Sana can be explored through two distinct sides: protected natural landscapes with waterfalls and hiking, and the cultural destination of CriaSana. Those who value both scenery and local culture will find two clearly distinct themes here to help plan their trip.
Sana as a Nature Destination
Sana is a municipal environmental protection area (Área de Proteção Ambiental, APA) with preserved natural landscapes and ecosystems. The Sana district was declared an environmental protection area in 2002. Pico do Peito do Pombo is 1,120 meters high; the Sete Quedas, Mãe, Pai and Escorrega waterfalls are located along the Rio Peito de Pombo. The elevation and the location of the four waterfalls along one river highlight different aspects of the landscape.
Waterfalls and Hiking
The protected area offers opportunities to swim at waterfalls, observe nature, hike and climb. Pai, Mãe and Sete Quedas are considered frequently visited; Escorrega is considered easy to access. Check local conditions before visiting Escorrega. If swimming, hiking or climbing is part of your plans, also follow local guidance.
The municipal project Expedições Ecológicas – Sana includes guided hikes through preserved Atlantic Forest with environmental education content. The ecological hike described by the project begins at Escorrega waterfall, follows the Rio do Peito de Pombo, heads toward preserved springs and passes the Pai, Mãe and Sete Quedas waterfalls. This route brings together several named stops and connects the course of the river with the theme of preserved springs; it therefore differs from focusing on individual waterfalls. Check current dates if you are planning to join the project hike.
CriaSana: Cultural History and Offerings
CriaSana grew out of the Associação dos Artesãos e Artistas Plásticos do Sana (Sanarte); Macaé City Hall established the Polo Cultural do Sana on June 28, 2008. This origin gives the cultural venue a direct connection to a local artists’ and craftspeople’s association.
In March 2026, CriaSana included craft and food stalls, restrooms, a performance stage and the Biblioteca Comunitária Bem-te-Vi. In 2026, the library’s ongoing program, organized by volunteers, included book lending, accepting donations, and workshops in creative writing, poetry reading, drawing and painting for children. Following renovations in 2026, the playground at CriaSana featured slides, stairs, bars, and climbing and balancing structures.
When weighing your travel interests, the types of experiences also matter: the protected area combines nature observation with active pursuits, while CriaSana connects its art and cultural history with a library and a volunteer-organized program described in 2026. This can help you plan your trip around whether you want to spend more time on outdoor activities, cultural experiences or a mix of both.
Discover more destinations: Campos Dos Goytacazes, Sacra Família Do Tinguá, Trindade, Duque De Caxias, Porto Real, São Pedro De Nova Friburgo, Rio Bonito, Araruama
For the broader travel overview: Rio De Janeiro.
