Paraná can be discovered through its contrasts: waterfalls, sandstone landscapes, grasslands, island nature and traces of human history. Iguaçu National Park is a 169,695.88-hectare World Heritage site in Paraná. Its waterfall system stretches for almost three kilometres, with vertical drops of up to 80 metres. Both the height of the falls and the breadth of the system shape the experience. The park also includes the fully preserved watershed of the Rio Floriano.
Waterfalls and Protected Landscapes
At Vila Velha State Park, the focus shifts from water to sandstone and grasslands. The park preserves sandstone formations and representative areas of Paraná’s original grasslands. Visitors can hike interpretive trails, observe wildlife and take part in environmental education activities. The landscape, trails and opportunities for nature watching are all highlights.
The Canyon and Rock Art at Guartelá
Measured by length, the Cânion do Rio Iapó is considered the sixth-largest canyon in the world. One of the attractions of Guartelá State Park is Cachoeira da Ponte de Pedra. The park is also home to Indigenous rock paintings that are approximately 7,000 years old. Visitors can hike interpretive trails, visit prehistoric archaeological sites and observe wildlife. Nature and history meet in the same landscape.
When planning your routes, it is worth distinguishing between the options: the Basic Trail is a self-guided circular route about 5,000 metres long, with a moderate level of difficulty. The Rock Art Trail, by contrast, is guided and can only be visited with a guide; advance booking through local tourism agencies is required. Trail conditions, operating details, and guide and booking requirements may change. Check these details before your visit.
Ilha do Mel: Nature and Getting Around
Around 93 percent of Ilha do Mel is protected. Ilha do Mel State Park allows public visitation, environmental education and mindful, orderly recreational use. The island can be reached by boat. Check the current crossing arrangements and fares before travelling. On Ilha do Mel, getting around is permitted only on foot or by bicycle; also check the current rules in advance.
One specific destination on the island is the lighthouse: dating from 1872, it can be reached by a trail followed by a staircase with 150 steps. The year and the route described give the visit both a historical and practical dimension, without reducing the island to a single attraction.
Cultural Heritage and Cuisine
The Paraná section of the Caminhos do Peabiru route was recognized as intangible cultural heritage of Paraná in 2022. The Caminhos do Peabiru initiative connects Paraná from east to west and promotes the responsible use of the routes and appreciation of local communities. If you are planning around particular trails or offerings from the initiative, check the latest implementation details.
Cuisine is also part of discovering the state: barreado is considered a typical Paraná dish and intangible cultural heritage. In Morretes, barreado is served in restaurants. If you would like to try it there, check what is currently available in advance.
Discover More Destinations
São José Dos Pinhais, Quatro Barras, Ponta Grossa, Maringá, Londrina, Foz Do Iguaçu, Curitiba, Cascavel, Apucarana, Jaguariaíva, Arapongas, Campo Largo, Pinhais, Guaratuba, Campina Grande Do Sul, Pôrto Santana, Ilha Do Mel, Tijucas Do Sul, Toledo, Matinhos, Medianeira, União Da Vitória, Pato Branco, Morretes, Guarapuava, Cambará, Francisco Beltrão, Marialva, Matelândia, Japira, São Jerônimo Da Serra, Barracão, Paranaguá, Guaíra, Laranjeiras Do Sul, Fernandes Pinheiro, Santa Helena, Cianorte, Sarandi, Castro, Umuarama, General Carneiro, Telêmaco Borba, Antonina, Marechal Cândido Rondon, Santo Inácio, Vitória De Santo Antão, Goiana, Palmeira, Jataizinho, Araucária, Jacarezinho, Santa Terezinha De Itaipu, Guaraqueçaba, Colombo, São Luiz Do Purunã, Dourado, Ribeirão Bonito, Dracena, Itaquaquecetuba, Quedas Do Iguaçu, Ribeirão Do Pinhal, Presidente Venceslau, Minguinho, Adrianópolis, Rolândia, Ribeirão Claro, Cornélio Procópio, Fazenda Rio Grande, Rio Branco Do Sul, Ventania, Irati, Arapoti, Campo Mourão, São Miguel do Iguaçu, Capacete, Capanema, Bituruna, Maripá, Pôrto Rico, São Mateus do Sul, Porto Itacorá, Tibagi, Paranavaí, Dois Vizinhos, Cambé, Superagui, Imbaú, Pato Bragado, Lagoa Sêca, Itaipulândia, Verê, Almirante Tamandaré, Açungui, Covó, Ampére, Santo Antônio da Platina, Paiçandu, Mandaguari, Search for Paraná, Brazil - Visitello, Mangueirinha, Tamarana, Piraquara, Nova Esperança, Araucária, Ortigueira
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