Curitiba is the capital of the state of Paraná, largest city in Southern Brazil (1.6 million inhabitants) and also the largest economy. It is situated about 90 kms from the coast, in a height of 900 m.

The city is famous for being a very green city with many parks and lakes, also being the most ecologic city in Brazil, with a very good bus system, a high rate of recycling and spending a lot for education.
Worthwhile is a visit of the Jardim Botanico (botanic garden), the by a pleasant and green environment surrounded Ópera de Arame, the Museum Oscar Niemeyer (MON), Praça Garibaldi (Garibaldi Square), Bosque João Paulo II (Park Pope John Paul II), the historic center and much more.

Something very special is a trip by train. You shouldn´t forget your camera taking the Serra Verde Express, going through tunnels, over bridges and close along the mountains through the Mata Atlântica (rain forest). If possible, you should take the train on a Sunday, then going down to the coast, ending in Paranaguá. There you can stay a day or more, also visit the Ilha do Mel (Honey Island) that is a biosphere reservate.

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Link: The Curitiba-Paranaguá railway journey