Cycling day trip from São Lourenço da Mata to Recife

This cycling route takes you from the lively town of São Lourenço da Mata to the bustling heart of Recife—a perfect ride if you want to experience a bit of both worlds. Setting off from São Lourenço, famous for being one of the host cities during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, you’ll wind through mostly quiet backroads with plenty of local charm and some scenic stretches.

The journey covers about 36 km, and you’ll climb a fair bit (over 500 meters of ascent), so get ready for a bit of a workout! Most of the way is on calm, low-traffic roads, with a scattering of paved and asphalt sections—though don’t be surprised if the road surface varies.

As Recife draws near, the scenery shifts to urban vibes. Arriving in Recife, you’ll roll into one of Brazil’s cultural capitals, known for its historic old town (Recife Antigo), vibrant beaches, and an impressive number of bridges and waterways. Grab a sugarcane juice, explore the city, and enjoy the sense of accomplishment after an active day on two wheels!