Serra do Rio Rastro, located in the state of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, is one of the most breathtaking road trips in the world in the middle of a mountain range covered by the Mata Atlântica rainforest. Its main attraction is an astonishing 12 km (7.45 miles) curvy road at 1.500 m (4,921 feet) height, just 150 km (93 miles) from the coast, including Floranópolis and other few towns for beaches and surfing visited by foreign travelers.
Not so known out of southern Brazil, nowadays Rio do Rastro is a rural tourist destination frequented by Brazilians who look for fresh air, local food such as the pine nut “pinhão”, wineries, and waterfalls. In the past, the path occupied by this road used to be used to transport cattle, mules, and pigs from the state of Rio Grande do Sul to the town of Sorocaba, in the state of São Paulo.
Along the Rio do Rastro path, the towns of São Joaquim and Lages were the main stops of the drovers who used to transport the animals crossing half of the Brazilian territory. But in this post, we describe the route passing by the town of Bom Jardim da Serra, where you find the highlights appreciated by drivers and moto bikers on weekends.
How to arrive at Serra do Rio Rastro?
Serra do Rio do Rastro is located in the town of Bom Jardim da Sera, to be precise, where drivers stop for taking pictures and stop for meals. To arrive there, you can go driving through the highways BR-101 and BR-282 until the highway SC-390, which links the towns of Bom Jardim da Serra and Lauro Müller.
Distance to Serra do Rio do Rastro:
- BR-101: 100 km (62 miles)
- From Florianópolis: 230 km (143 miles)
- From Porto Alegre: 381 km (236 miles)
- From Gramado: 257 km (159 miles)
- From Curitiba: 512 km (318 miles)
- From São Paulo: 914 km (568 miles)
How Long Does It Take to Explore Serra Rio do Rastro?
To explore Serra do Rio do Rastro, takes a day of a road trip. I recommend getting on the road early morning, especially if you depart from the coast, and exploring the path along with the mountain range during the afternoon. The best time to appreciate the views and take pictures is between 11:00h and 15:00h, as fogs are constant in the morning.
When to Visit Serra do Rio do Rastro?
The high season in Serra do Rio do Rastro is from June to August when it’s winter in southern Brazil, similar to winter in Argentina, Uruguay, Portugal, and Spain. At this time of the year, the roads are full of cars and buses, so hotels and restaurants hit their peak. If you want to reserve accommodation for the winter, you must do it as early as possible. By March, hotels and guest houses are likely to be sold out on reservations for the winter.
The whole path is illuminated at the night, on rainy days, and when it snows once in while. Travelers, drivers, and moto bikers visit Rio do Rastro all year round but, if possible, the best time to go there is on sunny days, when you can appreciate the best views and take incredible pictures.
How is the Weather in Serra do Rio do Rastro?
Once you’re in southern Brazil, forget that stereotype of a sunny tropical country all year round. It’s sunny and hot in summer in Rio do Rastro region but fresher than at sea level. However, if you visit during the winter from June to August, you’ll get cold weather, going from 0ºC (32ºF) to 10ºC (50ºF). Temperatures go even under º0C (under 32ºF). Brazilians from all over the country crowd the road and hotels expecting to see snow and experience winter. Sometimes snow shows up but at least the ground gets frosty on the coldest days.
Apart from the winter, the weather in Rio do Rastro region is unpredictable. Prepare for more than one weather across a day. Even on warm days, I recommend taking a warm cloth in case of temperature gets a little colder. But in general, the weather on the road is cooler than in the coastal cities during summer and spring.
Highlights of Serra do Rio do Rastro Road Trip
Along the road, there are spots on the right side the road to stop for taking pictures but the highlight at Serra do Rio do Rastro is the observation point – mirante in Portuguese – where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the road so as the mountain range, located in the town of Bom Jardim da Serra. In the same area, there is a good cafe and restaurant named Mensageiro da Montanha, where travelers stop for lunch, plus some shops selling local products.
Around the observation point, you have the chance to take some of the best pictures of Serra do Rio Rastro from different angles featuring the curvy roads surrounded by the rainforest. In my opinion, it’s this view that makes driving its 284 curves worth it driving the whole day until arrive there. That’s the moment where you see yourself in front of the most beautiful road trip in Brazil.
Originally posted 2022-03-18 03:43:27.
