Things To Do
in Campina Grande do Sul

Campina Grande do Sul is a leafy town in Paraná within the Curitiba Metropolitan Area, offering a calm mix of city life and rural charm. The landscape features rolling green hills, small farms, and pockets of Araucaria forests that frame the outskirts. The town serves as a gateway to nature trails, waterfalls, and regional cuisine influenced by Portuguese, Italian, and German settlers.

Visitors can expect friendly locals, a relaxed pace, and easy access to both hilly viewpoints and the urban amenities of nearby Curitiba.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and City Exploration
morning
:

Arrive in Campina Grande do Sul and check into your hotel. After settling in, take a leisurely stroll through the city center, soaking in the vibrant local culture and beautiful architecture. Stop by a nearby café for a traditional Brazilian breakfast of pão de queijo and fresh fruit.

afternoon
:

Visit the historic Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Luz, where you can admire its stunning architecture and participate in any ongoing local community events. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant that serves regional cuisine, sampling dishes like barreado or feijão tropeiro. Take some time to explore the local markets for handicrafts and artisan gifts.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to a local bar or restaurant to enjoy live music featuring traditional Brazilian genres. Savor a delicious dinner with local ingredients, perhaps trying a classic churrasco. Wrap up your evening with a pleasant walk through the city, watching as local life unfolds around you.

day 2
Cultural Immersion
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to a local art gallery or museum showcasing the work of regional artists. Engage in discussions with artists and locals to gain insights into the cultural significance of their work. Afterward, savor a breakfast of fresh juice and a typical Brazilian pão na chapa.

afternoon
:

Head to the Parque Nacional de Superagüi for a nature hike, taking in the natural beauty and biodiversity of the area. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the park, surrounded by nature's splendor. Make sure to take photos of the stunning landscapes and local wildlife.

evening
:

Return to the city and explore a neighborhood known for its nightlife. Try out some local bars and taste different Brazilian beverages, enjoying the lively atmosphere. Conclude your night at a dance club where you can learn to samba or simply enjoy watching the locals dance.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-$12
🥗Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant$25-$45
🏨Hotel (3-star) per night$50-$90
🚖Taxi ride (short trip, within town)$5-$12
Coffee/soft drink$2-$4

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Calm, scenic surroundings with easy access to Curitiba
  • Friendly locals and rich regional cuisine
  • Good bases for nature walks and rural photography
  • Relatively affordable compared with larger cities
  • Compact town size means short travel times between sights
  • Limited nightlife compared with bigger cities
  • Smaller selection of high-end dining and international amenities
  • Public transport can be less extensive than in metro areas
  • Weather can be humid and rain-driven, requiring flexible plans
  • "Bom dia" - Good morning
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado(a)" - Thank you
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Pode falar mais devagar?" - Could you speak more slowly?
  • "Eu não falo português muito bem." - I don't speak Portuguese very well.
  • "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Saúde!" - Cheers!/Bless you!
  • "Até logo" - See you later

Places to Visit in Campina Grande do Sul

Visit one of these nice places.

Mirante do Centro Histórico

Panoramic views of the town square and colonial-inspired façades, especially striking at golden hour.

Igreja Matriz de Campina Grande do Sul

Architectural details, stained glass, and a charming backdrop for sunrise or dusk photography.

Parque Municipal de Campina Grande do Sul

Lakes, tree-lined paths, and quiet moments ideal for nature shots and family photography.

Estrada da Graciosa overlook

Scenic viewpoints along the forested hills that showcase green valleys and pine/araucária landscapes.

Culinary Guide

Food in Campina Grande do Sul

Paraná’s cuisine blends Southern Brazilian traditions with Italian and German influences, featuring hearty meats, polenta, seasonal produce, and regional cheeses. Expect comforting, pantry-friendly dishes and plenty of fresh bread and coffee at local cafes.

Campina Grande do Sul Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Barreado

Slow-cooked meat stew traditionally served with farofa and bananas, a Paraná classic with roots in local cultural celebrations.

Must-Try!

Polenta com queijo

Creamy or fried polenta with queijo (cheese), a staple in many southern homes and eateries.

Arroz carreteiro

Hearty rice with meat and aromatics, reflecting rustic Brazilian cooking that travels well in the countryside.

Churrasco brasileiro

Brazilian barbecue featuring grilled meats, often found at casual restaurants and intimate grills around town.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de Campina Grande do Sul

A local market offering fresh produce, regional cheeses, breads, and ready-to-eat snacks; great for a midday bite.

Climate Guide

Weather

The area experiences a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasons. Summers are warm with regular rain, winters are cooler and can be mild, and humidity is a constant presence year-round. Overall, expect comfortable daytime temperatures most of the year with occasional chilly mornings and evenings.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A firm handshake and a friendly greeting in Portuguese (hello/good morning) are customary; use polite forms like senhor/senhora with adults you do not know well.

Politeness and punctuality

Be courteous, say please and thank you, and avoid loud confrontations in public. Punctuality is appreciated, especially for organized events.

Religious sites and dress

Dress modestly when visiting churches or sacred sites; remove hats when entering religious spaces and behave respectfully.

Tipping and gifts

Small acts of courtesy are valued but not extravagant; avoid offering gifts in sensitive situations unless appropriate.

Safety Guide

Safety

Campina Grande do Sul is generally safe in tourist areas, but standard precautions apply: watch belongings in crowded markets, avoid poorly lit streets at night, and use reputable taxi services or rideshares. Stay informed about weather-related hazards during the rainy season, and have local emergency numbers at hand (police 190, fire 193).

Tipping in Campina Grande do Sul

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In Brazil, tipping is common but not required. Leave around 5-10% at restaurants if service is good and not already included; at bars or casual spots, small tips are appreciated. Hand cash directly to the server when possible.

Payment Methods

Cash and credit/debit cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants. Pix (instant payments) is increasingly common for transfers and some retailers. Carry small notes for street vendors and markets that may prefer cash.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm to hot days with humidity; afternoon rain showers are common. Pack light clothing, sun protection, and a light rain layer; mornings are pleasant for outdoor sightseeing.

Autumn

Mild temperatures with less rain; ideal for city strolls and open-air markets. Layers are handy for cooler mornings and evenings.

Winter

Cooler mornings and evenings, with comfortable daytime temperatures; bring a jacket for chilly periods and possible fog in valleys.

Spring

Warming weather with sporadic showers and blooming flora; great for hikes and photography with vibrant landscapes.

Nightlife Guide

Campina Grande do Sul at Night

Nightlife tends to be relaxed and community-centered in Campina Grande do Sul. Expect cozy bars, family-friendly eateries with live acoustic sets on weekends, and small, welcoming venues. For bigger club scenes or concerts, residents often head to Curitiba or nearby cities. Outdoor terraces and brewery-style spots are popular as the evening cools down.

Hiking in Campina Grande do Sul

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Trilha da Graciosa (Estrada da Graciosa)

Forest-lined trail segments along the scenic Graciosa Road with viewpoints over lush valleys and pine forests.

Parque Municipal Campina Grande do Sul Trail

Easy-to-moderate loops within the park offering shaded paths and opportunities for nature photography.

Cachoeiras e mirantes rurais

A series of small waterfalls and overlook points in the surrounding countryside, accessible by short hikes from the city outskirts.

Airports

How to reach Campina Grande do Sul by plane.

Aeroporto Internacional Afonso Pena (CWB)

Curitiba's main international gateway; served by domestic and international flights, with ground transport options to Campina Grande do Sul via car or shuttle.

Aeroporto Bacacheri (SBCT) – Curitiba

Regional airport closer to central Curitiba; limited commercial service but useful for charter or private flights and connections.

Getting Around

Walkability

Moderate walkability in the city center with pleasant pedestrian zones. Most attractions are within a short radius, and streets are generally walkable, though some hillside areas may require a vehicle or taxi for longer trips.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Rural residents

Longstanding farming families and smallholding communities form a core part of the local culture and dining traditions.

Commuters to Curitiba

Many residents travel to Curitiba for work, shopping, and services, contributing to a mix of urban and rural influences.

Young families

A growing segment focusing on education, outdoor recreation, and community events.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Futebol (soccer)

The dominant sport in the region, with local amateur leagues and community clubs across town.

Futsal

Indoor soccer that is particularly popular in schools and community centers.

Horseback riding

Rural outskirts offer equestrian activities and guided rides on farms and nearby trails.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally lighter than Curitiba but can get busy on peak hours along major routes like BR-277 and nearby access roads. Public transit exists but a car is often the most convenient way to explore surrounding trails and rural areas.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Campina Grande do Sul.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many places offer cheese, legumes, and veggie dishes; ask for farináceos (polenta, breads) and grilled vegetables, or request substitutions like beans and rice.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is available via municipal clinics and the regional system, with private clinics and hospitals in the broader Curitiba area. For more comprehensive care or emergencies, residents and visitors typically access facilities in nearby Curitiba (about 40–60 miles away) or São José dos Pinhais. Carry health insurance and know local emergency numbers.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide