water points for bathing and hydration along the section.

Photos

Historical Facts

Jequitibás are native trees of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, found only in the Southeast region of Brazil and in some neighboring states. Their leaves have a reddish tone in spring and their flowers are light or red. In the Tupi language, it means "forest giant", which is understandable. They are among the largest trees in Brazil, such as jatobás, sapucaias, and angelins. In the forest, the adult tree of this species is emergent, that is, it can be seen well above the others. Current records note jequitibás with sixty meters in height. To get an idea of what sixty meters means, just remember that this is the height of a twenty-story building. Its small flowers have a delicious and sweet aroma.

Adopting Group

Groups of volunteer adopters of this section who organize joint efforts and receive volunteers:

M2 ADVENTURES
Phone: (21)98021-4477