If you are a hiker, backpacker, or pilgrim, you probably think of the Camino de Santiago as a great dream to fulfill. But did you know that right here, nearby, there are pilgrimage routes just as incredible as the paths leading to Compostela?
Yes, all across Brazil! There are dozens of Caminos where we can immerse ourselves in all the diversity of our nature, contrasts of accents, cultures, in a true immersion into the most authentic and genuine heart of our Country.
Many walk these Brazilian Caminos (on foot or by bike) as a way to train for Santiago de Compostela. But our routes have a unique beauty and warmth — complete pilgrimage experiences in their own right — and they have even earned a reputation where going to Compostela becomes the training ground for tackling the terrain of the Caminho da Fé or the Caminhos de Caravaggio, for example.
I have experience on long-distance routes in countries such as Spain, Portugal, France, and Italy, and I can assure you that several routes here have nothing to envy from foreign trails. On the contrary, our biodiversity, our Brazilian spirit, the local food, colors, and flavors are truly one of a kind, not to mention the joy and hospitality of the Brazilian people. And there is more: our continental scale gives us the richness of a great mix — cerrado, Atlantic Forest, plains, highlands, mountains, coastline, fields, araucaria forests, dunes, lagoons, waterfalls, and an endless variety of fauna and flora.
A universe I am getting to know little by little, and I want to share with you the routes I have walked so far.
Discover 10 pilgrimage routes I have already walked in our country
1. Caminhos de Caravaggio
Walking through the Serra Gaúcha on foot takes us to the deepest level of experience and enchantment with all the beauty and tradition of Rio Grande. Starting in the famous towns of Canela and Gramado, we pass through the interior of Nova Petrópolis, Caxias do Sul, and reach the Santuário de Nossa Senhora de Caravaggio in Farroupilha, covering a total of 200 km. We zigzag through the delights and beauties of German and Italian culture, and their cultural diversity in architecture, gastronomy, colonial and artisanal products. And, of course, a full immersion in landscapes filled with araucaria trees, pine forests, imposing mountains, unique historic bridges, passing through valleys and rivers, and even an overnight stay at a small family winery.
2. Caminho da Prece
A great training option for beginners, the Caminho da Prece covers 71 km and offers alternatives for those who want to complete the route in 2, 3, or 4 days. Starting in Jacutinga, it passes through Ouro Fino, Inconfidentes, and Tocos do Moji before arriving in Borda da Mata. Located in southern Minas Gerais, it crosses other routes such as the Caminho da Fé and the Caminho de Nhá Chica, giving a beautiful taste of what the region has to offer pilgrims. The route is very well signposted, has pilgrim support points, and also has its own credential and certificate.
3. Caminho da Fé
Brazil’s most traditional pilgrimage route winds through the interior of São Paulo and Minas Gerais until it reaches the Santuário de Nossa Senhora in the city of Aparecida. There are several interconnecting branches starting from different cities, but the main one departs from Águas da Prata, covering 300 km through cinematic scenery along the Serra da Mantiqueira. Many say they will walk the Caminho da Fé as preparation for Compostela, but the truth is that the Brazilian route is just as challenging as it is stunning!
4. Vale Europeu
Amid streams, mountains, caves, rapids, fields, and valleys lies the Circuito do Vale Europeu Catarinense, originally created for cyclists but soon adapted to welcome hikers as well. Being a circular route, it is marked with yellow arrows for cyclists, totaling 300 km to be completed in seven days. In the opposite direction, white arrows indicate the suggested itinerary for hikers, covering 200 km and walkable in nine days. In addition to the arrows, the circuit also has GPS navigation and orientation signs, and can be done independently or in a group. All the charm and hospitality of German-settled towns, such as the famous Pomerode, await you!
5. Caminho dos Faróis
A wild and remote trail along the southern coast of Rio Grande do Sul that passes by 4 lighthouses over 190 km and reaches the border with Uruguay. These are days far removed from everyday reality, covering kilometers through the sand — whether along the shoreline or crossing dunes — spending much of the time without encountering any sign of civilization. It is a true disconnection from daily life that fosters an intense bond among group members and with oneself. An experience made possible thanks to the support of an experienced team that accompanies the group, setting up camp with tents, an ecological restroom, a dining shelter, and cooking all meals — in territory where for several days we have no cell phone signal. A true immersion!
6. Caminho da Gratidão
A brand-new route, created by pilgrims passionate about the Camino de Santiago, this trail covers 420 km starting in Torres/RS and ending in Nova Trento/SC at the Santuário dedicated to Madre Paulina, Brazil’s first saint. It is an incredibly rich route with varied scenery — from seaside cliffs to endless rural fields, coves, lagoons, bays, beaches, hot springs, and rivers — also passing through a mountainous region as we approach our destination.
7. Rota das Capelas
An intense route in the town of Cristina, Minas Gerais, also traversing the challenging beauty of the Serra da Mantiqueira. A 23 km path that starts at the Igreja Matriz do Divino Espírito Santo and passes by other chapels in the municipality, all full of history and very singular beauty. It is a circular route that also has its own credential and excellent signage. The beginning of the trail is still in the urban area, passing through a more wooded stretch in the Parque Ecológico Mata da Prefeitura, then through more rural neighborhoods with plenty of ups and downs.
8. Caminho da Galiza
The city of São Roque, traditionally known for its Roteiro do Vinho, has been expanding its hiking routes through an initiative by Vinícola Alma Galiza, fully inspired by the delights of Galicia, the birthplace of the Camino de Santiago de Compostela. With the idea of providing the experience of a day on the Camino de Santiago just 70 km from the city of São Paulo, different trails were created for beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. To complete the experience, upon finishing the walk, participants are warmly welcomed with a wine tasting and a typical Spanish lunch.
9. Caminho de Porto Alegre
A walk that is part of the city’s events calendar, bringing together hundreds of people every year at the end of April to celebrate the anniversary of the state capital. Recognized by the Cathedral of Santiago, the stamps obtained on the Caminho de Porto Alegre credential count toward the mileage required for the Compostela certificate. The route covers 23 km through various tourist and religious landmarks, starting at the Cathedral in the Historic Center, passing by the iconic Theatro São Pedro, heading toward the Orla do Guaíba, where the postcard-worthy Usina do Gasômetro, Museu Iberê Camargo, and other cultural attractions can be found.
10. Caminho Gaúcho de Santiago
Due to its resemblance to the French Way, a route through the interior of Rio Grande do Sul was chosen by the Spanish Consulate in Porto Alegre to become an official Santiago de Compostela route. In the town of Santo Antônio da Patrulha, walkers can choose one of the starting points according to the desired distance: 12 or 18 km. The route is fully signposted and can be walked individually or in a group, on foot, on horseback, or by bicycle. At the end, every participant who completes the route receives the Pilgrim’s Certificate. Along the way, we pass through bucolic rural landscapes of the municipality, as well as a beautiful view of the Lagoa dos Barros.
Want to know more about these pilgrimage routes in Brazil?
If you want to learn more about any of these routes, send me a message on WhatsApp or an email: (51) 98947-9065 / caminhospelomundo@gmail.com.
And to follow the next adventures and see many more photos and videos of pilgrimage routes inside and outside Brazil, follow “Caminhos pelo Mundo” on YouTube and Instagram.
A warm embrace and Bom Caminho to us all!
This post is also available in: Português (Portuguese (Brazil)) Español (Spanish)
