The cycle path along the Pinhheiros River (Ciclovia Rio Pinheiros) offers one of the best opportunities for a long, off-road run in São Paulo. The paved multi-use path runs for 22 km from the area around Parque Villa-Lobos and the University of São Paulo south to the Jurubatuba, near the Autódromo car racing track. There are actually paths on both sides of the river for the first 16 km. South of the Santo Amaro metro station, the path along the Jurubatuba River is just on the east side. There are good water views most of the way. NOTE: We’ve become aware that pedestrians (i.e. runners) might not be permitted on this path, that it is cycle only. We are verifying this.
Felipe Pait
The path and river are sandwiched between two busy highways. So it’s not necessarily bucolic. Also, Most of the trail is quite exposed, so use caution in the heat! A few landmarks/add-on opportunities:
Parque Villa-Lobos at the north end. See our route there!
Running track at between the river and Av. Faria Lima. Use Av. Cidade Jardim to access (km 7)
Parque do Povo (km 7). Nice riverside park with additional paths for running.
Notes: There are only certain roads that can access the path, given its location next to/under the highway. A new cycle/pedestrian bridge, the Ciclopassarela Jornalista Erika Sallum opened in 2025 connecting to the Ciclovia at the Eusébio Matoso Bridge. They’re working on a bridge path connecting the river and Faria Lima. Also, Line 9 of the metro runs along much of the path, allowing for some fun one-way options!
The cycle path along the Pinhheiros River (Ciclovia Rio Pinheiros) offers one of the best opportunities for a long, off-road run in São Paulo. The paved multi-use path runs for 22 km from the area around Parque Villa-Lobos and the University of São Paulo south to the Jurubatuba, near the Autódromo car racing track. There are actually paths on both sides of the river for the first 16 km. South of the Santo Amaro metro station, the path along the Jurubatuba River is just on the east side. There are good water views most of the way. NOTE: We’ve become aware that pedestrians (i.e. runners) might not be permitted on this path, that it is cycle only. We are verifying this.
Felipe Pait
The path and river are sandwiched between two busy highways. So it’s not necessarily bucolic. Also, Most of the trail is quite exposed, so use caution in the heat! A few landmarks/add-on opportunities:
Parque Villa-Lobos at the north end. See our route there!
Running track at between the river and Av. Faria Lima. Use Av. Cidade Jardim to access (km 7)
Parque do Povo (km 7). Nice riverside park with additional paths for running.
Notes: There are only certain roads that can access the path, given its location next to/under the highway. A new cycle/pedestrian bridge, the Ciclopassarela Jornalista Erika Sallum opened in 2025 connecting to the Ciclovia at the Eusébio Matoso Bridge. They’re working on a bridge path connecting the river and Faria Lima. Also, Line 9 of the metro runs along much of the path, allowing for some fun one-way options!
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Essentials
Up to 22 km (13.8 miles) one-way
Fairly flat
North end is at Parque Villa-Lobos/University. Can access anywhere along path, but use Google Maps to see streets that are good access points
Metro Line 9 runs along the river, providing good access & one-way options!
One of Latin America’s largest city parks, with many natural and cultural sites. Follow one of the four mapped running courses or create your own! There are lovely paths, gardens, bike paths, several museums and interesting buildings.
Our São Paulo's 'runseeing tour' includes the Praça da República, São Paulo Cathedral, and mix of older and more modern buildings. Go early to beat the crowds & traffic. Combine with the Minhocão, an elevated highway closed to cars evenings & weekends.
Run on an elevated highway! The Minhocão (Via Elevada Presidente João Goulart) is a 3.5 km elevated highway in downtown São Paulo that's closed to cars weekends and evenings. A festive scene, with great views of the São Paulo skyline.
Parque Villa-Lobos is one of São Paulo’s best outdoor leisure destinations. With running routes, biking routes, hiking trails and sports fields, the park offers many options for those looking for some activity. There are paths of 700 m to 2.1 km for running.
No awards for scenery, but a good way to clock some miles! A cycle path runs in the median of the main road that runs for up to 14 km between our Parque Villa-Lobos and Parque Ibirapuera routes.
A centrally located road accessing many of São Paulo's interesting points, in the Perdizes neighborhood. Busy, but with bike/pedestrian path along the center of the road. It's about 6.5 km out and back between Allianz Stadium and the Av. Paulo VI end.
One of the more popular places to run in São Paulo. There are many paths, small parks, and hills that are great for running. We've mapped out a 5.8 km loop around the campus perimeter, but there are lots of other good options.
For those who would like to get some challenging hill running in, this 2.9 mile climb to the summit is tough but rewarding. Great views from the top. One can run on the road or numerous trails in the park if a more technical route is preferred.
Park in the eastern part of São Paulo, with several km of trails. Many trees and shade. Attractions include a natural amphitheater, a cherry tree grove, and the Arthur Etzel Nursery. Come during cherry blossom season in July -- beautiful but crowded!
A municipal park about 30 km west of the city with numerous paths that are great for running. A combination of open lawns and wooded trails. Lovely vegetation. A loop around the perimeter paths is about 4 km.
Large state park north of São Paulo, with remnants of the Atlantic Forest. Some good, but challenging, running and trail running opportunities. A highlight is the walk/hike/run to Pedra Grande, at 3,100 feet, which is a 935 foot elevation gain over 2.4 miles.
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Essentials
Up to 22 km (13.8 miles) one-way
Fairly flat
North end is at Parque Villa-Lobos/University. Can access anywhere along path, but use Google Maps to see streets that are good access points
Metro Line 9 runs along the river, providing good access & one-way options!
Review or Comment on This Route/Share a Photo!
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!