Swimming in rivers near Jaraguá
The three places most often mentioned for cooling off in Jaraguá are the Poção da Serra, the Rio Saraiva (with the Saraiva waterfall) and the small river beach of the Rio das Almas. The best season is the dry one, from May to September.
Where to go
| Place | What it is like | How to get there |
|---|---|---|
| Poção da Serra | A natural pool of clear water in gallery forest, inside the park. Semad mentions fish in the pools. | Via the Poção Trail (steep; see trails of the Serra). |
| Rio Saraiva and Saraiva waterfall | Natural pools and a waterfall. | On the road to Goianésia. |
| Rio das Almas beach (Prainha) | The option inside town. | On the Rio das Almas, which runs along the whole urban area. |
The portal does not have the exact addresses or signage for each spot; use the map and ask locals or your lodging before leaving. Some places are on private land or dirt roads.
Best season
From May to September the rivers are cleaner and have less current. In the rainy season (October to April) they rise fast and turn muddy, and flash floods are a real risk at waterfalls. See the month-by-month guide in when to go and the weather forecast.
Safety
- Flash floods: a sudden rise in water level can happen even without rain where you are, if it rains upstream. If the water turns cloudy, rises or carries leaves, get out immediately.
- Do not dive without knowing the bottom. Submerged rocks and logs are common.
- Children always supervised and in life jackets where there is current.
- Trash: take everything you brought back with you. In the park, fires and removing plants or rocks are not allowed.
- Biodegradable sunscreen is a good choice in small, enclosed waters.
The rivers of Jaraguá
The Rio das Almas rises in the Serra dos Pireneus, in Pirenópolis, runs through town and receives tributaries such as the Lajes and the Engenho. Other important rivers are the Pari (which supplies the town), the Saraiva, the Sucuri and the Rio do Peixe. Construction sand comes from the Rio das Almas and the Pari. Details in geography.
Keep exploring
Sources: Semad/Parques de Goiás (Poção, fish in the pools, rivers); the portal's geography and things-to-do pages (Rio Saraiva, Prainha, hydrography). Safety tips: the portal's general guidance. Consulted in October 2026.
Updated on October 19, 2026