Embarking on the Mata Atlântica Bike Route (N2): Costa offers an unparalleled 16-day cycling adventure along Brazil’s southern Bahia coastline. This meticulously crafted itinerary ensures overnight stays exclusively in established campgrounds or lodging facilities, providing a harmonious blend of nature and comfort.
Route Overview
The journey commences in Manoel Vitorino, traversing the Boa Nova National Park, where the arid Caatinga biome gracefully transitions into the verdant expanse of the Atlantic Forest. Cyclists will encounter diverse terrains, from challenging doubletrack paths to serene beach rides, each segment thoughtfully designed to balance exertion with exploration. The route’s strategic planning accommodates the varying distances between towns, offering options for both shorter and longer riding days, thereby enhancing the overall experience.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
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Day 1: Manoel Vitorino to Valentim (49.3 km, +949m)
Departing Manoel Vitorino, the path leads southeast into the lush Boa Nova National Park. The day’s ride culminates in Valentim, a town offering comfortable lodging options. -
Day 2: Valentim to Iguaí (43.4 km, +685m)
This segment features hilly rural landscapes, with opportunities to visit the Bequinha and Dino waterfalls for a refreshing swim. Iguaí awaits with its array of lodging choices. -
Day 3: Iguaí to Itaju do Colônia (87.6 km, +743m)
Cyclists navigate dirt roads through pastures, encountering muddy sections and the option to detour to Itororó for additional lodging. The day concludes in Itaju do Colônia. -
Day 4: Itaju do Colônia to Colônia de Una (95.8 km, +1,215m)
The route traverses cacao-growing regions, passing through Jussari and Arataca, before reaching Colônia de Una, where lodging is available at Hospedaria Don Juvon. -
Day 5: Colônia de Una to Canavieiras (52.5 km, +1,607m)
A stretch along the paved BA-001 road leads to Canavieiras, a town known for its historic center, lodging options, and beachside campgrounds. -
Day 6: Canavieiras to Mogiquiçaba (66.5 km, +274m)
A boat ride across the mangroves to Belmonte precedes a challenging beach ride to Mogiquiçaba, a surfer-friendly settlement with a convenience store, pousada, and beachfront campground. -
Day 7: Mogiquiçaba to Estação Veracel (56.2 km, +327m)
The journey includes beach riding, boat crossings, and a ferry to Santa Cruz Cabrália, followed by a ride to Estação Veracel, offering forest trails and lodging in Agrovila. -
Day 8: Estação Veracel to Trancoso (64.5 km, +586m)
Cyclists traverse the Pau Brasil National Park, with options to register at the headquarters and enjoy forest trails, before reaching the tourist town of Trancoso. -
Day 9: Trancoso to Barra Velha (34.3 km, +257m)
The route follows paradisiacal beaches, including crossings of the Frades River and visits to Caraíva and Barra Velha, each offering lodging and camping options. -
Day 10: Barra Velha to Monte Pascoal (39.6 km, +501m)
Cyclists pass through Pataxó Indigenous Lands, with options to hire a guide for traversing national parks, before reaching Monte Pascoal headquarters for camping. -
Day 11: Monte Pascoal to Cumuruxatiba (72.9 km, +981m)
The route includes rural dirt roads, potential land conflicts, and a stretch through the Descobrimento National Park, with options to hire a guide for park sections. -
Day 12: Cumuruxatiba to Alcobaça (68.9 km, +542m)
Cyclists follow coastal dirt roads with scenic views, passing through Prado and reaching Alcobaça, where lodging is available. -
Day 13: Alcobaça to Nova Viçosa (73 km, +245m)
A boat ride across the river leads to Barra de Caravelas, followed by a journey to Nova Viçosa, offering lodging and camping options. -
Day 14: Nova Viçosa to Itaúnas (72.8 km, +407m)
The route includes beach riding, boat crossings, and a ferry to Santa Cruz Cabrália, followed by a ride to Itaúnas, known for its campgrounds and hostels. -
Day 15: Itaúnas to Barra Nova (64.1 km, +339m)
Cyclists traverse the Itaúnas State Park’s restinga forest, with options to bypass certain sections, before reaching Barra Nova, offering campgrounds and pousadas. -
Day 16: Barra Nova to Sooretama (85.4 km, +441m)
A short boat crossing leads to Pontal do Ipiranga, followed by a ride through agricultural areas and the Vale Natural Reserve, concluding in Sooretama with lodging options.
Preparation and Considerations
Cyclists should be prepared for diverse terrains, including beach rides, sandy doubletrack, and singletrack paths. A rigid mountain bike or all-terrain bike with 2.2 to 2.6-inch tires is recommended for optimal performance. It’s crucial to be aware of potential hazards such as mosquitoes, ticks, and free-ranging dogs. Vaccinations, including yellow fever, are advisable due to regional health considerations. Understanding local customs and languages will enhance the experience, as Portuguese is predominantly spoken throughout the route.
This comprehensive itinerary offers a balanced mix of adventure and comfort, allowing cyclists to immerse themselves in the rich biodiversity and cultural tapestry of Brazil’s Atlantic coast.