Graciosa Road

A mule track over this pass existed from the eighteenth century, and the carriage road that replaced it was built between 1854 and 1873, paved in stone setts and engineered with drainage and retaining walls down the Serra do Mar escarpment. It still runs, still cobbled for much of its length, descending through Atlantic forest inside a protected area with the canopy meeting overhead in places. Along it stand a series of stone rest houses built for travellers - Recanto Mae Catira, Bela Vista and others - now picnic stops with viewpoints over the range. Waterfalls come down beside the road. Traffic is one-way downhill on the historic section, which makes it a drive rather than a there-and-back trip.

What you actually see

• Original stone setts - the 1854 paving still in use for much of the road.
• Stone rest houses - the traveller shelters along the descent, now picnic stops.
• Forest closing overhead - Atlantic forest canopy over the cobbles.
• One-way descent - the historic section runs downhill only.

When to go

April to September. Half a day for the descent with stops.

Honest expectations

Cobbles are rough and slow, and the road is uncomfortable in a low car. Fog is frequent and reduces the views. It runs one way, so plan the route accordingly. Landslides close it after heavy rain.

Nearby

Morretes is at the bottom; the Serra Verde train runs the parallel line.