One part of the water supply system
INEA describes a Guandu-linked water conveyance system of about 34 kilometres, with several visible structures in the West Zone. It identifies Ponte da Cachoeira as one of them, approximately 164 metres long. It is part of a system that brings water to the city, not a public footbridge or a trail for visitors.
The sources available for this guide do not establish its precise mapped location, construction date, responsible team or conservation condition. I prefer to leave those as open questions rather than fill the gaps with a map coincidence or a date from another structure.
Why the name matters
Around Pedra Branca, “cachoeira” may refer to a waterfall, a place or a historic structure. Ponte da Cachoeira is the latter: part of the water system. To plan a recreational waterfall visit, consult a specific guide and current Park notices; do not use this name as an indication of a swimming spot.
What I can recommend today
For now, I recommend learning about the Guandu system and viewing any structure only from a public or authorized space. I do not publish exact coordinates, secondary access points or directions to a facility. Before listing it as a visitor destination, an official source must confirm a legal, safe viewing area.
Map, hours and combinations
The map shows the West Zone of Rio for regional context, not the structure or an access point. General hours for park sectors do not automatically apply to infrastructure located elsewhere.
This guide connects with the article The Guandu’s invisible water and the guide to Aqueduto do Catonho Aqueduct. For an actual nature outing, choose an open park sector and verified trail instead of searching for this infrastructure on your own.
