Curitiba, Brazil 3 Day Itinerary

Title: 3-Day Curitiba Travel Itinerary - A Comprehensive Guide

Day 1: Exploring the City Center

  • Morning:

    • Start your day with a hearty Brazilian breakfast at Café Piedade, famous for its “pão de queijo” and other traditional dishes.
    • Visit the Jardim Botânico (Botanical Garden) to enjoy a variety of local flora, including the unique Araucaria angustifolia, Curitiba’s official tree.
    • Explore the nearby Palácio de Itarare, an impressive neoclassical building housing the State Government.

  • Afternoon:

    • Visit the Museu Oscar Niemeyer to learn about one of Brazil’s most famous architects, whose designs are scattered throughout Curitiba and beyond.
    • Take a stroll along the Jardim Cultural Bairro de Saúde, an urban regeneration project with colorful houses, street art, and vibrant cafes.

  • Evening:

    • Have dinner at Manecas, known for its Paraná cuisine, particularly the “sopa paranaesa”.
    • End your day with a drink at Casa Cultura, a cozy bar in the city center offering a wide selection of beers and cocktails.

Day 2: Nature and Architecture

  • Morning:

    • Visit the Parque Tanguá, a beautiful park with walking trails, waterfalls, and a lake.
    • Stop by the Museu Cristal, an interactive museum dedicated to geology and minerals, located within the park.

  • Afternoon:

    • Explore the Shopping da Vila shopping mall, known for its unique architecture designed by Oscar Niemeyer. Don’t forget to check out the panoramic view of Curitiba from the rooftop.
    • Visit the nearby Shopping Paquaré, another architectural gem with a green roof and numerous shops, restaurants, and cinemas.

  • Evening:

    • Have dinner at Moinho de Vento, offering a variety of Paraná dishes in a charming setting.
    • Take a leisurely walk around the Barigui Park, where you can see the iconic “Owl” and “Hippopotamus” sculptures by Brazilian artist Álvaro de Bree.

Day 3: Day Trip to Morretes

  • Morning:

    • Take a bus or hire a car to visit the picturesque town of Morretes. The journey offers stunning views of the Serra do Mar mountain range.
    • Explore the historic center, visit the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, and learn about the region’s sugarcane plantation history at the Museu da Canaa.

  • Afternoon:

    • Savor a traditional Paraná meal, including “picanha” and “tucupi,” at one of the many restaurants in Morretes.
    • Take a boat trip to Ilha do Mel (Mel Island), known for its pristine beaches and wildlife.

  • Evening:

    • Return to Curitiba, have dinner at your favorite spot from Day 1 or try somewhere new, like Restaurante Olimpo, a local institution offering Paraná cuisine with a modern twist.

Things to Know:

  • Curitiba is known for its efficient and eco-friendly bus system. Make sure to buy a rechargeable card (Bilhete Único) to take advantage of it.
  • Brazil uses the Real as its currency, and credit cards are widely accepted in Curitiba. However, it’s always good to have some cash on hand.
  • English is not widely spoken, so learning a few Portuguese phrases or downloading a translation app can be helpful.
  • The best time to visit is from September to December when the weather is mild and dry.

Tips:

  • Don’t forget to try “coxinha” (a fried snack made of shredded chicken), “quentão” (a cold drink made with yerba mate and sugarcane juice), and other local delicacies.
  • Take a walk in the Eco-Corridor to see how Curitiba’s urban planning integrates green spaces and waste recycling systems.