Brazilian national parks that feature waterfalls received around 15 million visits in 2023, according to data from the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio). The number represents an 8% increase over the previous year and confirms the strength of ecotourism focused on waterfalls and natural swimming pools.

Among the most sought-after destinations, Iguaçu Falls in Paraná sold 1.5 million tickets, while Caracol Waterfall in Canela, Rio Grande do Sul, recorded 480,000 visitors. Together, the two sites account for 13% of all visits to federal and state conservation units during the period.

Infrastructure and access control at the destinations

• Iguaçu Falls (PR): accessible walkways, internal transport, and a visitor center managed by ICMBio.
• Caracol Waterfall (RS): viewpoints, marked trails, snack bars, and an ecological observatory within the state park.
• Santa Bárbara Waterfall (GO): controlled access with a daily limit of 300 people, mandatory local guides, and a conservation fee managed by the Kalunga community.
• Prata Waterfall (MS): floating on a limestone riverbed with a maximum capacity of 200 visitors per day, water quality monitoring by the Neotropical Foundation of Brazil.

Managers point to flow management as a key factor in preservation. At Chapada dos Veadeiros, Santa Bárbara Waterfall operates with advance reservations and only 30 people per group, reducing trampling in sensitive cerrado areas.

The hiring of local guides is mandatory in at least 12 national parks with water attractions, according to a 2023 ICMBio ordinance. The measure aims to distribute income to surrounding communities and ensure safety on trails leading to pools and falls.