Rio Macaé is a river in Brasil within three hours by car from Rio De Janiero. Rio Macaé that stretches approximately 136 kilometers from its source in Nova Friburgo to its mouth in the city of Macaé. Rio Macaé is a popular destination for whitewater kayakers in Brazil as this river offers a variety of rapids, making it suitable for both novice and experienced kayakers.
Bruno Rutman and Fields Marshall pictured above in Encontro Dos Rios (Lumiar)
Whitewater Kayaking on Macaé River
- Diverse Rapids: This river features rapids ranging from Class I to Class V with warm water in the lush Atlantic Forest.
- Popular Sections: While this river can be divided in many ways. For kayakers there are essentially three sections of the Macaé river. The upper ( class 3 + ) , middle ( class 4 – 5 ) and lower (class 4+ ) at normal flows. The rainy season lasts from December to April.
- Guided Tours: There are several adventure companies offering guided kayaking and rafting tours on the Rio Macaé, I am recommending Bruno Rutman whose pousada (Encontro Dos Rios Pousada) is found where the Macaé river meets the river Bonito.
Macaé River Sections
Upper Macaé
Is a short section of class three plus that takes place near the Encontro De Los Rios where the Bonito and Macaé river meet. Starting at Encontro Dos Rios and ending near Ponte em Sao Luiza
Middle Macaé
Not only is the middle Macaé rated at a difficulty level of class 4 and 5 during the wet season. The middle Macaé is hard to walk out of because it goes away from the road. The middle Macaé starts near Ponte em Sao Luiza and ends at the Pousada Cascata.
Lower Macaé
This is a 15 km long section that took a bit over 4 hours to complete and involved 3 portages. Normally always 2 portages. One portage was after the Fumaca waterfall right at the beginning of the run. The lower Macaé starts near the Pousada Cascata and ends near Nativa Rafting
Conservation Efforts and Opposition to Hydroelectric Projects:
In recent years, there has been significant concern regarding proposals to construct small hydroelectric plants (Pequenas Centrais Hidrelétricas – PCHs) along the Rio Macaé. Much development pose threats to the river’s free flow, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of communities dependent on it.
In May 2022, the “Encontro Rio Macaé Livre” event was held in Lumiar, gathering over 30 canoeists from various parts of Brazil.his event combined the thrill of the sport with environmental activism, aiming to raise awareness about the potential ecological and social impacts of damming the river.articipants navigated sections of the river, including areas proposed for dam construction, to highlight the importance of preserving its natural state
Advocates for the river emphasize its ecological significance, potential for sustainable tourism, and role in supporting local communities.hey argue that the construction of dams would lead to irreversible environmental damage and advocate for the recognition of Rio Macaé as a national treasure, serving as a model for environmental conservation for future generations.
The movement to protect Rio Macaé underscores the broader global conversation about balancing energy development with environmental preservation and the rights of local communities.