Cachoeira do Monte Crista sits on the Rio Três Barras at roughly 810 meters elevation, near the community of Cabeluda in Garuva, Santa Catarina.

Reaching it is a serious undertaking: the trail climbs Monte Crista (927 m) over approximately 10 km before descending another 2. 5 km to the river. The full round trip covers around 11 km and typically takes about six hours, rated moderate in difficulty.

Swimming is possible, though the pool is notably deep. The trail begins on private property and passes multiple natural springs along the way. Hikers should be cautious on rainy days, as a swollen Rio Três Barras can block the crossing.

Summer brings warmer swimming conditions but also a higher risk of venomous snakes, sudden weather changes, and heavy rain.

The stone path itself has deep historical roots — sections were reportedly built more than a thousand years ago and later used by Jesuit priests over 200 years back as a route linking the coast to the highland interior.