{"id":5334,"date":"2022-03-07T08:04:35","date_gmt":"2022-03-07T08:04:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/?p=5334"},"modified":"2026-10-05T07:43:19","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T07:43:19","slug":"tips-for-cycling-in-brazil-rio-de-janeiro","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/en\/verhalen\/tips-om-te-fietsen-in-brazilie-rio-de-janeiro","title":{"rendered":"Cycling routes in Brazil: Discover Rio de Janeiro by bike!"},"content":{"rendered":"

At Cycling Destination, we like to look beyond the well-trodden paths, and that also applies to our cycling routes! Where South American cycling trips often evoke associations with the rugged roads of the Andes, our routes are more suited to the more relaxed pace of life in the tropics. Chile<\/a>, With the impressive scenery of Patagonia, or the iconic mountains of Colombia and Ecuador (thanks to riders like Egan Bernal and Richard Carapaz), we now turn our attention to a hidden gem: Rio de Janeiro. Fortunately, we have Alice Cardoso to tell us all about Rio\u2019s cycling opportunities. She shared her favorite routes, tips, and practical advice\u2014perfect to take with you, especially during the bustling carnival season! So, are you ready for a different side of Brazil<\/a>Read on for our best tips and bike routes in Rio de Janeiro<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Rio<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Text and photos: Alice Cardoso<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More than the Olympics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In 2016, the whole world looked to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. It was the year of the 31st Olympic Summer Games and in that year history was made in cycling. In many ways. The UCI fan base grew to a total of 1.5 million (!) during the two weeks of the Games. Around the world, viewership skyrocketed, both for the road races and on the track. The world could now judge for itself: cycling in Rio de Janeiro IS an option!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The course of the road race<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The 241.5 km\/141km (men\/women) road race took place on the best routes of Rio. Beautiful images of Copacabana, Jesus the Redeemer, Floresta de Tijuca, Grumari and back again. But the heat and the route were terrible. Of the total 144 men, only 63 finished. Of course, \u2018golden Greg\u2019 and Anna van der Breggen were the big winners. Yet many will remember Rio because of the \u2018fall\u2019 of Annemiek van Vleuten.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Christ<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Where should you be?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most people think that cycling is an activity for countries that have a better developed infrastructure. Rio de Janeiro successfully combats that prejudice. The fantastic environment smooths out a lot of the (literal) obstacles. You will quickly get used to the lack of bike paths as the views are so beautiful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, to be honest, there are a few bike paths, especially the ones that were built for Rio 2016, but the maintenance of them is disastrous. The Olympic bike path was closed quite soon after the games because parts of it fell into the ocean. Oops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jungle climbs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Rio de Janeiro has beautiful, steep climbs to the so-called \u2018jungle\u2019 (Floresta da Tijuca) on offer. Here you pay the 14 percent tax, so it\u2019s not a walk in the park. Additionally, you can also drive beautifully along the northern coastline of the city. You\u2019ll find routes from the world-famous Copacabana all the way to the base of the statue of Jesus the Savior. And further north, you\u2019ll find some secret surfing spots and pristine nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The roads vary from very good to absolutely dramatic, but nobody seems to care about that here. Many cyclists in Rio ride on the best and newest frames. As everywhere in the world, cycling is one of the most popular trends in Rio and that will probably stay that way for a while. Many groups are trying to make the city more accessible for cyclists and hopefully that will work. You will, by the way, be amazed by the beautiful bikes, but also by some cyclists who reach the top of the mountain on a completely crazy bike. You won\u2019t only see beautiful carbon S-works bikes, but also aluminum barrels with wheels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Cycling<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Cycling<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Timing matters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Between 4 AM and 10 AM in the morning, the city belongs to the cyclist. Yes, indeed, 4 AM in the morning. In Rio, you have to start early because of the heat, and traffic makes it almost impossible to cycle during normal hours. The city has a number of closed sections of the street where you can exercise without cars between 4 AM and 12:30 PM. These streets are usually guarded by patrolling police cars. Furthermore, there are long stretches along the beach from Arpoador to Leblon (the southern side) and Barra to Reserva (the northern side) that are used for cycling between 5 AM and 12:30 PM. On top of that, the city also offers closed roads from Aterro do Flamengo all the way to Santos Dumont Airport on early Sunday mornings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cycling knows no boundaries<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Climbing the mountains around the city, especially those that encompass the southern part of Rio and lead to Jesus the Savior, can actually be done all day long. However, if you really want to reach the statue of Jesus, you have to be above it between 8 and 10 a.m. The normal starting time for the better climbing is between 5 and 10 a.m. There are two starting points if you want to spend the whole day on horseback. Rua Alice in Laranjeiras or Pacheco Leao. The latter is located at the back of the botanical garden of Rio. As already mentioned, the climbing routes around the city are quite steep and you really need some endurance (and strength) to survive them. But the view is breathtaking. On some days, the city\u2019s wildlife is also awake and you can see monkeys, raccoons, sloths, and even snakes, in addition to the regular bird species. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Cycling
Cycling routes in Brazil: Rio de Janeiro<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Be careful!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It should come as no surprise that you need to be careful when cycling in Rio. Although it all seems organized and relatively safe, cycling is not completely risk-free. You should never ride completely alone, especially not in the early morning hours when you are going from one place to another. You should ride in a group and there are more than 20 \u2018Assessorias\u2019 offering group rides. They are all accessible for a small fee, but you need to contact them in advance. Some recommend leaving your phone at home. I would recommend always bringing one with you, but maybe not the latest model, especially if you don\u2019t feel comfortable with it. At least with a phone you can call someone in case something unexpected happens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are also options to arrange for a motorcycle escort if you want to ride all by yourself. These \u2018moto boys\/drivers\u2019 also know some great routes, should the need arise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cycling routes in Brazil: What are the most beautiful routes in Rio de Janeiro<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In my opinion, every ride around this beautiful city is more than worth the sweat. I might be biased here, but if I had to choose, I would recommend the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cristo-Mirante from Dona Marta<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of my favorite routes starts behind the botanical garden and goes all the way to the foot of Jesus the Redeemer. Along the way, you pass by the \u2018Vista Chinesa\u2019, a Chinese pavilion that also serves as a viewpoint, and \u2018Mesa do Imperador\u2019, a huge stone dining table that was used for picnics in the past. Panheiras Street is actually a car-free street that runs up through the forest, while you pass several small waterfalls on the way to Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This route is very steep and you really need to plan some time for it. For beginners, I would recommend doing only the first part.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pro tip: If you are up there, drive down towards Mirante da Dona Marta Heliport and the vista point there. This place offers you the only 360-degree view of Rio and also offers the opportunity to see the Christ statue from the front. <\/p>\n\n\n\n