Estrada do Inferno Serra da Canastra
Diamond mining highway through waterfall canyons
The aptly named Estrada do Inferno winds 65 kilometers through the Serra da Canastra’s diamond-bearing highlands, connecting the headwaters of the São Francisco River to abandoned mining settlements dating to the 1700s. This route climbs through cerrado grasslands punctuated by quartzite outcrops and plunges into deep valleys where waterfalls like Casca D’Anta cascade 186 meters off table mountains. The road passes through Vargem Bonita, where old stone foundations mark Brazil’s first systematic diamond operations.
Difficult rating due to steep gradients, loose rock surfaces, and stream crossings that become torrents during rainy season. High-clearance 4WD with skid plates essential for the rocky descents into canyon bottoms. Best attempted April-September during dry season when water levels are manageable. No permits needed but register with park authorities at São Roque de Minas. Limited fuel availability — carry extra. The payoff includes some of Brazil’s most spectacular waterfall photography and access to pristine cerrado wilderness where giant anteaters and maned wolves still roam freely.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Historic, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 40 mi / 65 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4265 ft |
| Best season | April-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | São Roque de Minas, Minas Gerais |
| Land manager | ICMBio |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jimny or Hilux handle Estrada do Inferno, or do I need a built rig?
A stock high-clearance 4WD can complete this trail, but low-range is mandatory and skid plates are strongly advised — the rocky surface is unforgiving on stock underbody protection. Lifted rigs with lockers will have a significantly easier time on the technical sections.
When is the trail open and what happens to it in the rainy season?
April through September is the dry season and the only realistic window to run this trail. The rainy season (October–March) turns water crossings dangerous, the cerrado clay becomes impassable mud, and landslides can close sections entirely.
Do I need a permit to drive Estrada do Inferno through Serra da Canastra?
The trail passes through Serra da Canastra National Park managed by ICMBio, so an entry permit and park fee are required. Contact ICMBio or the park office in São Roque de Minas before your trip — access rules and fees change and unregistered vehicles have been turned back.
What's the hardest section and what exactly makes it technical?
The canyon descents with exposed quartzite rock ledges are the crux — think large, uneven rock steps with off-camber line choices and no room for error on the edges. The combination of elevation drop, loose surface rock over hardpan, and tight trail width is where most damage happens to vehicles.
How far is the nearest gas station from the trail, and is there reliable water along the route?
São Roque de Minas is your last fuel stop — fill up completely, as there is nothing on-trail for the full 65km. Water crossings are frequent and natural sources exist, but treat all water before drinking; dispersed camping is permitted but pack for full self-sufficiency since resupply is zero once you're in.
Trail track
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