Things To Do
in Astorga
Astorga is a small municipality in the state of Paraná in southern Brazil, characterized by a mix of agricultural landscapes and a compact town center. The city has a strong local identity shaped by farming, small industry and a close-knit community atmosphere. Visitors will find modest historical landmarks, parks and practical services rather than large tourist attractions.
Astorga makes a convenient base for exploring nearby regional cities and rural Paraná life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the stunning Cathedral of Astorga, where you can admire its neo-Gothic architecture. Stroll through the quaint cobblestone streets, taking in the vibrant colors of the colonial buildings that surround you. Don't forget to stop by the local bakery to taste fresh pastries and coffee, a perfect way to fuel your exploration.
After lunch at a charming café, visit the Astorga Museum to learn about the rich history and culture of the region. Engage with local artisans in the craft market, where you can find unique handmade souvenirs. As you wander, enjoy the street musicians and performers that bring life to the city.
As the sun sets, head to the main square for a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, where you can savor traditional Brazilian dishes. The lively atmosphere of the square is filled with laughter and chatter, making it a perfect spot to relax. Conclude your day with a leisurely walk, enjoying the illuminated buildings and the cool evening breeze.
Begin your day with a cooking class that introduces you to the flavors of Astorga, learning how to prepare traditional dishes. Visit the local market to gather fresh ingredients and interact with friendly vendors who share their culinary secrets. Enjoy a hearty breakfast of local specialties before diving into the cooking experience.
After your cooking class, savor the meal you prepared, complemented by local beverages like cachaça or fresh fruit juices. Spend the afternoon visiting local farms, where you can see how ingredients are grown and harvested. Take part in tasting sessions of artisanal cheeses and wines, enhancing your understanding of the region's culinary landscape.
In the evening, treat yourself to a meal at one of Astorga's fine dining establishments, where renowned chefs showcase their talents. Enjoy a multi-course dinner featuring local ingredients, paired expertly with Brazilian wines. Wrap up your culinary journey by sampling traditional desserts in a cozy café, reflecting on the flavors you've experienced.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| ☕Coffee at a bakery | $1-3 |
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $25-45 |
| 🚕Local taxi short ride | $2-8 |
| 🛏️Budget guesthouse / pousada per night | $20-50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Peaceful small-town atmosphere and friendly locals
- Easy access to rural landscapes and agro-tourism
- Lower costs compared with large Brazilian cities
- Good base for exploring the northern Paraná region and nearby cities
- Limited tourist infrastructure and few major attractions
- Fewer dining and nightlife options than in larger cities
- Public transport options within town can be limited
- Specialty services (e.g., international medical care) require travel to bigger cities
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado / Obrigada" - Thank you (male / female speaker)
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Sou vegetariano / vegetariana" - I am vegetarian (male / female speaker)
Places to Visit in Astorga
Visit one of these nice places.
Capture everyday life, traditional architecture, and the central church facade during morning or late-afternoon light.
Green areas and walking paths provide opportunities for nature and portrait photography, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Open fields, crop rows and farm buildings create classic rural Paraná landscapes—best in early morning or gold-hour evenings.
Colorful stalls, produce and vendor portraits that show local food culture and community life.
Food in Astorga
Astorga Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Brazilian barbecue—various grilled meats served at churrascarias and family restaurants; great for groups and an easy way to try regional cuts of beef.
Must-Try!
Cheesy baked rolls common at bakeries; perfect with coffee and widely available in town padarias and cafés.
Traditional bean-based sides often served with rice, greens and meat—local variations are found in home-style restaurants.
Homemade sweets and desserts, often made from local fruits, milk sweets (doce de leite) and regional recipes sold at markets and cafés.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small local markets and weekly feiras where farmers sell produce, cheeses, baked goods and seasonal fruits; good places to try fresh regional products and simple street snacks.
Bake-shops act as informal street-food hubs for morning snacks—try coxinha, pão de queijo and fresh pastries with coffee.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Brazilians in small towns are warm and use friendly greetings—handshakes are common, and among acquaintances one light cheek kiss or hug may occur. Start interactions with a polite 'bom dia' (good morning) or 'boa tarde' (good afternoon).
Social events are often relaxed about time, but business appointments typically observe punctuality—confirm meeting times in advance.
Casual, neat clothing is appropriate in most settings; be respectful at churches and municipal buildings. Avoid loud or abrasive behavior in public spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Astorga
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory—in restaurants a 10% service charge may be added; for smaller services (cafés, taxis) rounding up or leaving small change is common. Tip hotel porters and tour guides when service is good.
Cash (Brazilian real, BRL) is widely used for small purchases and markets; credit and debit cards are accepted at larger restaurants and shops but smaller vendors may be cash-only. ATMs are available in town for withdrawals; notify your bank of travel to avoid card blocks.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Summer (December–February) is warm to hot and can be humid with afternoon showers or thunderstorms; dress in lightweight clothing, bring sun protection and be prepared for sudden rain.
Autumn (March–May) brings milder temperatures and drier days—pleasant for outdoor activities and countryside drives as humidity drops.
Winter (June–August) is cool and dry compared with coastal Brazil; nights can be chilly, so pack a light jacket, especially for countryside stays.
Spring (September–November) sees warming temperatures, blossoming vegetation and occasional rain—good for photography and farm visits as fields green up.
Astorga at Night
Hiking in Astorga
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short walks and nature paths in the town’s park or bosque municipal—good for easy hiking, birdwatching and family outings.
Unmarked rural tracks and farm roads that offer low-impact hiking and scenic walks through fields and pastures; best explored with a local guide or host farm.
Within an hour’s drive are larger parks and green areas near Maringá that offer longer trails, more varied terrain and better infrastructure for day hikes and nature excursions.
Airports
How to reach Astorga by plane.
The closest regional airport serving commercial flights; typically a 45–90 minute drive depending on road connections. Buses, shuttles or rental cars connect Maringá to Astorga.
A regional airport offering flights to larger hubs; reachable within approximately 1.5–2.5 hours by car. Intercity buses and private transfers are common ways to reach Astorga.
The major international airport for Paraná located in Curitiba; travel time by car is several hours, or accessible by intercity bus and connecting flights—used for international arrivals and broader flight options.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A substantial portion of residents are involved in agriculture or related industries—families with multi-generational ties to farming are common.
Small entrepreneurs, shop owners and industrial workers form a significant part of the town's population and economy.
Younger households who commute to nearby larger cities for work or education, contributing to a mixed age profile in town.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport—local matches, youth leagues and enthusiastic local support are common; community fields host regular games.
Indoor small-sided football is widely played, especially among youth and in school competitions.
Volleyball, running and community fitness activities are common in parks and sports clubs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Astorga.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited compared with major cities; request vegetable stews, rice, beans, salads and cheese-based dishes at restaurants, and rely on bakeries for snacks. Communicate dietary needs clearly in Portuguese if possible (e.g., 'sou vegetariano/vegetariana').
Vegan and strict gluten-free options are less common—plan ahead by bringing snacks, shopping for fresh produce at markets, and asking restaurants for simple grilled or stewed vegetable dishes.