Estrada Caminhos da Neve
A scenic, unpaved route connecting Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul, offering breathtaking highland landscapes and a true off-road adventure.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Mild weather, fewer crowds
Estrada Caminhos da Neve
Best Time
Mild weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic, unpaved route connecting Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul, offering breathtaking highland landscapes and a true off-road adventure.
"This route offers stunning views but requires a capable vehicle and preparedness for unpaved roads."
🚗 Vehicle Choice is Key
Opt for a 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle. Many sections are unpaved and can be rough!
📶 Limited Cell Service
Download offline maps and inform someone of your travel plans. Signal is scarce here.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Barragem Rio dos Touros
Near Bom Jesus (RS)
A scenic dam on the unpaved route, offering a glimpse into the region's past hydroelectric power generation.
Ponte das Goiabeiras
Estrada Caminhos da Neve
A rustic wooden bridge that adds to the charm of this scenic, off-the-beaten-path route.
Planalto da Neve Views
Between São Joaquim (SC) and Bom Jesus (RS)
Experience breathtaking landscapes of green fields, araucaria trees, and rolling hills on this high-altitude route.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Road Conditions & Vehicle Choice
Winter Travel Preparedness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Vehicle Choice is Key
Opt for a 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle. Many sections are unpaved and can be rough! 
📶 Limited Cell Service
Download offline maps and inform someone of your travel plans. Signal is scarce here.
❄️ Winter Weather Watch
Snow and ice can make this road treacherous. Check forecasts and be prepared for delays.
⛽ Fuel Up Beforehand
There are no gas stations along the route. Ensure your tank is full before you start.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Vehicle Choice is Key
Opt for a 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle. Many sections are unpaved and can be rough!
📶 Limited Cell Service
Download offline maps and inform someone of your travel plans. Signal is scarce here.
❄️ Winter Weather Watch
Snow and ice can make this road treacherous. Check forecasts and be prepared for delays.
⛽ Fuel Up Beforehand
There are no gas stations along the route. Ensure your tank is full before you start.
📸 Scenic Stops Abound
Pull over safely to admire the stunning views of the Planalto da Neve.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Reviews for accommodations along the Estrada Caminhos da Neve are highly mixed, with significant complaints about poor maintenance, lack of heating, and rude service. Some guests found the property not as advertised and experienced issues with cancellations and basic amenities. However, a few positive reviews mention good service from specific staff members and adequate breakfast, suggesting inconsistency in the guest experience.
"Top"
Henrique
"Fomos a trabalho em um grupo de 17 pessoas, período de inverno, batendo 6 graus.
* não pode usar o aquecedor, a menos que pague 400,00 reais a mais por dia usado.
* chuveiro não esquenta, tem que implorar pra ligarem a caldeira.
* compramos pizza pra janta, não deixaram usar a área de café pra comer, sugeriram comer todos em um quarto (lembrando que são 17 pessoas).
* atendimento rude e mal educado.
* não trocaram toalhas do meu quarto.
Tem muito que melhorar!"
Keyla Cristina
"A pousada não está conforme mostra na internet. Local feio, cheio de lixo ao redor! Edificação térrea com janelas de fácil acesso e abertura por fora! Piscina fora da edificação. Terreno ao redor feio! Cobertores muito sujos. Quarto feio com banheiro muito sucateado. Entramos na pousadas no horário do check in para descansarmos e sair mais tarde, porém o quarto era tão frio e desconfortável que decidimos dar uma volta. No meio do caminho decidimos não ficar lá pois seria uma noite muito ruim. Não consegui cancelamento da diária por parte do da pousada e nem com o cartão pois exigiram o documento de cancelamento da pousada. Ficamos no Parq Hotel São Joaquim que sem dúvida foi ótimo. Não vale o preço que estão cobrando e sem dúvida é muito diferente das fotos. A impressão que dá é que já foi uma pousada boa e com o tempo não foi feito as devidas manutenções. O quarto tinha sistema de aquecimento mas o funcionário disse que ligaria somente a noite. É extremamente frio até de dia!"
Andreia L Lins
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Estrada Caminhos da Neve connects São Joaquim in Santa Catarina to Bom Jesus in Rio Grande do Sul. It's primarily an unpaved road, with some paved sections on the Santa Catarina side. Travelers often access it from São Joaquim, heading towards Bom Jesus, or vice-versa. Be aware that many sections are gravel and can be challenging for standard vehicles.
Due to the unpaved nature of much of the road, a 4x4 vehicle or a vehicle with high clearance is strongly recommended. This will provide a safer and more comfortable journey, especially after rain or during winter.
No, the Estrada Caminhos da Neve is largely an unpaved road. While some sections on the Santa Catarina side are paved, a significant portion, especially on the Rio Grande do Sul side, is gravel.
The duration can vary significantly based on road conditions, your vehicle, and how often you stop for photos. It's generally considered a scenic drive that can take several hours to complete, especially if you encounter any difficulties on the unpaved sections.
Services are extremely limited. There are no gas stations or significant towns directly on the route. It's crucial to fill up your fuel tank before starting and carry snacks and water. Cell phone signal is also very weak or non-existent in many areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets or entry fees required to drive the Estrada Caminhos da Neve. It is a public road, though its unpaved condition means it's not a typical tourist attraction with formal entry points.
As a public road, there are no official operating hours. However, driving during daylight hours is highly recommended due to the unpaved and potentially challenging conditions. Winter conditions can also lead to temporary closures.
No, the Barragem Rio dos Touros is located along the public road and does not have an entrance fee. You can stop and view it as part of your drive along the Estrada Caminhos da Neve.
Yes, the Ponte das Goiabeiras is a feature along the Estrada Caminhos da Neve and can be visited as part of your drive. There is no specific entry fee for the bridge itself.
The primary restriction is the road condition itself, which makes it unsuitable for standard vehicles. Always check local weather and road advisories, especially during winter, as certain conditions might make the road impassable.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the scenic drive itself, offering stunning views of the Planalto da Neve, including rolling hills, araucaria trees, and open fields. Key points of interest include the Barragem Rio dos Touros and the Ponte das Goiabeiras.
Expect dramatic landscapes of the high plateau, often referred to as the 'Planalto da Neve.' This includes vast green fields, characteristic araucaria trees, and rolling hills that can be particularly beautiful in spring and autumn.
While the road itself is a path, dedicated hiking trails directly off the road are not widely advertised. However, the surrounding natural beauty invites exploration. Always be mindful of private property and safety.
The best way is to drive slowly and stop at designated safe pull-offs to take in the panoramic views. The changing light throughout the day can offer different perspectives on the landscape.
Yes, the route is named 'Caminhos da Neve' (Snowy Paths) for a reason. Snowfall is common in winter, transforming the landscape into a winter wonderland. However, this also means the road can become hazardous or impassable.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire route is a photographer's dream! Capture the vast, rolling landscapes of the Planalto da Neve, the rustic Ponte das Goiabeiras, and the serene Barragem Rio dos Touros. The changing seasons offer diverse photographic potential.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for landscape photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Midday can be harsh, but still offers opportunities to capture the expansive scenery.
A good quality camera, whether a DSLR or a smartphone with a good camera, will suffice. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive landscapes.
While there aren't official viewpoints, any safe pull-off along the road offers stunning vistas. Keep an eye out for open fields and elevated spots that provide panoramic views of the plateau.
The dam itself is picturesque, and the surrounding fields offer a beautiful backdrop. Be mindful of the road and other vehicles when stopping to take photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The stunning natural scenery, however, can be captivating for kids, offering a chance to see open fields and unique trees like araucarias. Stopping at safe points to let them stretch their legs and enjoy the vastness can be a highlight. Consider visiting during the spring or autumn when the weather is milder and the roads are generally in better condition. While winter offers snow, it also presents the most significant challenges for family travel due to road safety. Ensure you have offline maps and inform someone of your itinerary, as cell service is unreliable.
The Barragem Rio dos Touros and Ponte das Goiabeiras can be interesting points of discovery for curious young minds. +1🚗 Adventure Seekers & Off-Road Enthusiasts
+1 Be prepared for variable road conditions, including gravel, mud, and potential water crossings, which add to the thrill. +1This route is ideal for travelers looking to escape the crowds and discover remote beauty. The lack of services and cell signal only enhances the sense of adventure. Pack accordingly with extra fuel, food, water, and a basic toolkit.
The opportunity to explore areas like the Barragem Rio dos Touros and the rustic Ponte das Goiabeiras adds to the allure. +1 Remember to respect the environment and leave no trace as you navigate this rugged and beautiful part of Brazil.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Unpaved Roads
+1 This is why a 4x4 vehicle or a vehicle with high clearance is not just recommended, but often essential for a safe and enjoyable journey. Driving slowly and cautiously is paramount, and it's wise to have offline maps downloaded as cell service is unreliable along much of the route. Travelers should also be aware of the potential for water crossings, such as the area near the Barragem Rio dos Touros, where the road might involve driving through shallow water.
+1 While these are usually manageable, it's another reason to have a vehicle suited for off-road conditions. The road's condition can change rapidly with weather, so checking local advisories before setting out is a crucial step in planning your adventure on the Estrada Caminhos da Neve.Winter Road Conditions
During winter, the 'Caminhos da Neve' truly lives up to its name. Snowfall can transform the landscape into a winter wonderland, but it also brings significant risks. Roads can become covered in ice and snow, making them extremely slippery and potentially impassable.
Some travelers have reported getting stuck and requiring assistance. If you plan to visit during winter, thoroughly check weather forecasts and road conditions before you depart. Carrying emergency supplies, including warm clothing, blankets, food, and water, is highly advisable. Be prepared for potential delays or the need to turn back if conditions become too dangerous.Connecting Two Scenic Regions
+2 The project has been a long-standing demand, with ongoing efforts to complete the paving of the entire stretch to facilitate easier travel and boost the regional economy, particularly through winter tourism and agricultural exports. +1This road is more than just a transit route; it's an experience in itself. It winds through the Planalto da Neve, a high plateau known for its stunning natural beauty. The landscape is characterized by vast, open fields, characteristic araucaria trees, and rolling hills that offer breathtaking vistas throughout the year.
The journey offers a unique opportunity to witness the raw, natural beauty of the region, far from the hustle and bustle of more developed tourist areas. It's a chance to immerse yourself in the tranquility and grandeur of the southern Brazilian highlands.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit