It was looking to be a rainy start to the 7,700 km South America Coast to Coast 2013 tour which kicked off in Rio but a blessing from above Corcovado (Christ the Redeemer) saw the rain clouds lift and we were given stunning views from both Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer.

The view down in to Botafogo from Sugar Loaf mountain in Rio de Janeiro

The view from Christ the Redeemer Statue. Ipanema is on the right behind the lagoon, to the left is Copacabana

Beautiful Penedo, Brazil

Arriving to our ride base at Penedo some 170kms from Rio, ride leader Daniel Chrispim took the group for an introductory ride into the nearby Itatiaia National Park so the clients could familiarise themselves with the bikes and local conditions.

Danny’s ride introduction through Itatiaia National Park

Sunset from the beachside Pousada

The F 650 GS on the beach

From Penedo the tour continued down to the Emerald Coast for some spectacular views of beautiful Brazilian bays and islands. We rode on to our beachside Posada (hotel), located just outside of the Historical town on Paraty.  Once again the weather was on our side and the riding was amazing.

Antonina to Orleans Santa-Catarina road

The jetty in Paraty

The bikes lined up

Todays ride took us from Antonina to Orleans in the Santa Catarina Province of Brazil.  A combination of dirt roads and some twisting paved sections has us over-nighting at the Real Nob hotel, where we are anxiously awaiting one of the riding highlights of the tour..the incredible Serra do Rio do Rasto.  Photos of this spectacular ride to come……stay tuned.

Learn more about the tour here http://www.compassexpeditions.com/tour/short-adventures/south-america-coast-to-coast/ 

Current position Orleans…