Discover the history of Brasília by biking around the city
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Cycling through Brazil’s capital is like visiting an open-air museum. Every pedal stroke reveals a new perspective, showing why modernist Brasília is so unique.
Brasília is a landmark of global architecture and urbanism. The capital of Brazil was designed by architect and urban planner Lucio Costa, with magnificent works by Oscar Niemeyer and Athos Bulcão. Inaugurated in 1960 as a symbol of Brazilian modernity, the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, being the first urban complex of the 20th century to receive this recognition.
The central region of Brasília is called the Plano Piloto and received this name because of Brasília’s initial model. Lucio Costa’s design divided the city into four urban scales: Monumental, Gregarious, Residential, and Bucolic. The Monumental Scale is the central axis and houses the country’s administrative center, while the Gregarious Scale is the area of commerce and services. The Residential Scale offers the comfort of the residential superblocks, and the Bucolic Scale extols the parks and green areas, giving Brasília the quality of a city‑park.
Every part of the city is full of history to tell, with numerous monuments that are true works of art. The flat terrain is an irresistible invitation to explore Brasília on two wheels. At each stop, you’ll be enchanted by the charm of the futuristic buildings and the harmonious connection between concrete and nature!
CYCLING THROUGH THE SOUL OF BRASÍLIA
The tour lasts about 7 hours, and the route, just over 24 kilometers, is made on bike lanes and cycle paths. Along the way, there are many stops for contemplation and information. Time flies!
The tour begins at the South Hotel Sector, with the meeting point at the Brasil 21 Complex. There, the guide will be waiting with the bikes ready for this adventure. The first stop is right next door, at the famous TV Tower, which offers a panoramic view of the city. It’s the perfect spot to see Brasília from above and already get a sense of what awaits you on this experience.
Leaving the Tower, you’ll pass by the Clube do Choro, the birthplace of Brazilian music, and head to the City Park, a daily meeting point for thousands of Brasília residents. The park is enormous, and the guide will take you to the most iconic spots, such as the Praça das Fontes. Enjoy the freshness of one of the largest urban parks in the world!
ART, HISTORY, AND ICONOGRAPHY
The ride continues through the South Wing, where you’ll visit the Renato Russo Cultural Center and the iconic Quadra Modelo 308 South. The block follows all the standards envisioned by Lucio Costa and has the infrastructure needed to meet the residents’ needs. The guide will take you through every corner of the block, filled with Athos Bulcão’s murals, the magnificent gardens of Burle Marx, and the delicate Nossa Senhora de Fátima Church by Oscar Niemeyer. It’s a deep dive into the history and art of modernism!
From there, you’ll continue along the bustling W3 South, cross the lively Quadra 108 South with its bohemian charm, and make a stop at the historic Cine Brasília, a landmark of Brazilian cinema. The ride continues along Eixão Sul, one of the city’s main roads, until you reach the Galeria dos Estados, the emblematic Bus Station of the Pilot Plan, and the beautiful National Theatre.
Tip: To avoid the heavy traffic on Eixão Sul, this part of the route can be done by metro, stopping at the Galeria dos Estados. But if you’re doing this tour on a Sunday or holiday, take advantage of the fact that Eixão is closed to cars and pedal while enjoying the space filled with locals.
MONUMENTAL BRASÍLIA
It’s time to visit the Esplanade of the Ministries and the buildings designed by Oscar Niemeyer. Passing by the beautiful Ministry of Justice building, the next stop is the Praça dos Três Poderes (Square of the Three Powers). The Planalto Palace, the National Congress, and the Supreme Federal Court are the main attractions of the square, housing Brazil’s three branches of government. After a true history lesson, the tour moves on to the magnificent Itamaraty Palace, with its floating garden.
SPIRITUALITY AND CULTURE
Next, make a mandatory stop at the Brasília Cathedral! From the outside, its architecture stands out with 16 concrete arches that form a spacecraft ready to take off. But the magic happens inside! The emotion takes over when you see the colorful stained-glass windows illuminated by sunlight, filling the church with stunning beauty. It’s magnificent!
The journey continues to the National Museum, the National Library, and the Zumbi dos Palmares Square, a symbol of cultural resistance. Toward the end of the tour, the guide will take you through the Setor Comercial Sul, with its towering buildings full of history to tell.
The São João Dom Bosco Sanctuary is the final stop on the tour, and it will leave you mesmerized. Inside, the stained-glass windows in twelve shades of blue and white fill the space, creating the sensation of being surrounded by a starry sky. The beauty of this church is indescribable! After leaving there, the bike tour concludes at the Complexo Brasil 21, where it all began.
TIPS TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE TOUR
Brasília is a city where it’s very sunny. Therefore, it’s essential to wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Choose light, comfortable clothes for cycling, and don’t forget your water bottle. Also, bring your camera to capture the landscapes, monuments, and details that only Brasília can offer.
HOW TO GET THERE
Brasília International Airport
Camel Bike Tour
Camelo Bike Tour is an urban cycling tourism agency in Brasília, specializing in architectural tourism. The goal of the bike tours is to present the capital of Brazil, its people, culture, and history to the world through bike city tours! Ready for the adventure? Click the link to learn more about this experience! instagram.com/camelobiketour/