Alex Gauthier

Mata Atlântica Bike Route N3 traverses the interior of Espírito Santo, home to Brazil's third-highest peak and a multitude of spectacular rock formations. Seemingly endless coffee plantations cover much of the land, but there are also protected forests where one can stop to appreciate the local biodiversity. This segment is a classic dirt-touring experience through the rural areas of a state still little known to outsiders…

Mata Atlântica Bike Route N2 follows the southern coast of Bahia through idyllic beaches, seaside cliffs, lush national parks, mangrove, and a few sandy trails in the forest. There are opportunities to see how people have adapted to this environment: in Indigenous territories, in charming coastal towns, and among cacao plantations. The resulting experience is truly unique, yet remains accessible, thanks to the relatively flat terrain and well-developed touristic infrastructure along the coast…

Mata Atlântica Bike Route N1 traverses the rugged landscape of Brazil’s Chapada Diamantina National Park, home to flat-topped mountains and historic mining towns, and then turns toward the coast through the Caatinga, a unique semi-arid biome that’s rich in biodiversity despite its sometimes strikingly desolate appearance. This route segment offers two riding experiences: adventurous trails in the first part, and off-the-beaten-path dirt roads in the second…

Mata Atlântica Bike Route S4 traverses the highlands of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul. It crosses farmlands and forested mountains in the north and canyons and grasslands with Araucaria groves in the south. The weather is notably different, being colder and having a distinct precipitation pattern. This is an opportunity to discover a unique side of Brazil, possibly outside of the winter season recommended for the other segments...

The Mata Atlântica Bike Route S3 connects São Paulo and the southern state of Santa Catarina via large areas of protected forest, a few historic port cities, and one of the most well-preserved stretches of coastline in the region. Being flatter and easier than the other southern segments, it's a more mellow adventure that includes beach riding and boat crossings...

Mata Atlântica Bike Route S2 connects the metropolises of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. It traverses the remote mountains of the Serra da Bocaina and the beaches of the Costa Verde, as well as the historic town of Paraty. It is the most diverse segment in terms of riding surfaces and landscapes. This makes it a quintessential Brazilian experience, linking the country's two biggest cities...