Estrada Real

The Estrada Real ("Royal Road") follows the historic routes used to carry gold and diamonds from the mines of Minas Gerais to the coast of Rio de Janeiro in colonial Brazil. Today it is a network of signed roads linking baroque mining towns, mountain ranges and waterfalls.

For riders it is a choose-your-own-adventure: stay on paved roads between the main towns, or follow the original dirt sections through the hills for a true adventure ride.

Highlights

• Ouro Preto, a UNESCO World Heritage colonial town
• Tiradentes and São João del-Rei with their churches and cobblestones
• Diamantina at the northern end of the route
• The serras (mountain ranges) and waterfalls between towns
• Paraty on the coast, where the gold was shipped

Best time to ride

April to September (the drier season). Summer brings heavy rain that makes the dirt sections slippery.

The road

Paved highways between the main towns plus long unpaved and cobbled stretches. Cobblestones in historic centers are steep and slick when wet.

Riding tips

• Look for the Estrada Real marker posts along the way.
• Stay a night in Ouro Preto or Tiradentes to see the towns after the day-trippers leave.
• An adventure bike is the best choice if you plan to ride the original dirt sections.