According to tourists who visited the State of Paraná, the must-do activities on a first visit are: 1. Admire the Iguazu Falls, a collection of over two hundred waterfalls, considered one of the greatest natural spectacles on the planet. Access through Iguazu National Park. 2. Explore Curitiba, the state capital, a modern and cosmopolitan city with a rich cultural and architectural heritage. Access by public transport, car, or on foot. 3. Visit the Vila Velha State Park, famous for its gigantic sandstone sculptures formed by erosion. Access by car or organized tour. 4. Take the scenic train ride through the lush Atlantic Forest and Serra do Mar, from Curitiba to Morretes. Access by cogwheel train. 5. Learn about the Itaipu Hydroelectric Plant, one of the largest engineering works in the world. Access through guided tours.
The top-rated activities by tourists in the State of Paraná are: 1. Explore Superagüi National Park, an ecological sanctuary on the state’s coast, home to rich biodiversity. 2. Visit the Botanical Garden of Curitiba, an iconic greenhouse inspired by the Crystal Palace in London. 3. Taste Barreado in Morretes, the typical dish of the Paraná coast, a slow-cooked meat stew in a clay pot. 4. Tour the Oscar Niemeyer Museum (MON), one of the largest art museums in Latin America, known for its distinctive architecture. 5. Explore Vila Velha State Park, admiring the impressive sandstone formations sculpted by time and erosion.
From the State of Paraná, the following day trips can be made: 1. Morretes and Antonina: 70 km (1.5 hours by car), featuring colonial architecture, typical cuisine, and river landscapes. 2. Ilha do Mel: 120 km (2.5 hours including ferry), with beaches, trails, and preserved nature. 3. Vila Velha State Park: 120 km (2 hours by car), with sandstone formations (Arenitos, Furnas, Lagoa Dourada). 4. Iguaçu National Park (Argentinian side): 25 km (40 minutes by car), with panoramic views and additional trails of the Iguazu Falls.
To visit the main attractions of the State of Paraná, it is recommended to spend between 3 and 5 days. Three days allow you to see key points like the Iguazu Falls and Curitiba. Five days allow for a deeper exploration of Curitiba, including day trips, and a more relaxed visit to Foz do Iguaçu. Seven days also allow for exploration of the coast and other natural attractions. The suggested distribution is: Days 1-2: Foz do Iguaçu (Falls, Itaipu). Days 3-4: Curitiba (Parks, Museums, Historic Center). Day 5: Day trip from Curitiba (e.g., Morretes) or additional exploration in Foz. Factors to consider include the size of the state (Foz do Iguaçu and Curitiba are about 650 km apart), the desired travel pace, and interest in exploring both natural and urban/cultural attractions.
The best time to visit the State of Paraná is from April to May and from September to October. These months offer a balance of pleasant weather, with minimum temperatures of 12°C and maximums of 24°C, and lower tourist influx, resulting in more moderate prices. Prices can be 15% to 30% cheaper than during peak season. Peak season includes December, January, February, and July, with warm and humid summers and cool to cold winters, temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C, and high prices. The low season includes March, April, May, August, September, October, and November, with mild to cool weather, temperatures between 8°C and 22°C, and average prices, being 20% to 40% cheaper than during peak season.
Traveling to the State of Paraná has a moderate cost level. The local currency is BRL, with an approximate exchange rate of 5.5 BRL per USD. The estimated daily budget is: backpacker between USD 40 and USD 70, including hostel accommodation, budget meals, public transport, and some basic attractions; mid-range between USD 80 and USD 150, including 3-star hotel accommodation, meals at average restaurants, transport, and entry to main attractions; and comfort between USD 160 and USD 300, including 4-5 star hotel accommodation, fine dining, private tours, and premium activities. Reference costs: average meal in a restaurant between R$70-100 (USD 13-18), budget meal between R$30-50 (USD 5-9), public transport R$7 (USD 1), average attraction entry USD 10-25, budget accommodation per night R$80-150 (USD 15-27), and mid-range accommodation per night R$300-800 (USD 54-145). An example budget for 5 days with mid-range accommodation, meals, and main attractions is around USD 400-750. Generally, it is more economical than Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo. Money-saving tips include using public transport, eating at "por quilo" restaurants, taking advantage of free attractions, and traveling in the low season.
Free attractions in the State of Paraná include the Botanical Garden of Curitiba, Barigüi Park in Curitiba, the Historic Center of Curitiba, and the waterfront of Matinhos and Caiobá. For guided tours, you can take the Free Walking Tour Curitiba, a walking tour of the historic center with voluntary tips for the guide. For guided tours, Tur.com highlights: Tour de Día Completo a las Cataratas del Iguazú (lado brasileño y argentino) from USD 45, Visita Guiada a la Represa de Itaipú - Circuito Especial from USD 30, Paseo en Tren por la Serra do Mar - Curitiba a Morretes from USD 60, Tour Gastronómico por Curitiba from USD 55.
