Pleasant surprises throughout the state

Over the last two decades, Curitiba has become an authentic metropolis, without losing the making of a humane city. The Flower Street is a traditional meeting point where everything that happens in the city is commented on. In the historical section, one finds building from 18th and 19th's centuries, such as the Ordem Terceira Church, the Romario Martins House, the Cultural Foundation, the Rosario Manor, the Flower Clock, and the Ruins of São Francisco.

The many squares, parks and gardens contribute to the enviable rate of 50 square meters of vegetation per inhabitant: Jardim Botânico, Parque Barigui, Parque do Passaúna, Parque Regional do Iguaçu, Bosque João Paulo II, Passeio Público and the Free environmental University, in the Zaninelli Woods. Modern expressways and "bus corridors" divert heavy traffic from the central streets of the city and provide first quality mass transportation. Curitiba's main street, aptly named Rua das Flores (Flower Street), as well as many others, have been reserved strictly for pedestrians, as well as the opening of a Round-the Clock Street where one can shop during the day and night, provide safety and tranquility. The space historically occupied by cars has been taken over by flower-beds and sidewalk cafes. The oldest and most historical part of the city is located in that very area. there, side by side with tall modern buildings, a few ancient two and three story houses have been restored and preserved. The oldest house in the city, built 100 years ago, at the site called "Lago da Ordem", is a cultural and historical research center called Casa Romário Martins. Around the same area stand the oldest churches in the city: The church of the Third Order of Saint Francis, dating from 1737 and the Holy Rosary Church, built in 1762, both in colonial style.
          In Curitiba, however, there are a several places that are real musts, like the Opera de Arame, in the Parque das Pedreiras, the Torre das Mercês, a construction 109 meters high offering a beautiful panoramic view of the city and the Italian section of Santa Felicidade, with its typical architecture, canteens, restaurants and handicrafts. The city has a variety of good hotels, some of which are rated among the best in Brazil, and its restaurants are ready to serve, the very best international cuisine in addition to typical local food. Not far from Curitiba there are several attractions which are natural invitations for those who like to live in direct contact with nature, like Saltinho, in Tijicas do Sul, a fantastic landscape formed by waterfalls that assume the form of foamy clouds, framed by forests, flowers and vast grassy areas. Not far from there, one can adventure in a world of stalagmites and stalactites in the cavers of Lancinhas, in Rio Branco do Sul, and the caverns of Bacaetava, in Colombo. But pleasant surprises can also be found in Campo largo and its chinaware, in the bucolic landscape of the Historic Tea Park, and Ouro Fino, with its hydrangeas, pine trees and swimming pools of mineral water. They are and endless invitation to beauty and imagination.

Routes to the Sea

          There are several roads leading to the coast. The average distance is about 1oo Kilometers of railway or highway cutting across magnificent landscapes and mountain scenery of breathtaking beauty. One may start with the port of Paranaguá, the oldest city in the state, which has become one of Brazil's largest and busiest ports. To reach Paranaguá one may choose any of four different routes which are tourist attractions in their own right: "Graciosa Highway" was built in 1873 and starts nowadays at kilometers 36 of the Curitiba - São Paulo Highway. Paved from end to end, this picturesque road bordered by flower-covered banks is provided with recreation and leisure areas along most of its route, and meanders through the Serra do Mar Mountains until it reaches the towns of Antonina, Morretes and Paranaguá. Highway BR-277 connects Paranaguá to Foz do Iguaçu. Between Curitiba and Paranaguá it is the fastest and most comfortable road to reach the coast while still enjoying the beauty of the countryside and magnificent mountain scenery.
           The Curitiba-Joinville Highway is another way to reach the beach resort of Guaratuba which, after the popular resorts of Praia do Leste, Matinhos and Caioba, is the southernmost town on the coast of Paraná. The Curitiba-Paranaguá Railroad is Known the world over as a masterpiece of railroad engineering and dates back to 1885, Its tracks climb up to altitudes of over 1,000 meters, going through dozens of tunnels and huge viaducts. From many spots along the route of this unique railroad the views are nothing short of 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 miles away.

Gourmet's Paradise

          The areas immediately surrounding Curitiba hold certain attractions that are well worth seeing. Santa Felicidade, a suburb only only a few kilometers from downtown Curitiba, is one of the most popular tourist resorts, thanks chiefly 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. The town of Colombo, another Italian settlement only 11 kilometers from Curitiba, 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.

The Falls, a show of nature

Iguaçu Falls, one of the most important tourist attractions in Brazil, is a spectacular group of 275 thundering waterfalls, by many described as one of nature's greatest works. Located where the border of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay meet, Iguassu Falls is an excellent choice for a weekend trip. Its hotel accommodations are among the best in Brazil. Numerous package deals are available, many of which include visits to the Argentine and Paraguayan sides, providing new and different views of the falls.
         Many visitors, specially Brazilians, enjoy a visit to Ciudad del Este, in Paraguay, across the Ponte da Amizade (Friendship Bridge), a remarkable work of Brazilian engineering, consisting of a 300 yard arch of concrete and steel, one of the widest in the world. In Ciudad del Este, the visitor can buy imported goods from all over the world, free of taxes, as well as lovely Paraguayan handicrafts. A special attraction of the city is the Acaray Casino, with roulette, baccarat, twenty-one and slot machines. Iguassu Falls agencies offer excursions for shopping and gambling every evening. Puerto Iguazu, the Argentine sister city offers typical products such as leather clothing and accessories, woolen fabrics and gourmet food.

Iguaçu National Park

          The falls themselves are part of the Iguaçu national Park, the largest of its kind in South America. Created in 1930, it covers 507 acres, and is made up of vast forest reserves including such tropical trees as Brazilian walnut, cedar, angico, ipê, secular peroba, canella, guacumbu, silk-cotton tree and jaracatiá. The Park is home to an array of rare species of birds and animals such as the macaw, toukan, parakeet, wild duck, partridge, sloth, monkey, crocodile, otter, jaguar and armadilho. There is also a museum in the park with stuffed animals, botanical samples, regional objects and ethnographic material. Visitors may view the falls from many of the hotels, from the edge, by helicopter or by the fascinating boat ride to garganta do Diabo (Devil's Throat) for an excellent panoramic view. Fishing enthusiasts will discover a new challenge in the Dourado fish. Known as "the tiger of Paraná River", the Dourado is difficult in catch and can weigh up to 15 lbs. The Dourado Fishing Contest, a national event in which international competitors participate, takes place every October.

Tourist Spot in the Big Dam

         A short drive upstream from the Falls is the Itaipu hydroelectric power plant, the largest in the world. This bilateral project is the result of a treaty signed between Brazil and Paraguay in April 1973. Deeply concerned with the preservation of the environment, the Itaipu Binational Company conducted since the beginning all necessary investigations to become fully acquainted with the local ecosystem. To this effect, research was carried out in the physical, biological and social areas, which provided valuable information regarding weather changes as well as expediting measures designed to protect the flora, fauna and archeological heritage of the region. During the filling of the reservoir, successive wildlife rescue operations were carried out and the animals were transferred to biological refuges specially built by Itaipu. These measures have served to lessen the impact on the environment caused by the formation of the dam lake.