Cycling in Brazil
Including Campos do Jordão and Mantiqueira Mountains, Florianópolis Island Loop, and Paraty to Cunha Historic Gold Trail. On the map.
The vibe
Cycling through this landscape is an exercise in endurance, characterized by vast, undulating horizons and roads that demand respect for the sheer scale of the country. Early mornings are essential to beat the intense midday heat, and the shoulder seasons provide the most temperate weather for long-distance touring. It is largely a DIY endeavor, as you will often find yourself sharing the road with heavy traffic, making it a trip for the self-reliant rider.
Campos do Jordão and Mantiqueira Mountains
São Paulo
Ismael Soares Miguel / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Rising into the Serra da Mantiqueira, this region offers challenging road climbs and steep gravel tracks through pine forests and mountain terrain. Known as Brazil's highest city, it is a premier training ground for endurance cyclists seeking high-altitude passes.
Access. Accessible via São Paulo by car or bus; bike rentals and local cycling guides are available in Campos do Jordão.
Notes. Best from April to September. Steep descents, cool mountain weather, and moderate weekend traffic on main routes.
Florianópolis Island Loop
Santa Catarina
Maikon Almeida / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Circumnavigate Ilha de Santa Catarina on rolling coastal roads, fishing villages, and dramatic hill passes overlooking the Atlantic. The island is a hub for triathletes and endurance riders looking for varied coastal terrain.
Access. Fly into Florianópolis International Airport (FLN); bike shops and rentals are widely available across the island.
Notes. Year-round destination, though summer months bring heavier tourist traffic. Hilly sections require good gearing.
Paraty to Cunha Historic Gold Trail
Rio de Janeiro
Alex Carvalho from Rio de Janeiro, Brasil / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
A historic cobblestone and dirt mountain pass connecting the colonial coastal town of Paraty with Cunha in the highlands. This challenging route tests gravel and adventure cyclists with steep grades and dense Atlantic rainforest scenery.
Access. Accessible from Paraty or São José dos Campos; shuttle services and 4x4 support are often used by bikepackers.
Notes. Best during the drier winter months (May to October). Requires robust tires and gearing for steep, loose surfaces.
Petrópolis and Serra dos Órgãos
Rio de Janeiro
Daniel Nonato / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Tackle the historic Imperial climb from sea level up to the mountain city of Petrópolis, surrounded by jagged granite peaks. The region features steep paved switchbacks and rugged fire roads within the national park buffer zones.
Access. Short drive or bus ride from Rio de Janeiro; bike rental and support shops available in Petrópolis.
Notes. Cooler mountain climate; heavy truck traffic on the main highway requires caution, so local backroad routes are preferred.
Rio de Janeiro Coastal Roads and Tijuca Forest
Rio de Janeiro
Pierre André / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Combine sweeping ocean-view coastal lanes with lush rainforest climbs inside Tijuca National Park. Riders encounter iconic roads winding around Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon and up to Vista Chinesa.
Access. Abundant bike rentals and guided cycling tours operate throughout Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon.
Notes. Year-round riding, best early in the morning to avoid heavy traffic and heat. Mix of paved urban climbs and park roads.
Vale Europeu Circuit
Santa Catarina
Stahlhoefer / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
A dedicated multi-day circuit in Santa Catarina featuring rolling hills, German colonial architecture, and peaceful rural dirt roads. It is Brazil's premier self-guided bikepacking and touring loop.
Access. Start from Timbó, easily reached via Navegantes or Blumenau; local tourism offices provide route passports and support info.
Notes. Year-round access, well-marked signage, rolling gravel and paved farm roads suited for gravel and touring bikes.