Brazil is a country made for epic road trips. With a vast and varied landscape that includes beaches, mountains, waterfalls, forests, and colonial towns, hitting the road offers a unique way to discover regions you might miss by plane. Whether you’re traveling along the coast or through the interior, Brazil has unforgettable scenic drives for every type of traveler.
Here are 10 of the best road trips in Brazil, including what to see, how long to stay, and tips for the journey.
1. Rio de Janeiro to Paraty to Ubatuba (Costa Verde)
Route: ~300 km
Duration: 3–5 days
Highlights:
- Drive along the lush Costa Verde, hugging cliffs above turquoise sea
- Visit Ilha Grande, Paraty’s colonial center, and Ubatuba’s beaches
- Combine historic charm with nature and ocean adventures
Tip: Take time to stop at hidden beaches like Praia do Sono or Trindade.
2. Serra do Rio do Rastro – Santa Catarina
Route: ~25 km (but steep and winding)
Duration: 1–2 days
What makes it special:
- One of Brazil’s most scenic mountain roads, full of switchbacks
- Epic views from the top of Serra do Rio do Rastro viewpoint
- Combine with nearby towns like Urubici and Bom Jardim da Serra
Tip: Go early in the morning for fog-free views.
3. Estrada Real (Royal Road) – Minas Gerais
Route: ~1,600 km (can be divided into segments)
Duration: 7–14 days
Why go:
- Follow the path of the 18th-century gold route
- Visit colonial gems like Ouro Preto, Tiradentes, São João del-Rei
- Rich in history, culture, and mountain landscapes
Choose a section if short on time—like Ouro Preto to Tiradentes.
4. Chapada Diamantina Circuit – Bahia
Route: Salvador → Lençóis → Vale do Capão → Mucugê
Duration: 5–7 days
Highlights:
- Waterfalls, caves, hikes, and mountain views
- Visit the Poço Encantado, Fumaça waterfall, and Morro do Pai Inácio
- Stay in charming towns surrounded by nature
Tip: Rent a car in Salvador for freedom to explore less accessible trails.
5. Florianópolis to Serra Gaúcha
Route: ~500 km
Duration: 4–6 days
What to expect:
- Start on the island of Florianópolis
- Travel through valleys, vineyards, and European-style towns
- End in Gramado, Canela, or Bento Gonçalves
Combine beaches and wine country in one trip.
6. Belém to Ilha de Marajó – Pará
Route: Boat + road travel on the island
Duration: 3–5 days
Unique elements:
- Cross the Amazon River by ferry
- Explore riverside beaches, mangroves, and buffalo farms
- Visit Soure and Salvador das Ilhas
Tip: Ideal for off-the-beaten-path travelers who want Amazon + beach.
7. Rota das Emoções (Route of Emotions)
Route: Lençóis Maranhenses → Delta do Parnaíba → Jericoacoara
Duration: 7–10 days
Adventures include:
- Sand dunes, lagoons, boat rides, and wind sports
- Cross three states: Maranhão, Piauí, and Ceará
- Combine nature, adrenaline, and unique ecosystems
Requires 4×4 or guided transfer for some sections.
8. São Paulo to Curitiba via Estrada da Graciosa
Route: ~400 km
Duration: 3–4 days
Highlights:
- Visit historic towns like Morretes
- Drive along Estrada da Graciosa, one of Brazil’s prettiest roads
- Explore Serra do Mar and the Atlantic rainforest
Optional: Take the Serra Verde Express train for a scenic rail journey.
9. Natal to Fortaleza (Northeast Coastal Route)
Route: ~530 km
Duration: 5–7 days
Coastal charm:
- Endless beaches, cliffs, lagoons, and seafood
- Stop at Canoa Quebrada, Galinhos, Pipa, and Cumbuco
- Great for a beach-hopping road trip
Tip: Go off-paved roads only with proper vehicles—some beaches are remote.
10. Pantanal Transpantaneira – Mato Grosso
Route: ~147 km (from Poconé to Porto Jofre)
Duration: 2–4 days
Wildlife on the road:
- Dirt road through the Pantanal wetlands
- See caimans, capybaras, jabirus, and maybe jaguars
- Great for birdwatching and nature photography
Go in dry season (May–October) for better road conditions.
Road Trip Travel Tips for Brazil
- Rent a reliable vehicle—some roads require 4×4
- Always check fuel availability in rural areas
- Download offline maps—signal may be weak
- Avoid driving at night in remote regions
- Carry cash and snacks for less-developed stops
- Toll roads are common in some states—keep small bills
Why Road Trips Are the Best Way to Explore Brazil
From coastal curves to jungle trails, Brazil’s landscapes are meant to be seen from the road. A road trip allows you to discover hidden beaches, taste local flavors, and connect with small towns in ways that flying just can’t offer.
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls or following cobblestone roads through history, a Brazilian road trip is an unforgettable journey.
✈️ I’m Miles Carter, a travel writer and explorer passionate about discovering stories that maps can’t show.🌍 From bustling cities to quiet mountain trails, I bring you practical tips, unique experiences, and honest travel advice to help you explore the world with purpose.📍 This blog is your compass to smarter, deeper, and more meaningful travel.
Let’s wander beyond the obvious.