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With Tight Curves, Intense Fog, and Steep Slopes, the Serra de Ubatuba Challenges Drivers and Demands Extra Attention on the Road
Anyone planning to travel to the northern coast of São Paulo, especially toward Ubatuba, needs to be prepared.
The descent from the Serra de Ubatuba is considered one of the most challenging in Brazil.
With tight curves, steep sections, and unstable weather conditions, the road requires complete care from drivers.
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Reports of Tension on the Road
In the Tripadvisor travel community, many drivers report difficult experiences.
A user identified as Smb reported that her children got sick in the back seat due to the number of curves.
“There was no shoulder or safe area to assist them. It was pretty tense. I don’t recommend it, and I won’t take this road again,” she wrote.
Another comment came from Gean Panne. He reported ascending the Serra de Ubatuba via the Oswaldo Cruz Highway amid heavy fog.
“I think it was one of the most tense moments of my life. What they said about elbow curves? Put an elbow in that,” he described.
According to him, visibility was nearly nonexistent. “I couldn’t see a hand’s breadth in front of the car. Never again, NEVER again will I go through it,” he added.
The Right Gear Makes a Difference
For those driving manual transmission cars, the recommendation is simple: use the same gear going down as you would going up.
This helps maintain control of the vehicle without overloading the brakes.
This practice is known as engine braking and is ideal for long downhill stretches.
For vehicles with automatic transmission, it is important to monitor engine RPM. Generally, the system automatically downshifts.
However, if the RPM is low, manual intervention may be necessary. This can be done with the gear lever or via the paddles located on the steering wheel.
Tips for Descending Safely The Steepest Road
The main recommendation is simple: use engaged gears. This gives more control to the driver and reduces the need to frequently apply the brakes.
Avoiding constant brake use prevents system overheating and contributes to a safer descent.
When planning the trip, it is ideal to check the road conditions and avoid times with heavy fog. With attention and caution, it is possible to enjoy the journey to Ubatuba safely.
Also Check Out the Most Dangerous Road in the World
The D915 road in the Turkish province of Trabzon has been deemed the most dangerous in the world. Stretching 106 kilometers, it cuts through the Soganli mountain at over 1,800 meters altitude. The route connects Bayburt to the city of Of and impresses with the number of tight curves and the absence of lateral protection.
Fatal Curves and Constant Risks
Known as the “road to hell,” the D915 has 29 extremely tight curves. There are no guardrails or barriers. Any mistake can cause the vehicle to plummet from cliffs up to 275 meters. The road has recorded numerous fatalities. Even experienced drivers need to be fully attentive.
The danger increases with fog, common even in the summer. There are also frequent risks of landslides and avalanches, making the journey even more challenging.
Precarious Structure Since 1916
The road was built in 1916 by Russian soldiers, using gravel taken from the mountain. Today, much of it has been paved, but the central stretch remains with loose gravel. This makes driving difficult, especially during rain or ice.
The lanes are narrow. In some places, two vehicles cannot pass at the same time. Still, traffic is daily. Trucks, motorcycles, and cars pass through the area every day.
During winter, the road is often closed. Snow and ice make the slopes slippery and reduce visibility.
The combination drastically increases the risk of accidents.
The D915 has been classified as the most dangerous road in the world by the website dangerousroads.org, surpassing even the Death Road in Bolivia. The portal highlighted: “words and images are not enough to describe how dangerous this road is.”
Já subi essa serra chovendo muito com um Ford fiesta eu e minha irmã tivemos que descer do carro em um trecho porque a água que descia era muito forte e o carro estava patinando, um amigo estava dirigindo, foi Power.
Desci essa serra com VM 260 carregado de carne errei caminho quando vi estava n aserra a polícia rodoviária veio me interceptar no meio e saber se estava com freio ainda bem que estava chovendo senão teria abandonado caminhão mas consegui descer sobrevivi segundo o guarda ainda alevei uma multa kkkkassinei todo feliz kkkk
Eu tinha um golzinho 92 o ano era 95
Desci e depois subi com chuva.
Pank essa estrada.
Ja vi ônibus descendo e dando ré nas curvas mais fechadas.
Nao não é pra amadores não !!!