
SC-390 is a Brazilian ludicrously zigzagged road in Serra do Rio do Rastro
Brazil, south-america
100 km
1,465 m
hard
Year-round
# SC-390: Brazil's Epic Mountain Zigzag
Ready for one of the world's most thrilling drives? SC-390, also known as Rodovia Daniel Brüning, is a jaw-dropping roller coaster of a road that winds through the mountains of southeastern Santa Catarina, Brazil. Built way back in 1903, this legendary route has earned its reputation as one of the most famous hairpinned roads on the planet.
Nestled in the Serra do Rio do Rastro mountain range near Lauro Müller, this beast of a road climbs to a dizzying 1,465m (4,806 feet) above sea level. The whole stretch spans just 12.87 km (8 miles), but don't let that fool you—you'll navigate a mind-bending 250 corners while dropping from nearly 4,800 feet to sea level. With an average gradient of 9.2%, it's an adrenaline-pumping adventure that demands respect and concentration.
The scenery? Absolutely stunning. On clear days, you can spot the Atlantic Ocean from up here, roughly 100 km away. The landscape is pure magic: tumbling waterfalls, dramatic canyons, pristine lakes, cascading rapids, and lush native wildlife make this one of Brazil's most gorgeous regions. The road is fully paved and impressively lit by massive windmills that line the route.
This region has a distinctly European vibe—thanks to German and Italian settlers who colonized the area centuries ago. You'll spot charming German-style architecture and notice the fair-skinned locals. The climate here is surprisingly temperate despite the altitude, with annual temperatures averaging around 12°C.
Planning a visit? Go between December and March when summer skies are clearest. Winter fog can be a real headache, though you might encounter some cloud coverage even in summer when cold fronts sweep in from the south. Traffic is blessedly light, so you can really take your time and soak in those jaw-dropping views.
Where is it?
SC-390 is a Brazilian ludicrously zigzagged road in Serra do Rio do Rastro is located in Brazil (south-america). Coordinates: -14.3039, -56.0618
Road Details
- Country
- Brazil
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 100 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,465 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- -14.3039, -56.0618
Related Roads in south-america
hardWhere is Chungara Lake?
🇨🇱 Chile
Okay, picture this: you're in the far north of Chile, practically knocking on Bolivia's door, smack-dab in the middle of Lauca National Park. You're headed to Lago Chungará, a shimmering jewel of a lake sitting way, way up at 14,820 feet! Seriously, this lake is one of the highest in South America. The road you'll be cruising on is Ruta 11, also known as Carretera Internacional CH11. It's a fully paved 15.5-mile stretch heading east from Putre, which is already one of the highest towns you'll ever see. Expect some company, especially from trucks rumbling along. Now, listen up: altitude is the name of the game here. We're talking thin air, so give your car a once-over before you go, especially if it's got a carburetor. And fuel? Fill 'er up in Arica because gas stations are ghosts along these roads. Pack extra if you're planning a longer trek. But trust me, the views are worth it! Keep your camera handy for those postcard-perfect shots of volcanoes mirroring in the lake. Just remember the weather up here can be wild, so be prepared and soak it all in!
extremeCuesta del Clavillo
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Cuesta del Clavillo in Tucumán Province, Argentina! This isn't just a road; it's a wild ride carved into the mountains within the Parque Nacional Campo de los Alisos. Think Ruta Nacional 65—but forget the smooth tarmac. We're talking a narrow, dirt track that clings impossibly to the cliffside, snaking up via 14 crazy-tight hairpin turns. This 5.5km stretch throws you from 1,625m to 1,867m above sea level, packing in a 242-meter climb with some sections hitting a serious 10% gradient. Translation: it's steep! The gravel surface can be loose, especially on the edges, so stay sharp. Heads up: this route isn't for the faint of heart! Expect heavy traffic, year-round rain and fog. Landslides, anyone? Visibility can drop to zero in an instant. And those views? Stunning, but remember that in many spots, it's a sheer drop of hundreds of meters with zero guardrails. If you’re prone to motion sickness, maybe skip that extra empanada before you go! Oh, and be prepared. This track gets seriously muddy and slippery after rain, so even a 4x4 might struggle. During and after a storm, it can be totally impassable. But, for the skilled and the brave, Cuesta del Clavillo offers an unforgettable, adrenaline-pumping experience.
hardThe Winding Road from Tupiza to Quiriza is for Experienced Drivers Only
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Hey adventure junkies! Get ready for an epic Bolivian off-road experience from Tupiza to Quiriza, deep in the Potosí Department near the Argentinian border. Forget pavement – this is pure, unadulterated dirt, sand, and rock! This isn't a Sunday drive, folks. You'll need a trusty 4x4 to conquer this beast and even ford a river! The entire route sits above 3,100m, climbing to a lung-busting 4,236m (13,897 ft) at its peak. Starting in Tupiza (3,160m), a gorgeous, remote town that feels like the edge of the world, you'll traverse 63.9 km (39.70 miles) of corrugated road heading north to the mining town of Quiriza (3,598m). Prepare for a wild ride through some truly stunning, untouched landscapes. Trust me, the views are worth the bumps!
easy8 Things You Should Never Do on a Brazil Road Trip
🇧🇷 Brazil
Brazil, Brazil, Brazil! Six-ish million folks can't be wrong, right? Tropical vibes, mind-blowing nature, and a culture that'll grab you - this South American giant has it all. But hey, every paradise has its quirks. Here are some road trip "don'ts" to keep in mind. Don't worry, it's all good stuff! First off, brush up on your Portuguese! English might not cut it, and Spanish? *Close*, but not quite. Locals dig it when you try, even if your accent's a bit wonky. Duolingo is your friend here. Brazil is so much more than just Rio and the Amazon. Get off the beaten track! There are hidden gems galore waiting to be discovered. Trust me. Okay, Brazil's HUGE - like, almost the size of the US. Plan your routes wisely! Buses are comfy and a traveler's best friend. But remember: less is more. Don't try to cram everything in! Don't think Brazil is dirt cheap. It's not crazy expensive, but it's no bargain bin either. Especially during Carnaval or New Year's, prices skyrocket! Budget around $60-$75 a day, give or take, not including your bed. Safety first! Brazil has its safe zones and, well, less safe ones. Crime happens, especially in cities. But common sense and local tips will keep you golden. Don't let the scary stories keep you away. Chill out! Brazilian time is… relaxed. Things might start late, but embrace the slow pace. No rush, no stress. You'll get used to it, and you'll probably love it. Last but not least, remember Brazil is a melting pot. There's no single "Brazilian culture." German is a major language, and there are Korean, Japanese, and Chinese communities everywhere. North, south, everywhere you go, you'll see different vibes. Just soak it all in! Sun, caipirinhas, rainforests, cities... Brazil's got it all. Follow these tips, and you're in for an adventure of a lifetime!