Exploring Curitiba: A Guide for First-Time Visitors
Brazil’s showcase “green” city, Curitiba (pronounced kr-uh-CHEE-buh), has long garnered praise for its commitment to mass transit and innovative urban planning, much of which dates back to the 1970s.
As the nation’s eighth-largest city, it is surprisingly diverse, with residents claiming Polish, Italian, Jewish, and Japanese heritage. Although rarely touted as a tourist destination, Curitiba merits an extended visit for its parks, unique architecture, and pioneering sustainability efforts. The city features a necklace of clean, well-kept green spaces, with the centerpiece being a stunning botanical garden. In between these green areas, a small historic downtown district boasts elegant art nouveau and neoclassical buildings amid impressive skyscrapers.
Moreover, Curitiba serves as an ideal base for exploring a rich hinterland. Monumental sandstone rock formations lie to the west, while coastal rainforests and surfing beaches await in the east.
When Should You Go to Curitiba?
Curitiba enjoys a spring-like climate all year round, meaning that you won’t encounter the stifling heat or mountainous chill common in other parts of South America. Pleasant warmth and manageable rainfall make February and March the best months to visit, aligning with the city’s relatively modest carnival celebrations that typically occur in mid-to-late February.
In summary, there’s no undesirable season to visit Curitiba. While it experiences slightly more rain in summer (December to March), the winter months (June to August) are cooler and drier. For cheaper hotel prices, consider the shoulder months of May and September.
How Much Time Should You Spend in Curitiba?
While many travelers use Curitiba as a quick stopover, you could easily spend three days exploring the city and its surroundings.
- Day One: Utilize the city’s celebrated public transport system to visit major attractions like the botanical gardens and the Oscar Niemeyer Museum.
- Day Two: Take a scenic ride on the Serra Verde Express, known for being one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys. This 10-hour round trip includes a delightful lunch stop in Morretes.
- Day Three: Consider taking a bus to Vila Velha State Park, then return to the city for dinner at a local restaurant.
Is It Easy to Get Around Curitiba?
Curitiba’s Aeroporto Internacional Afonso Pena, located 18 km (11 miles) southeast of the city center, is large and modern, offering regular flights to various cities across Brazil, Argentina, and Chile.
The combined long-distance bus and train station forms a single three-block complex known as the rodoferroviária, situated a short distance southeast of downtown. Several private bus companies operate interstate travel from this point. Bus travel in Brazil is noted for being safe, comfortable, and relatively efficient.
Moreover, Curitiba is renowned for its advanced rapid bus network, which has become a model for urban planners worldwide. The modern bus system operates on designated lanes and utilizes integrated station pods, known as tubos, to allow expedited entry and exit. With a flat fare of R$6 (approximately US$1.60), the buses are budget-friendly and efficient.
Top Things to Do in Curitiba
Savor the Peace at the Jardim Botânico
Escape the bustling city center by visiting Curitiba’s botanical garden, a serene haven adorned with flowers and a small lake. Featuring a stunning glass greenhouse filled with tropical plants, visitors can stroll through the formal French-style gardens and take to winding trails through wooded areas. Bring a picnic to enjoy or stop by the garden’s café for a snack.
Uncover the City’s Roots in Largo da Ordem
Curitiba’s historic heart comprises a small network of pedestrian-only streets centered on Largo da Ordem, lined with stylish galleries, pubs, and cafés. Don’t miss the iconic Presbyterian church, and the Casa Romário Martins, which explores the contributions of Cândido de Abreu, the city’s original urban planner. On Sundays, this area transforms into a vibrant art and artisan market with hundreds of stalls.
Embrace Modernism at the Museu Oscar Niemeyer
The Museu Oscar Niemeyer is a striking modernist complex that demands attention. Designed by the renowned architect, the museum features an iconic eye-shaped tower surrounded by an artificial pond. The exhibitions primarily focus on visual arts and design, showcasing works by both Brazilian and international artists spanning from 1900 onward.
Dive into Curitiba’s Culinary Scene
Curitiba offers a wonderfully diverse culinary experience, featuring a blend of excellent Brazilian restaurants along with Asian and Italian options. Leading the gourmet scene is Manu, where the ever-changing tasting menus showcase ingredients from local farms and the restaurant’s own organic garden. In 2023, Manu received the prestigious sustainable restaurant award for its commitment to responsible dining.
Frequently Asked Questions About Curitiba
Is Curitiba Safe?
By Brazilian standards, Curitiba is relatively safe. Nevertheless, it’s advisable to stick to well-lit areas after dark and to avoid displaying signs of wealth.
What Innovations Contribute to Curitiba’s Sustainability?
Curitiba is equipped with 48 urban parks, solar energy initiatives on reclaimed land, honey gardens, and innovative bike-sharing programs focused on electric bicycles.
Are There Festivals in Curitiba?
Yes, Curitiba hosts several notable art-related festivals, including a prominent theater festival in March, a film festival in June, and an arts biennial held every September in odd-numbered years.
Are There Beaches Near Curitiba?
The nearest beaches, ideal for surfing, are a 90-minute drive east near Pontal do Sul. Further, Ilha do Mel is also accessible via a short boat ride, making it a great weekend getaway.
What About Day Trips from Curitiba?
The Serra Verde Express offers mesmerizing views as it winds through breathtaking landscapes to the gastronomic hub of Morretes. Alternatively, visit the natural sandstone formations at Parque Estadual de Vila Velha, renowned for its unique rock pillars.