09. Estrada dos Teixeiras x Aqueduto do Catonho
Section: Estrada dos Teixeiras x Aqueduto do Catonho
Park where this section is located: Parque Estadual da Pedra Branca
Summary
In this section, the hike is easy and passes through forests and viewpoints, but the Aqueduto do Catonho itself is the great star of the route. Pay attention to the zebra signage in sections with difficult orientation, especially when passing through more open areas. Bring water for the entire route. From the Aqueduto do Catonho, for now, you can only continue towards Estrada dos Teixeiras, in the Pedra Branca State Park region. To continue the Transcarioca Trail in the opposite direction, towards the Tijuca National Park, visitors should start the hike directly at Represa dos Ciganos, heading towards Bom Retiro (see next section).
Orientation
7.3 km
5 h
Climbing: None
Direction
Estr. dos Teixeiras x Aqueduto do Catonho
Direction
Aqueduto do Catonho x Estr. dos Teixeiras
Technical Information
Difficulty
High
Risk
Medium
Sun
High
Orientation
Difficult
Signage
Partial
Hydration
No
Attractions
Viewpoint
Ruins
Conservation
Good
Section Map
Interactive Map
Route Description
(Direction West x East / Barra de Guaratiba x Morro da Urca)
Starting from the end of the previous section Piraquara x Estrada dos Teixeiras, we continue on the Main Trail (yellow footprints/black base) entering the trail on the other side of the road with a slight climb through a small forest. Soon we come across low vegetation with a wire fence on the right until we reach the hilltop where there is a concrete landmark. It is important to pay attention to the signage in the open field and at small forks. After these initial (1.2 km) we begin to descend for (1.5 km) to a plateau behind a police club that has some interesting stone tables. Shortly ahead (100 m) there will be a fork to the right leading to Estrada da Boiuna.
Continuing on the Main Trail we now climb (1.0 km) to the towers where we can reach a breathtaking viewpoint on some rocks. It is worth stopping to contemplate the West Zone. Following the Main Trail on a slight incline for another (800 m) we reach the top of the hill at the start of the descent. We now descend for another (350 m) to another tower and then find some houses on the right side of the trail, getting closer to the aqueduct on the road. Continuing straight ahead we have (300 m) of walking until we find the climb up the Catonho aqueduct. It may be a bit difficult to climb and cross it, but remember that all care is needed and you are already in the final meters of the Pedra Branca sector of the Transcarioca Trail.
After crossing the aqueduct, continue along the trail and turn right back to the asphalt (Estrada do Catonho). There is a gate on the descent path that is usually open, but if it is not, just climb over and exit to the road. From this point you can get transportation to anywhere in the city.
The next section of the Transcarioca Trail is (14.5 km) ahead, at Represa dos Ciganos in the Floresta da Tijuca sector.
ATTENTION: Pay close attention to the signage in sections with difficult orientation when passing through open areas.
How to Get There
This section of the Transcarioca Trail can be reached by continuing from the Piraquara x Estrada dos Teixeiras section or by accessing Estrada dos Teixeiras in Taquara. In the opposite direction, it can be accessed from the Aqueduto do Catonho located on Estrada do Catonho.
Trail Entrance
Largo dos Teixeiras
Trail Exit
Aqueduto do Catonho
Infographic
Attractions
Forest, viewpoints, Aqueduto do Catonho.
Commerce/Lodging
There is no commercial establishment along the route.
Water Points
There are few temporary water points at the beginning of the trail. It is recommended to bring your own water.
Photos
Historical Facts
The Aqueduto do Catonho is the visible part of the Veiga Brito Adductor or Lacerda Tunnel, formerly the Guandu Adductor, considered the "work of the century" and was expected to supply the population until the year 2000.
Its route is approximately 34 km long with hidden and exposed parts, starting at the Lameirão Pumping Station (Santíssimo), crossing Jardim Sulacap and other neighborhoods, to Jardim Botânico. The adductor surpasses the 13.2 km of the Rio-Niterói Bridge.
Of the three canal-bridges, the largest is the Catonho, with 246 meters in length and a slope of 0.84 meters. The Cachoeira bridge is 164 meters and the Governo (Realengo) bridge is 205 meters long. After Catonho, the aqueduct continues towards Praça Seca, going underground to Jardim Botânico.
In the 1960s, the entire population suffered. A water pump was installed to supply the highest streets. In fact, not only the residents of Jardim Sulacap, but all Cariocas in general suffered from water shortages. Nowadays, 97.33% of residents have adequate water supply service in Jardim Sulacap, according to the 2010 IBGE census.
The Crow, as Governor Carlos Lacerda was called by some, was accused at the time of accelerating the work to "yield electoral dividends". In Jardim Sulacap, the governor inaugurated the "finished phase of the work" of the Aqueduto do Catonho in 1965.
Source: Jardim Sulacap - Aqueduto do Catonho
Adopting Group
Escola Mestre Selva
Gilmar - (21)96910-1479