Things To Do
in Cambará
Cambará is a small agricultural city in the state of Paraná in southern Brazil, known for its relaxed pace, green landscapes and a strong farming community. The town center mixes modest commercial streets, a traditional town square and local bakeries that are hubs of daily life. Visitors find easy access to rural scenery, riverbanks and small municipal parks perfect for short outings and photography.
Cambará works well as a base for experiencing Paraná's countryside culture while using larger nearby cities for more specialized services and night-time entertainment.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a refreshing hike in the stunning Parque Nacional de Aparados da Serra, where you can witness breathtaking views of the canyons. As the sun rises, the vibrant colors of the natural landscape come alive, creating a perfect backdrop for photography. Don’t forget to pack a picnic breakfast to enjoy at one of the scenic lookout points.
After your hike, head to the nearby town of Cambará do Sul for a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant offering traditional Brazilian cuisine. Enjoy dishes like 'churrasco' while soaking in the small-town charm and hospitality. In the afternoon, visit the famous Itaimbezinho Canyon, where you can take a guided tour to explore its vastness and unique rock formations.
As the sun sets, return to Cambará and unwind at a cozy café, sipping on a refreshing 'tereré', a traditional Brazilian herbal drink. Engage in conversations with locals who are eager to share stories about their culture and the beauty of the region. Conclude your evening with a stroll through the town, admiring its quaint architecture illuminated by warm lights.
Set off early to explore the lesser-known canyons, such as the Malacara Canyon, which offers unique hiking trails and stunning rock formations. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, including exotic birds and playful monkeys, as you traverse the lush trails. Capture the morning light as it dances across the canyon walls, providing ample opportunities for photography.
After a morning of adventure, stop for a hearty lunch at a rustic eatery that specializes in local game meat and farm-fresh produce. Post-lunch, embark on a thrilling 4x4 tour to discover hidden viewpoints and secret trails in the region. Feel the adrenaline rush as you navigate through rugged terrains while learning about the local flora and fauna from your knowledgeable guide.
As evening approaches, return to Cambará and enjoy a traditional Brazilian barbecue at an outdoor grill, where you can savor a variety of meats and local side dishes. Engage with fellow travelers and locals as you share tales of your day’s adventures. Wind down with a bonfire under the stars, listening to live music played by local musicians.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee or snack at a bakery | $1.50-3 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (bar) | $2-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $4-10 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $35-80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Peaceful, authentic rural Brazilian experience
- Easy access to fresh regional food and markets
- Good base for countryside photography and short nature outings
- Lower prices compared with big cities
- Limited nightlife and specialized services
- Fewer direct transport connections and longer drives to major airports
- Limited vegetarian/vegan options in some restaurants
- Medical facilities for specialized care require travel to larger cities
- "Olá / Oi" - Hello / Hi
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado (if you are male) / Obrigada (if you are female)" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Você pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
- "Sou vegetariano(a)" - I am vegetarian
- "Fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Cambará
Visit one of these nice places.
The town’s main square with the church as a focal point — good for street scenes, architecture and evening life shots.
Green public spaces and riverbanks offer reflections, birdlife and tranquil landscapes, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Dirt roads, patchwork crops and farm fences create classic rural compositions, particularly dramatic with low morning or late-afternoon light.
Vibrant market stalls, fresh produce and bakery counters are excellent for detail shots and capturing daily life.
Short drives to surrounding hills provide sweeping views over plantations and small towns — best in clear weather.
Food in Cambará
Cambará Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled cuts of beef and other meats served at family restaurants and churrascarias; look for picanha (rump cap) — widely available in town.
Must-Try!
Traditional bean and pork stew often served in bigger restaurants or on weekends; hearty and filling.
Cheese bread sold at bakeries (padarias) throughout the day — an ideal snack with morning coffee.
The daily staple of rice, beans and salad served in nearly every restaurant — simple, affordable and good for vegetarians with small modifications.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The municipal market and weekly street fair are where locals buy produce, cheese, cakes and snacks; try fresh fruit, bolos (cakes) and freshly pressed juices.
Evening vendors often sell espetinhos (meat skewers), salgados like coxinha and pastéis — inexpensive and tasty for a quick bite.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Brazilians are warm and personal — a handshake or light kiss on the cheek (between one cheek on casual encounters) is common. Use polite phrases like 'por favor' and 'obrigado/obrigada'.
Dress is generally casual in town; avoid overly flashy displays in rural areas. Be respectful when visiting farms and private properties — always ask before photographing people or homes.
For social events, a relaxed approach to time is common; for official appointments, aim to arrive on time.
Safety
Tipping in Cambará
Ensure a smooth experience
A 10% service charge is commonly added to restaurant bills; if not included, leaving ~10% is appreciated but not mandatory. Small tips for bartenders, hotel porters and taxi drivers are welcome.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants in town, but small vendors and markets may prefer cash (Brazilian real). Carry cash for markets, street food and remote services.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Expect lush green landscapes and occasional road muddiness after heavy rains; carry light rain gear and insect repellent.
More stable, pleasant temperatures with cooler mornings and warm afternoons — a comfortable time for outdoor activities and photography.
Mild winters with cooler nights (can be chilly early morning); frost is rare but possible in cold spells. Daytime is usually comfortable for exploring.
Warmer temperatures return with flowering plants and renewed greenery; occasional rain showers make the countryside vibrant for photos.
Cambará at Night
Hiking in Cambará
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A gently sloping trail along sections of the local river offering birdwatching, easy hiking and picnic spots — ideal for a half-day outing.
Informal trails across farmland and small woodlots around Cambará suitable for walking, cycling and landscape photography; ask locals for recommended routes.
Short walks to small waterfalls and creek pools in the surrounding hills — refreshing in warm weather and best visited after checking access and trail conditions with residents.
Airports
How to reach Cambará by plane.
The nearest major regional airport offering domestic connections and some regional flights; reachable by car in roughly 1–2 hours depending on traffic.
Another regional airport with domestic services; typically a 1.5–2.5 hour drive from Cambará depending on route.
The largest nearby international airport for wide domestic and some international routes; expect a longer drive (commonly 3+ hours) or a domestic connection via Londrina or Maringá.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the population is involved in agriculture and small-scale farming, shaping the town’s rhythms and economy.
People running local services, shops, schools and municipal functions form the town’s active workforce.
Like many small Brazilian towns, there is a noticeable older demographic who maintain local traditions and community life.
Young people and students often commute to larger regional centers for education and employment opportunities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport — local amateur and youth teams are active and community matches are common.
Indoor sports popular with youth and community clubs, with regular local competitions.
Locals and visitors enjoy fishing in rivers and reservoirs around the region.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Cambará.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian choices are possible but limited compared with big cities; rely on rice, beans, salads, grilled vegetables and bakery items. Inform staff that you are vegetarian (sou vegetariano/vegetariana) and ask for vegetable sides or omelets.
Fewer explicit vegan options; markets provide fresh produce to assemble meals and some restaurants will adapt plates if asked. Carry snacks and plan ahead when dining out.
Gluten-free awareness is growing but not universal. Padarias use wheat extensively; communicate the restriction (sou intolerante ao glúten) and consider simple plates like grilled meats and salads.