scenic route · Domingos Martins, ES
Rota do Lagarto
A charming road in the Pedra Azul area, lined with restaurants, cafés, artist studios and craft breweries. The name comes from the angle at which Pedra Azul looks like a lizard climbing the mountain.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Rota do Lagarto
The Rota do Lagarto (scenic road) is a short paved road in the Pedra Azul area of Domingos Martins, in the Espírito Santo mountains (ES). It leaves the BR-262 and runs to the ES-164, passing at the foot of Pedra Azul, the 1,822-meter granite massif that is the symbol of the state.
The name comes from the Pedra do Lagarto ("lizard rock"), a smaller rock attached to the slope of Pedra Azul, shaped like the animal. Seen from the road, it looks like a lizard climbing the mountain. Pedra Azul also changes color throughout the day, between bluish and greenish, because of the lichens covering the rock.
You drive the route slowly, stopping to take in the scenery. The road passes small farms, flowers and lots of greenery, with the rock on the horizon for much of the way. Along the way there are many restaurants, cafés and shops with local food and products.
The Rota do Lagarto is also where you find the entrance to the Parque Estadual da Pedra Azul, with self-guided trails to the base of the rock and the natural pools. You can combine both outings on the same day.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
A morning or an afternoon to drive the road with stops; a full day if you include the trails of the Parque Estadual da Pedra Azul.
Best time
On clear days, when Pedra Azul is fully visible, with no clouds at the top. It is worth driving by more than once at different times, because the color of the rock changes throughout the day.
How to get there
The Rota do Lagarto starts on the BR-262, the highway linking Vitória to Belo Horizonte, in the Pedra Azul area of Domingos Martins, and ends at the ES-164. The best way to do the route is by car.
Tip
Take your time and stop at safe shoulders and pull-offs to photograph the rock. If you want to hike the state park trails the same day, book your visit ahead and arrive in the morning.
A look at the place
Rota do Lagarto in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Rota do Lagarto
Why is it called Rota do Lagarto?
Because of the Pedra do Lagarto, a smaller rock attached to the slope of Pedra Azul that looks like a lizard (lagarto) climbing the mountain. You can see it from the road.
Where does the Rota do Lagarto start and end?
It starts on the BR-262, in the Pedra Azul area of Domingos Martins, and ends at the ES-164 highway.
Is the Rota do Lagarto paved?
Yes. It is a short paved road that you can drive easily.
What is there to do on the Rota do Lagarto?
Enjoy the view of Pedra Azul, stop at restaurants, cafés and shops selling local products, and visit the Parque Estadual da Pedra Azul, whose entrance is on the route itself.
Do I have to pay to visit the park on the Rota do Lagarto?
No. Entry to the Parque Estadual da Pedra Azul is free, but you need to book your visit in advance on the Espírito Santo Government portal.