RJ-165, highway in Rio de Janeiro
RJ-165 is an old road in the Serra da Bocaina that links Paraty and Cunha, originally part of the Estrada Real. Most sections are paved and single-lane, running through dense forests and rocky hills, with older bridges crossing rivers and protection structures against falling rocks.
This route follows the Caminho do Ouro, a colonial-era path used to transport gold from Minas Gerais to a port. In the 20th century, the route was modernized for vehicles and later played a role in Brazil's civil conflict of 1932.
This route passes through protected forest areas that remain part of daily life for local communities. The road connects small towns and allows residents to maintain their traditional way of living while keeping stories of the past alive.
The road is narrow with rough conditions in some places, especially through steep mountain sections with sharp curves and elevation changes. During rainy weather, sections become slippery, so caution is needed and proper driving techniques are important.
This route was once the only land connection to Paraty and remained unpaved until the 1950s. An accident involving an old bus called a jardineira highlighted the urgent need to improve and pave the route.
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