The Estrada Real
Situated in Southeast Brazil, the Estrada Real (Royal Road) is one of the oldest roads in the Americas. It cuts through the states of Minas Gerais and São Paulo, leading to the port cities of Paraty and Rio de Janeiro. The Royal Road thrived during the diamond and gold rush of the 16th to 18th centuries, connecting some of the region’s most historic towns. Its past is marked by the brutal history of the slave trade, as it was built to transport precious minerals from the interior to the coast, then on to Lisbon, Portugal. Over 400,000 Portuguese and 500,000 African slaves came to the region to mine, and in the 18th century alone, an estimated 800 metric tons of gold were sent to Portugal.
Today, this largely unpaved 1,600-kilometer track—comprising four separate routes—seamlessly blends history and adventure. Endless gravel roads, cascading waterfalls, jungle singletrack, river crossings, gate barriers, and the occasional hike-a-bike challenge make for an unforgettable journey, perfect for any bikepacker looking to venture off the beaten path.
Produced, Shot, Directed & Edited by Leonardo Brasil and Adam Pawlikiewicz
Sponsored by Revelate Designs
