Estrada Real 2018

The Estrada Real is the country’s biggest touristic route. More than 1,630 kilometers in length, it passes through Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Today, the institution saves the route´s traditions valuing the region’s identity and beauty.

Its history began in the mid 17th century, when the Portuguese decided to formalize the routes for the transportation of gold and diamonds from Minas to the ports of Rio de Janeiro. The trails that were chosen by the royalty earned the name Estrada Real – “Royal Road.”

The route consists of two paths:

The Diamond Path which has the aim to connect the headquarters of Capitania, Ouro Preto, to the main diamond mining site, Diamantina.

The Old Path which is also called “Caminho do Ouro” (Gold Path), was the first trajectory chosen by the royal family and linked Ouro Preto to Paraty.