Brazil road trip: Pantanal to Rio and Costa Verde
Explore southern Brazil's natural wonders across 1,098 km, visiting the Pantanal wetlands, the Mountains of Santa Catarina with their dramatic canyons, Pico Paraná at 1,877 meters, Rio de Janeiro's iconic landmarks, and the scenic Costa Verde coast including Ubatuba, Paraty, and Ilhabela.
- Distance
- 1098.7 km
- Mode
- route
- Start
- The Pantanal
- End
- Costa Verde (Ubatuba, Paraty, Ilhabela)
- Stops
- 5
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- The Pantanal — World's largest flooded grassland located in Mato Grosso do Sul state, extending into Bolivia and Paraguay
- Mountains of Santa Catarina — Dramatic granite peaks and lush Atlantic Forest valleys offering hiking, climbing, and stunning panoramic views in southern Brazil's coastal mountain range.
- Pico Paraná (Tallest Mountain in S. Brazil) — At 1,877 meters, this imposing peak dominates southern Brazil's landscape and attracts mountaineers seeking the region's highest summit with spectacular vistas.
- Rio de Janeiro
- Costa Verde (Ubatuba, Paraty, Ilhabela)
Useful for your trip
- Save money
- Fernando de Noronha requires a daily tax of about 90 reais to help maintain the island's pristine condition.
- Transport
- Reach Fernando de Noronha by flying in from Brazil's major airports.
- Transport
- Start your Amazon exploration from the city of Manaus, which is built in the center of the rainforest.
- Transport
- From Manaus, you can jump on a boat or ferry to venture to other cities and destinations along the Amazon River.
- Tip
- At Manaus, visit the meeting of the waters where the Rio Negro converges with the Amazon River to see the different colored rivers mix together.
- Timing
- Visit Lençóis Maranhenses from June to September when the lagoons are full and the sun isn't as strong.
- Transport
- Explore Lençóis Maranhenses dunes by taking a 4x4 car tour, renting ATVs, or going horseback riding.
- Tip
- Jericoacoara is a small fishing village with sand paths instead of roads, known for wind and kite surfing.
- Tip
- Iguazu Falls spans the Brazilian-Argentina border; visit from both countries for unique experiences and different views.
- Tip
- Pico Paraná can be summited in a journey taking 12 hours, and camping is available on the way up.
Video on this route
Top 10 Places To Visit in Brazil - Travel Guide