
Travelling through Estrada Santa Cruz do Rio Abaixo
Brazil, south-america
10 km
1 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're anywhere near eastern São Paulo, Brazil, you NEED to check out Estrada Santa Cruz do Rio Abaixo. This isn't your average drive; it's a 10km off-road escapade that'll get your adrenaline pumping.
Picture this: a winding, unpaved path of gravel and sand, climbing to 1,000 meters above sea level. The views? Absolutely stunning! But be warned, this road's not for the faint of heart. When the heavens open up, this area is prone to flash floods, so keep an eye on the weather. You might find yourself wading through water or facing washed-out sections. So, if you're up for a challenge and craving some raw, untamed beauty, this Brazilian backroad is calling your name!
Where is it?
Travelling through Estrada Santa Cruz do Rio Abaixo is located in Brazil (south-america). Coordinates: -11.8533, -51.8194
Road Details
- Country
- Brazil
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 10 km
- Max Elevation
- 1 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -11.8533, -51.8194
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