The Ignácio Bebiano dos Reis Local Road, popularly known as the Road of Dreams, is the roughly 30-kilometer stretch connecting the municipality of Cunha to the district of Campos de Cunha —and it’s a must-see!
The official name pays homage to “ Inacinho da Lagoa, ” Ignácio Bebiano dos Reis, the patriarch of one of Cunha’s most traditional families.
The nickname, however, was given by locals and stems from the unpredictability of the route—full of curves, landscapes that change every kilometer, and mountains on the horizon. It’s the kind of drive where you just cruise along at a leisurely pace and take in the view.
The rural scenery features fields, Atlantic Forest vegetation, local properties, and stretches of the Serra da Bocaina, as well as connecting the urban area of Cunha to the district of Campos de Cunha.
Completely paved, the route is well-suited for cars, motorcycles, and even bicycles. In fact, the road has already hosted cycling races, such as L’Étape Brasil.
What to do on the Road of Dreams?
Along the way, it’s worth making strategic stops to observe and photograph the rural landscape, especially in the late afternoon.
However, if you’re looking for things to do in Cunha, the historic center is the best option. Since the city is nationally recognized as a ceramics hub, there you’ll find studios, specialty shops, and artisanal workshops.
The municipality also boasts breathtakingwaterfalls, such as the famous Cachoeira da Pimenta, Cachoeira do Desterro, and Cachoeira do Mato Limpo. However, it’s worth planning ahead before hitting the road, as each one requires a different approach to reach it.
In the Campos de Cunha region, a must-see is a visit to the Serra da Bocaina National Park. After all, the road is one of the access routes to the park. So, once there, you can hike trails through preserved forest, such as the Trilha do Ouro, explore rivers, and follow traditional routes.
While in Campos de Cunha, it’s worth visiting one of the local historic landmarks: the Chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, built around 1859.
And to round out your journey along the Road of Dreams, the region also offers impressivewaterfalls , such as Paraitinga, Mato Dentro, Cachoeirinha da Barra, and Parado.
Before you go, check the access rules, as some parts of the route may be located on private property.
