Cachoeira Santa Bárbara is the most spectacular waterfall in the Cavalcante area — a 50-metre cascade dropping into a perfectly turquoise pool surrounded by sheer rock walls. It lies inside the Kalunga quilombola territory at Engenho II, about 30 km north of Cavalcante on a rough dirt road.
The trail to the falls is short — under an hour each way — but steep in places. Visits are managed by the Kalunga community, who run a visitor centre at Engenho II, charge a modest fee, and provide guides. Combine it with the nearby Capivara and Candaru waterfalls for a full day's swimming. Carry sturdy shoes; the rock is sharp.