Your adventure starts here

Caves, waterfalls, crystal-clear rivers and the largest continuous stretch of preserved Atlantic Forest in Brazil. All of it minutes from Pousada das Cavernas. Where would you like to start?

PETAR (Parque Estadual Turístico do Alto Ribeira) is recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site and is one of Brazil's leading ecotourism destinations. It holds more than 400 catalogued caves, 12 of which are open to visitors.

Staying at Pousada das Cavernas puts you close to the park's main attractions, with everything you need to rest after a day of adventure.

Here every day brings something different.

Every outing reveals a different landscape. Monumental caves, crystal-clear rivers, waterfalls, trails through the Atlantic Forest and unforgettable experiences for all ages.

Caves

More than 400 catalogued caves, 12 open to visitors. Each with its own character, geological history and that unique feeling of stepping into an untouched underground world. The main ones: Caverna de Santana, Caverna do Morro Preto, Caverna do Couto and Caverna Ouro Grosso. An accredited guide is required.

River tubing and Acqua-ride

Float down the Betari River on a tube and let the current carry you past rocks, native vegetation and landscapes that look hand-painted. One of the most fun and accessible experiences at PETAR, for all ages.

Trails

From easy to demanding, PETAR's trails run through valleys, dense forest and lookouts with views that make every climb worth it. The most popular: Trilha do Betari and Trilha do Morro Preto Couto.

Waterfalls

Crystal-clear waters in the middle of preserved Atlantic Forest. The Andorinhas and Beija-flor waterfalls are among the most visited, and most photographed, in the park.

Rappelling and Climbing

For those after real adrenaline. PETAR's rock formations offer challenges for every level, always with safety equipment and accredited instructors.

Rafting

Take on the rapids of the Betari River on one of PETAR's most thrilling routes. A shared experience, full of adrenaline and direct contact with nature.

Mountain Biking

Trails, dense forest and landscapes around every bend. Exploring PETAR on two wheels is a different way to discover the park, with the freedom to stop wherever you like.

Birdwatching

Trails, dense forest and landscapes around every bend. Exploring PETAR on two wheels is a different way to discover the park, with the freedom to stop wherever you like.

Caves

Bóia-Cross e Acqua Ride

Trails

Waterfalls

Rappelling

Rafting

Contemplation

Birdwatching

After exploring PETAR, enjoy everything the inn has to offer

After an intense day outdoors, there is nothing better than relaxing in the natural pool and sauna, enjoying the spa, gathering the family in the game room, or toasting the end of the day in our American Bar lounge.

Natural Pool

A running spring pool right in the Atlantic Forest. Refreshing, natural and unforgettable. The perfect place for an unhurried afternoon after an intense day in the park.

Sauna

Relax your body, release the tension and get ready to sleep like never before. The sauna with its relaxation area is the perfect way to close the day.

Football pitch & Sand court

Volleyball or beach tennis with the Atlantic Forest as a backdrop. For groups that take sport seriously, or just want an excuse to compete.

Fitness Room

A good pickup game never goes out of style. Gather the group, pick the teams and have fun.

Game Room

Table games, board games and comfortable sofas for evenings with family or friends. Because not every adventure needs a trail.

Spa

In Vale do Ribeira winters, the fireplace is the natural gathering point. Good conversation, a drink in hand and the crackle of the fire. That simple.

TV lounge

Table games, board games and comfortable sofas for evenings with family or friends. Because not every adventure needs a trail.

American Bar with deck

In Vale do Ribeira winters, the fireplace is the natural gathering point. Good conversation, a drink in hand and the crackle of the fire. That simple.

Natural pool

Sauna

Football pitch and sand court

Fitness room

Game room

Spa

TV lounge

American Bar with deck

You enjoy the trip. We help with the rest.

We partner with accredited agencies and guides who are experienced and authorized to operate at PETAR.

Our team can recommend trusted professionals so you can enjoy every outing safely and with peace of mind.

Conservation is the reason all of this still exists.

PETAR sits within one of the largest continuous areas of preserved Atlantic Forest in Brazil, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

More than 35,000 hectares of protected forest, hundreds of catalogued caves, crystal-clear rivers and unique biodiversity.

Being here is a privilege. Protecting this heritage is part of our daily responsibility.

What we do to earn our place here.

Operating inside a protected area means a daily commitment to practices that respect the environment, the wildlife, the plant life and the local community.

We support local producers

Whenever possible, our kitchen uses ingredients grown in the region, supporting small producers, strengthening the local economy and reducing environmental impact.

Our team comes from the community

Our team is made up of people from the Bairro da Serra community in Iporanga, who know this region deeply. Creating opportunities for the community is also a form of conservation.

We work with responsible partners

We recommend only accredited agencies and guides who follow PETAR's rules and responsible ecotourism standards.

Responsible tourism

We are members of ABIH and registered with CADASTUR, operating in line with sustainable tourism best practices.

Mindful use of resources

We work to use water and energy responsibly, encouraging small actions that make a difference.

Environmental education

We believe that knowing nature is the first step to protecting it. Every visit is also a chance to raise awareness.

Traveling mindfully is also a form of conservation.

Ecotourism only makes sense when it generates respect for nature.

Welcoming people to this extraordinary place is a privilege and also a responsibility.

Every visitor who comes through helps strengthen sustainable tourism, the local economy and conservation for future generations.

At Pousada das Cavernas we encourage simple practices that make all the difference.

Tips for a mindful visit:

📍 Always stay on authorized trails.
🦜 Observe wildlife without disturbing its behavior.
📷 Do not touch cave formations.
🌊 Use water and energy mindfully.
♻️ Take all your waste with you.
👣 Follow the guidance of accredited guides.

Member organization