Attractions region Curitiba

Curitiba - Attractions Curitiba

The Curitiba-Paranaguá railroad

This 93 km-long railroad is known all over the world as a masterpiece of railroad engineering and dates back to 1885. It provides a breathtaking journey of 3 hours and its tracks climb up to altitudes of over 1,000 m, going through dozens of tunnels, huge viaducts and over 76 bridges.

The tracks cross the verdant Serra do Mar Mountain ranges and traverse numerous canyons. Along the way you'll see streams, waterfalls, and vibrant vegetation.

From many spots along the route of this unique railroad the views are spectacular and when the train reaches the slopes of Marumbi Peak; the state's number one attraction for mountain climbing enthusiasts, the traveler is rewarded with a dazzling view of the blue Atlantic Ocean below and many km's away.

One of the 2 daily trains is specifically for tourists. With comfortable cars, it stops at scenic spots. A regular train, at a much lower price, is also available.

Santa Felicidade

This is a suburb only a few km from downtown Curitiba and is one of the most popular tourist resorts, thanks mainly to its typical Italian restaurants, traditions and costumes. It was in Santa Felicidade that, at the end of last century, Italian immigrants reconstructed a piece of their native land where they might carry on customs and traditions handed down by their ancestors. Aside from a common Catholic background, they had more tangible things to unite them: a great love for their homemade wine and their pasta. While the people in Santa Felicidade did not isolate themselves from the Curitiba community, they have managed to keep the "old country" customs and their picturesque horse-drawn carts which are still a familiar sight on Manoel Ribas Avenue. Around them, old Italians are often seen gesticulating and engaged in levelly discussions in their native language.

Colombo

This is an Italian settlement only 11 km from Curitiba and is famous for its annual grape festival. There one can also find good eating places where typical Italian food and homemade wine can be savored. Also located in Colombo are the caverns of Bacaetava and they are definitely worth a visit.

Paranaguá

In addition to being the location of one of Brazil's most important ports, Paranaguá is a historical and ecological point of reference. Preserved there are vestiges of Portuguese colonization in the mid 17^th century, and the mansions, religious processions and commemorations of church dedications still retain the traces of colonial times.

As far as nature is concerned, Paranaguá is certainly favored, with a bay which covers an area of 300 km²; and dotted with islands, beaches, shores, channels and inlets. Forming a lake region that extends from Iguape, in the State of São Paulo and passes through the cities of Cananéia (São Paulo) and Antonina (Paraná), Paranaguá Bay is an important area for mangrove conservation. Paranaguá Bay stretches over 300 km² and also includes the Island of Mel and several beach resorts, including Pontal do Sul, Praia de Leste, Ipanema, Shangri-la, Olho d'Água, Santa Terezinha, Portofino and Grajaú. Paranaguá is also the terminus of the famous Curitiba-Paranaguá railroad, which descends precipitously down from Curitiba to the coast.