Curitiba is located between Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre in southeastern Brazil and is the capital of Parana. It lies on the route to the famed Iguacu Falls from Rio and Sao Paulo, and thus sees a lot of tourist traffic. Not just a stopover, Curitiba has a lot of appeal on its own merit.
As the largest city in the Brazilian South and having hefty German, Italian and Russian communities, Curitiba also has a lot of cultural awareness, which is best seen in its old city. A profusion of fine parks, an efficient transport network and a more agreeable climate than most of the rest of Brazil adds further appeal.
The city’s many parks and wooded areas are its main attraction and most contain worthwhile sights and attractions. Perhaps the greatest park is the Curitiba Public Promenade, with its French gardens, large greenhouse, and Botanical Museum, while Barreirinha Park is the most beautiful and has loads of kiddie attractions and activities.
Pedreiras Park is also a must-see as it contains Curitiba’s main landmark, the impressive Wire Opera House (Opera de Arame). Its sheer scale, setting and shows are the envy of towns and cities across Brazil. Iguacu Park Zoo is another favourite with families, having animals from all over South America, while Tangua Park has great walking.
Cultured types should check out the old downtown area of Largo da Ordem, which has the most fascinating buildings in Curitiba and a large Sunday fair, while the Sao Francisco Ruins and the spectacular German Wood are also must-sees. For shopping and entertainment, Curitiba has the aptly named 24 Hours Street in the centre of town, where anything goes.
Out and about is the tourist train that runs to the coastal town of Paranagua, to the east of Curitiba; a fantastic journey. The trip goes through staggering forest scenery and past mountains, waterfalls, and historic sites. Also near Paranagua are several popular beaches, including the quiet surfing beach of Praia Grande.
Curitiba hotels are generally cheaper than those in other major Brazilian cities and range from hostels to five-star hotels in the heart of the central business district, in affluent areas like Japanese Square and at Afonso Pena Airport. The busiest time in Curitiba is in the summer (December to April), but be sure to book any hotels in advance online between October and June as spring and autumn are also busy seasons.
Afonso Pena Airport is the gateway to Curitiba, receiving flights from international destinations as well as from cities all over Brazil. Transport options to the city centre are by way of airport shuttle, public bus and taxi. You could also get here by bus from Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo, or even drive here.
With its lofty location in southern Brazil, midway across the South American continent, Curitiba has somewhat of an unpredictable subtropical climate. It has four distinct seasons and often all in the same day; summer days can see chilly spells and winter days can experience mini heat waves.
Curitiba also experiences high humidity and rainfall, particularly in the winter (June to August). Although with averages of 13°C at this time, the weather is never too harsh. The warmest weather in Curitiba is in the summer (December to April) with loads of sunshine, while spring and autumn are less busy and cooler.
