Cycling day trip from São João de Meriti to Rio de Janeiro

This ride takes you from São João de Meriti over to the heart of Rio de Janeiro—a classic Greater Rio urban adventure! Starting out in São João de Meriti, often called the "Gateway to Baixada Fluminense," you'll experience a slice of real suburban life before winding your way toward Rio’s buzzing core.

The route is a touch over 43 km and mainly follows quiet roads, making it a great choice if you want to avoid heavy traffic. You’ll get a good mix of scenery: gritty neighborhoods, green patches, and that steady ebb-and-flow of Carioca life. Expect a couple of decent climbs (total ascent is just over 400 meters), but nothing too intimidating—just enough to get your heart rate up.

Surface-wise, it’s pretty mixed but mostly paved or asphalt, so a hybrid or road bike will do the trick. As you approach Rio, the landscape shifts: the city’s famous hills, the views opening up, and then the unmistakable energy of Rio itself. Reward yourself with a coffee and a pastel when you arrive—after all, you’ve just biked your way into one of Brazil’s most iconic cities!