Serra Verde Express

– Train ride to Morretes: 3 hours (one way)

East of

Curitiba

lies the beautiful Serra do Mar, a mountain range running all the way down from Curitiba’s high plateau to the coast.

In order to open up the city to the ocean, a railway from Curitiba to the ports of Antonina and Paranagua was inaugurated in 1885. At the time, the Serra Verde railway was a masterpiece of civil engineering, with almost 70 bridges, 13 tunnels and tracks on steep heights.

Offering marvellous views of mountain canyons and lush sloping jungles, today the Serra Verde Express is one of Curitiba’s favourite attractions. Only on Saturday and Sunday you can ride the comfortable ‘Litorina’ tourist train from Curitiba to Morretes. Otherwise, take the regular train ‘Trem’ which also stops in Morretes (it goes all the way to Paranagua, but after Morretes the ride is less scenic).

Views are best from the left side of the Serra Verde Express leaving Curitiba, right side leaving Morretes. Reservations are recommended.

Vila Velha

(Parque Estadual de Vila Velha) – 93 km / 58 miles: 1.25 hours

West of Curitiba, this state-run park features some enigmatic red rock formations, towering into the blue sky with a beautiful green leafage as background. The whole area of Vila Velha is like a geological monument, because there are some interesting natural pools (called furnas), caves and lagoons as well. The park centre organises several tours and hikes into the Vila Velha park.

Morretes

– 77 km / 48 miles: 1.25 hours

Lovely colonial mountain town founded in the 18th century. This tropical paradise right in the Serra da Graciosa still has a kind of gold rush feel to it, thanks to the charming buildings on the shores of the river Rio Nhundiaquara.

From Morretes you can organize several

mountain hikes

. Best way to get to Morretes is by train. See above: Serra Verde Express.

Paranagua – 93 km / 58 miles: 1.5 hours Paranagua is a charming colonial city dated from 1585, nicely located in the bay of the same name. The colourful historical centre of Paranaguá makes a good stopover on the way to Ilha do Mel, because it is easily explored on foot. Despite all the faded grandeur from the past, Paranaguá is still the fourth largest port of Brasil.

The port of Parana holds this position thanks to the export of corn, cotton and especially soy

Ilha do Mel

– To Paranagua 93 km / 58 miles: 1.5 hours (a boat ride takes another 1.5 to 2 hours)

The ‘honey island’ is the most beautiful island of Parana. Ilha do Mel has pristine beaches and secluded bays interspersed with nice ruins of 18th century fortifications. The main settlements are Nova Brasilia (more party orientated) and Encantadas (more family orientated). From here you can explore the remote beaches by boat taxis. You can also organize boat trips to the World Heritage Area of national park Superagüi.

Ilha do Mel is most crowded during weekends and summer holidays. We recommend to spend at least 2 days on a trip to Ilha do Mel.