Things To Do
in Candói

Candói is a small municipality in Paraná, Brazil, nestled among rolling hills and lush Atlantic Forest remnants. The town combines rural charm with river scenery and a relaxed pace of life. Visitors are welcomed by friendly locals and a rich agricultural heritage.

It’s a great base for exploring the Guarapuava highlands and nearby waterfalls and trails.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, enjoying fresh Brazilian coffee and traditional pastries. Afterward, take a stroll through Candói's historic center, where beautiful colonial architecture tells the story of the town's past. Visit the local museum to learn about the rich cultural heritage of the region.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, indulge in a delightful lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling regional dishes made from fresh, local ingredients. After your meal, wander through the artisan market, where you can find handcrafted souvenirs and unique local crafts. Spend some time interacting with the friendly locals, who are eager to share their stories and traditions.

evening
:

As the sun begins to set, head to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the town for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Enjoy a casual dinner at a popular eatery, savoring traditional Brazilian barbecue while listening to local music. Conclude your day with a leisurely walk along the streets, taking in the vibrant atmosphere and the twinkling lights.

day 2
Nature and Hiking Trails
morning
:

Rise early and prepare for a day of adventure in the lush nature surrounding Candói. After a hearty breakfast, pack a picnic and set out to one of the nearby hiking trails, where the fresh air and scenic views await. Take your time to appreciate the diverse flora and fauna that make this area unique.

afternoon
:

After a morning of hiking, find a peaceful spot to enjoy your picnic lunch surrounded by nature. Spend the afternoon exploring more trails, perhaps taking a guided tour to learn about the local ecosystem and wildlife. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning landscapes and moments along the way.

evening
:

As evening approaches, return to your accommodation to refresh and unwind. Treat yourself to a dinner featuring local specialties, perhaps at a restaurant known for its farm-to-table approach. Reflect on your day’s adventures under the stars, enjoying the tranquility of the countryside.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-15
🚌One-way local transport$0.80-1.50
🏨Basic hotel or guesthouse per night$25-40
🧺Grocery essentials (weekly)$20-50
Coffee at a cafe$2-4

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Tranquil pace of life and close proximity to nature
  • Warm, welcoming local culture and affordable prices
  • Limited nightlife and fewer tourist infrastructure than bigger cities
  • Smaller selection of restaurants and services outside town centers
  • "Olá" - Hello
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado(a)" - Thank you
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the restroom?
  • "Eu gostaria de…" - I would like…
  • "Pode falar mais devagar, por favor?" - Could you speak more slowly, please?
  • "Fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?

Places to Visit in Candói

Visit one of these nice places.

Mirante da Serra

Panoramic viewpoint overlooking rolling hills, ideal for sunrise or golden hour landscape shots.

Cachoeira do Candói River

A scenic waterfall with forested surroundings, perfect for waterfall photography and short hikes.

Centro Histórico de Candói

Historic streets and a quaint town square with colonial-era architecture and local murals.

Ponte sobre o Rio Candói

Old wooden bridge and riverbank scenes that provide atmospheric rural photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Candói

Candói’s cuisine is hearty and farm-to-table, rooted in Paraná’s ranching and agricultural traditions. Expect simple, delicious flavors built on beef, corn, beans, and fresh produce, with a focus on slow-cooked and rustic dishes.

Candói Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Barreado

Slow-cooked beef (or pork) stew seasoned with aromatics, traditionally served with farofa, bananas, and rice; best sampled at regional restaurants in Candói.

Must-Try!

Pirão

A thick, corn-based porridge often served as a side with meat or stews; a comforting staple found in many diners.

Polenta with Chopped Beef

Cornmeal porridge baked or fried and topped with shredded meat; common in countryside eateries.

Churrasco

Assorted grilled meats, a staple of Brazilian barbecue culture available at local churrascarias.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de Candói

Central market where you can try fresh fruit, regional cheeses, and ready-to-eat snacks from stall vendors.

Street Food Corners

Outdoor stalls offering pastel, tapioca, and caldo de cana (sugarcane juice) on weekend evenings.

Climate Guide

Weather

Candói experiences a humid subtropical climate with warm summers and mild winters. Rainfall is common in the warmer months, while drier periods occur in some seasons; temperatures typically range from around 12°C in winter to 28°C in summer.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A handshake and a smile are common; address adults as Senhor/Senhora and use polite language in public spaces.

Politeness

Respect personal space, avoid loud conversations in quiet moments, and ask before taking photos of people or homes.

Safety Guide

Safety

General safety is good in Candói, but travelers should take standard precautions against petty theft, especially in crowded markets. When visiting natural areas, beware of slippery paths, strong currents, and sudden weather changes; carry a basic first aid kit and stay on marked trails.

Tipping in Candói

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

If service is not included, a 5-10% tip is appreciated in restaurants; rounding up the bill is common in casual places.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm days with frequent afternoon showers; bring lightweight clothing and a rain jacket, and expect lush greenery.

Autumn

Pleasant temperatures with crisp mornings and comfortable daytime warmth; ideal for hiking and photography.

Winter

Milder to cool, with cool evenings; nights can be chilly, so layer clothing and stay hydrated.

Spring

Fresh, green landscapes and blooming flora; conditions are good for outdoor activities and exploring rural trails.

Nightlife Guide

Candói at Night

Candói offers a quiet, intimate nightlife scene focused on local bars with live música, small dance floors, and seasonal festivals; expect regional sertanejo and samba performances rather than large clubs.

Hiking in Candói

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Serra do Candói Trail

Scenic forest hike with viewpoints overlooking valleys and distant hills; moderate difficulty.

Cascata do Rio Cedro

Waterfall trail with pools for swimming (where permitted) and lush surrounding forest.

Trilha do Pico da Serra

Aerodynamic peak trail with panoramic views; best during clear weather and sunrise.

Airports

How to reach Candói by plane.

Aeroporto Internacional de Curitiba – Afonso Pena (CWB)

Major international hub in Curitiba, commonly used by travelers visiting the region; access is via road or rail from Candói.

Aeroporto de Cascavel (CAC)

Regional airport with domestic flights; serves as a convenient alternative for travelers heading to western Paraná.

Aeroporto Municipal de Pato Branco

Small regional airport offering limited services; may require connections via larger hubs in Curitiba or Cascavel.

Getting Around

Walkability

Candói’s town center is compact and walkable, with most services reachable on foot. A car is helpful to reach outlying viewpoints and natural attractions, but the central area is comfortable to explore by foot.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Rural families

Core of Candói’s community; many residents live in farming communities surrounding the town.

Young professionals and students

Some residents commute to nearby cities for work or study, maintaining an active, family-friendly vibe in town.

Older residents

A steady presence in town with strong ties to local traditions and family networks.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Futebol (Soccer)

The most popular sport in the region; local leagues and pick-up games are common across towns.

Vôlei (Volleyball)

Common in schools and community centers; often played in local gyms and clubs.

Atletismo (Track and Field)

Used in school programs and community events, with scenic running routes nearby.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light in Candói; rural roads connect the town to neighboring municipalities. Public transport is limited outside the town center, so a car or scooter is most convenient for reaching natural attractions and outlying villages.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Candói.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarians can navigate Candói by choosing veggie sides, polenta, beans, cheese, and salads; ask for pão de queijo without lard and look for arroz com feijão (rice and beans) as a base; many eateries will adapt dishes on request.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Candói is supported by local clinics with basic care; for more specialized services, residents typically travel to larger nearby cities where hospitals and specialists are located. Carry essential medications and know where the nearest hospital is located.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide