The South, Brazil
These tables lay out distinct plans for varying durations, from a quick layover to multi-week explorations. Each plan features a focus, suggested activities, and accommodation styles.
Consider your interests and available time to choose the best fit for your Curitiba adventure.
A weekend visit lets you sample the city's essence. A full week immerses you in Curitiba and its beautiful coastal region.
City Exploration & Culture: Day 1: Historic Sector, Oscar Niemeyer Museum, Botanical Garden. Day 2: Parque Tanguá, Ópera de Arame, Batel nightlife. Day 3: Optional half-day trip to Colônia Witmarsum or relaxed park visit.
In-depth Curitiba & Coastal Excursion: Days 1-3: Curitiba city attractions (parks, museums, neighborhoods). Day 4: Serra Verde Express to Morretes & Antonina. Day 5-6: Ilha do Mel (overnight stay). Day 7: Return to Curitiba, shopping/departure prep.
Southern Brazil Discovery: Days 1-4: Curitiba. Days 5-6: Coastal towns/Ilha do Mel. Days 7-9: Foz do Iguaçu (Iguazu Falls). Days 10-14: Florianópolis or Gramado/Canela.
For stays longer than a month, consider renting an apartment via platforms like Airbnb or local real estate agencies. Focus on comfortable residential neighborhoods like Batel, Água Verde, or Mercês for good local amenities. This makes possible immersion and more extensive exploration of nearby small towns and natural areas at a relaxed pace. You can truly live like a local.
A quick but efficient way to see Curitiba's iconic spots.
Botanical Garden, Ópera de Arame (external), Rua XV de Novembro, Mercado Municipal.
Airport hotel or central city hotel.
Focus on iconic, easily accessible locations.
Tailor your itinerary to your specific passions.
Immerse yourself in Curitiba's rich past and food scene. Explore old sectors, museums, and taste local delicacies.
Explore the Mercado Municipal, dine at "comida por quilo" restaurants, visit traditional "botecos" to try Carne de Onça, take the Serra Verde Express train to Morretes specifically for Barreado, and explore Batel's diverse fine dining scene.
Enjoy cycling in the city's numerous parks, consider a day trip for hiking in the Serra do Mar (e.g., towards Pico Paraná), and explore parks like Barigui for wildlife viewing (capybaras) and Tanguá for scenic walks.
Include visits to the Botanical Garden, Parque Barigui (for playgrounds and capybaras), the Ópera de Arame, utilize the fun Linha Turismo bus, and enjoy strolling down Rua XV de Novembro for street performers.
Focus on the Museu Oscar Niemeyer, the Ópera de Arame, Teatro Guaíra, and explore the modern and historic architecture throughout the city center and other neighborhoods.
Visit a variety of religious sites (e.g., Catedral, Igreja da Ordem, Mesquita Imam Ali, Templo Budista Jardim Seishin-ji), seek quiet contemplation in the city's many serene parks, and consider a relaxing spa day at a wellness center.
Travel smart with these budget-focused itineraries.
Curitiba offers options for various budgets. From backpacking to luxury, planning smart makes your trip more rewarding.
Prioritize free attractions and local transport for maximum value.
Backpackers maximize free activities and public transit. Mid-range travelers balance comfort with discovery using hop-on-hop-off buses and scenic trains.
Stay in hostels, utilize the efficient public transport (BRT) system, eat at "comida por quilo" restaurants and street food stalls, focus mainly on free attractions (parks, walking the historic center), and use Bike Curitiba for affordable cycling exploration.
Stay in comfortable mid-range hotels or pousadas, enjoy a mix of local eateries and mid-range restaurants, use occasional ride-shares, take the Linha Turismo hop-on hop-off bus, and include the scenic Serra Verde Express train journey.
Stay in luxury hotels in Batel, experience fine dining, arrange private transfers, book guided private tours, consider exclusive experiences (e.g., helicopter tours if available), and enjoy premium shopping.
Travel during the shoulder or low season for better prices, book accommodation that includes breakfast, research free walking tours, take advantage of happy hour deals at bars, and opt for the integrated public transport system for all city travel.
Curitiba offers distinct experiences depending on the time of year.
Summer brings lush outdoor activities, with potential for rain. Winter cooler, drier weather perfect for city exploration and enjoying local hearty cuisine. Check local event schedules for pine nut festivals (pinhão harvest) in winter.
Off-season travel (spring/autumn) means fewer crowds and better prices. Festivals and local events happen year-round. Consult local tourism calendars for specific dates and details.
Curitiba's climate is humid subtropical. Summers (Dec-Feb) are warm and rainy, while winters (Jun-Aug) are cool and drier. Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant. Pack layers for varying temperatures.
The pinhão harvest, from May to July, presents boiled or roasted pine nuts to roadside stands. This regional delicacy offers an unique winter culinary experience. Look for local markets during this time.
Curitiba a calendar of events and festivals throughout the year. From cultural celebrations to music and art, there is always something happening. Verify dates for specific events as they vary annually.
Popular events mean increased crowds and higher prices for accommodation and transport.
Book flights, accommodation, and tours well in advance during major festivals.
