Things To Do
in Colorado

Colorado is a small municipality in the state of Paraná in southern Brazil, known for its agricultural landscape, quiet town center and friendly community. The town serves as a base for exploring nearby rivers, farmland vistas and small local reserves rather than being a major tourist hub. Visitors will find traditional bakeries, churrascarias and periodic local fairs that showcase regional produce and crafts.

Colorado is best for travelers seeking an authentic rural Brazilian experience, easygoing pace and access to outdoor activities like fishing, birdwatching and cycling.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Colorado
morning
:

Arrive at the vibrant city of Colorado and check into your cozy hotel. Take a leisurely stroll through the streets to absorb the local atmosphere and explore charming shops. Savor a traditional Brazilian breakfast at a nearby café, featuring fresh fruits and pão de queijo.

afternoon
:

Visit the local artisan market where you can find handmade crafts and authentic Brazilian snacks. Engage with friendly vendors and immerse yourself in the lively culture. Spend the afternoon exploring the city’s parks, enjoying a picnic lunch while surrounded by nature.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to a local restaurant to indulge in hearty Brazilian cuisine. Experience the rhythm of live music and dance that often accompanies the dining scene. Spend your evening mingling with locals and fellow travelers, creating memories of the city's vibrant nightlife.

day 2
Adventure in the Mountains
morning
:

Start your day early with a hike in the stunning Serra do Cipó National Park, known for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse flora. Enjoy the crisp mountain air while discovering hidden waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. Pack a light breakfast to enjoy on the trail amidst the picturesque surroundings.

afternoon
:

After a morning of exploration, relax with a packed lunch at one of the park’s serene picnic areas. In the afternoon, take part in adventure activities such as rock climbing or guided mountain biking, captivating both experienced adventurers and novices alike. Revel in the beauty of the natural surroundings while feeling the adrenaline rush.

evening
:

Return to Colorado and unwind from your adventurous day with a relaxing meal at a local grill. Try different cuts of Brazilian barbecue, known for its rich flavor and tenderness, paired with a refreshing caipirinha. Spend the night at a local bar enjoying live music or dance performances that showcase Brazil’s vibrant culture.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-15
Coffee and pastry at a padaria$2-4
🍺Domestic beer (bar)$2-4
🚕Short taxi ride$3-8
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$35-80

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Authentic rural Brazilian experience with friendly locals
  • Affordable prices and good value for food and accommodation
  • Access to quiet nature, river activities and birdwatching
  • Strong local food culture and farmers’ markets
  • Limited tourist infrastructure and few English speakers
  • Fewer organized attractions compared with larger cities
  • Transportation can be necessary to reach natural sites
  • Nightlife and shopping options are modest
  • "Olá / Oi" - Hello / Hi
  • "Bom dia / Boa tarde / Boa noite" - Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado (male) / Obrigada (female)" - Thank you
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Desculpe / Com licença" - Sorry / Excuse me

Places to Visit in Colorado

Visit one of these nice places.

Town Square and Igreja Matriz

Classic small-town architecture, church facades and daily life scenes ideal for street and cultural photography, especially at golden hour.

Ivaí Riverbanks

Riverside landscapes, reflections, fishing boats and birdlife — great for sunrise and wildlife shots.

Agricultural Roads and Fields

Expansive soy and corn fields, tractors at work and harvest scenes provide dramatic rural panoramas, especially during planting or harvest seasons.

Local Feira Livre

Vibrant market stalls, colorful produce and portraits of farmers and vendors capture regional food culture and daily commerce.

Culinary Guide

Food in Colorado

Cuisine in Colorado reflects southern Brazilian and Paraná state influences: hearty meat dishes, fresh river fish, breads and pastries from local bakeries, and produce from surrounding farms. Meals emphasize fresh ingredients, grilled meats, and simple home-style preparations. Markets and small restaurants (botecos) are great places to sample regional flavors. Expect a rural take on classic Brazilian dishes rather than haute cuisine.

Colorado Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Churrasco

Brazilian barbecue featuring various cuts of grilled beef and pork; available at local churrascarias and weekend community events.

Must-Try!

Feijoada (on special days)

Traditional black-bean stew with pork, often served in town on Saturdays at family restaurants or during festivals.

Pão de Queijo

Cheese bread popular at bakeries (padarias) — a perfect morning snack with coffee.

Fresh River Fish

Locally caught river fish grilled or fried; available at small restaurants near waterways or at market stalls when in season.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Feira Livre (Municipal Market)

Open-air market where farmers sell fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses and regional snacks — try seasonal fruit, fresh juices and homemade preserves.

Boteco Stalls

Informal bars and snack counters offering petiscos (small plates) like salgados (savory pastries), fried snacks and local beer — great for afternoon bites.

Climate Guide

Weather

Colorado has a subtropical climate influenced by its inland southern Brazil location: hot, humid summers with regular thunderstorms and milder, drier winters with cooler nights. Annual rainfall is moderate but concentrated in the warmer months; temperatures vary more between day and night than between seasons. The agricultural calendar strongly follows this climate, affecting local activities such as planting and harvest.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A warm handshake or one/two light cheek kisses (region-dependent) are common; use first names after introductions and be friendly and polite.

Dining Manners

Accept offers of food or drink graciously; it’s polite to wait for the host to start eating and to offer thanks (Obrigado/Obrigada).

Respect for Rural Life

Show respect for farmers and private property—ask permission before entering farms or taking photos of people at work.

Conversation Topics

Feedback on local sports, culture and food is welcome; avoid heated political arguments with strangers unless you know them well.

Safety Guide

Safety

Colorado is generally safe for visitors, with low rates of violent crime compared to larger Brazilian cities, but petty theft (pickpocketing, opportunistic car break-ins) can occur—keep valuables secure and do not leave belongings visible in parked cars. Use insect repellent to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses, and carry sun protection for rural outings. If venturing to remote areas, tell someone your plans and consider hiring a local guide.

Tipping in Colorado

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; restaurants sometimes add a 10% service charge — check your bill. For table service a 5–10% tip is common if service is good; round up taxi fares and leave small change for hotel porters or guides.

Payment Methods

Cash (Brazilian real) is widely used in small shops, markets and rural areas. Credit and debit cards are accepted at many restaurants and larger stores, but rural vendors may be cash-only; ATMs are available in town but limit differs from city centers.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

December–February brings hot, humid weather and frequent afternoon or evening thunderstorms; dress light, carry rain protection and expect lush green landscapes and active insect life.

Autumn

March–May is milder with decreasing rains and comfortable temperatures—good for outdoor activities and photographers seeking softer light.

Winter

June–August can be pleasantly cool with chilly nights (especially inland); clear days make for good hiking and crisp photography, but bring a jacket for evenings.

Spring

September–November offers warming temperatures, blooming vegetation and fewer heavy rains—excellent for birdwatching and countryside drives.

Nightlife Guide

Colorado at Night

Nightlife in Colorado is low-key and community-focused: expect relaxed botecos (bars) with live regional music on weekends, family restaurants open late and occasional town festivals. There are no large clubs; most socializing happens in local bars, community centers or private gatherings. Weekends bring the liveliest scene with music, dancing and local celebrations.

Hiking in Colorado

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Riverside Trails along the Ivaí

Short, informal trails following the river ideal for gentle hikes, birdwatching and photography; terrain is generally easy but can be muddy after rains.

Local Reserve Walks and Private Trails

Small private reserves and farm trails offer guided walks to see native plants and wildlife—ask local guides or the municipal tourism office for access and permissions.

State Parks within Day-trip Range

Several Paraná state parks and protected areas (reachable by car within a few hours) provide well-marked hiking routes, lookouts and waterfalls for those willing to travel farther from town.

Airports

How to reach Colorado by plane.

Maringá Regional Airport (MGF)

A regional airport serving Maringá with connections to larger Brazilian hubs; reachable by road within a few hours depending on exact location—used for domestic flights and onward ground travel.

Londrina Airport (LDB)

Regional airport offering domestic connections and ground transport options; another common gateway for visitors to northwest Paraná.

Curitiba Afonso Pena International Airport (CWB)

Major airport for Paraná state with more flight options; a longer drive from Colorado but useful for international connections and larger domestic networks.

Foz do Iguaçu International Airport (IGU)

Larger regional airport near the Iguaçu Falls area; an option if combining a visit to western Paraná attractions, though at greater road distance.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and easy to explore on foot with sidewalks and short distances between the square, shops and bakeries. Outlying attractions, farms and river sites are best reached by car, bicycle or organized transport; walking long distances between rural roads can be uncomfortable due to heat and lack of pedestrian infrastructure.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local Farmers and Agricultural Workers

A significant portion of the population is involved in agriculture, including family-run farms and seasonal laborers.

Descendants of European Immigrants

Paraná has sizable communities descended from Italian, German, Polish and Ukrainian immigrants, influencing local culture, cuisine and traditions.

Urban Residents and Service Workers

Small-business owners, public servants and service industry workers who maintain town life and amenities.

Indigenous and Mixed-background Residents

There are also indigenous and diverse mixed-heritage communities contributing to the region’s cultural fabric.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport with local amateur and youth leagues; match days and community games are social highlights.

Futsal and Volleyball

Indoor team sports commonly played in schools and community centers, popular among all ages.

Horse-related activities

Given the agricultural setting, horseback riding and local equestrian events or rodeo-style gatherings are part of rural culture.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic within Colorado is light and easy to navigate; most streets are quiet outside peak farm transport times. Regional highways connecting to larger cities can become busier during harvest season or holidays. Public transportation typically consists of intercity buses and limited municipal routes—renting a car or arranging local rides is the most flexible way to explore surrounding areas.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Colorado.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available but limited compared with larger cities; order salads, rice and beans, egg dishes and cheese-based preparations, and ask kitchens to prepare vegetable stews without meat when possible.

Vegan

Vegan choices are less common in small towns but possible at markets (fresh fruit, juices) and by requesting adjustments at restaurants; bringing snacks and staples is a good idea.

Gluten-free

Awareness of gluten-free diets varies; many baked goods contain wheat, so request rice-based dishes, grilled meats and vegetable sides, and double-check cross-contamination at bakeries.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare is available locally through clinics and a municipal health center for routine care and emergencies. For specialized medical services, hospitals and advanced facilities are located in larger nearby cities — consider Maringá or Londrina for more comprehensive care. Travelers should have travel insurance and bring necessary medications; pharmacies (farmácias) supply common medicines and over-the-counter items.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide