Things To Do
in Nova Laranjeiras

Nova Laranjeiras is a small municipality in the agricultural interior of Paraná, Brazil, characterized by rolling farmland, small town charm and a tight-knit community. Economy and daily life are centered on family farms, cattle and grain production, with local festivals and church life playing an important social role. The town offers rustic landscapes, dirt roads lined with araucária and eucalyptus and easy access to rivers, small waterfalls and countryside viewpoints.

Visitors come for a low-key rural experience, agro-tourism and friendly interactions with local producers.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Explore the Local Culture
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Museu Casa de Cultura, where you can immerse yourself in the rich history and traditions of Nova Laranjeiras. Take a guided tour to learn about the local folklore and view traditional handicrafts made by local artisans. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a nearby café, sampling local delicacies.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, wander the charming streets of the town, stopping by local shops to discover unique souvenirs and handmade crafts. Consider visiting local farms to experience agro-tourism and learn how the region's agriculture shapes its culture. As you walk, engage with friendly locals to gain insights into their daily lives and customs.

evening
:

Conclude your day by dining at a traditional restaurant that features regional cuisine, showcasing the flavors of Brazilian food. Savor dishes made from locally-sourced ingredients while enjoying live music that captures the spirit of Nova Laranjeiras. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll through the town square, where you can appreciate the evening ambiance and perhaps catch a local festival or celebration.

day 2
Adventure in Nature
morning
:

Head out early for an excursion to the surrounding lush landscapes, beginning with a guided hike through the breathtaking Serra do Mar mountains. With the morning sun shining, marvel at the diverse flora and fauna that encapsulate this stunning region. Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst nature, feeling the fresh air and serenity around you.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, chill by the scenic waterfalls nearby, where you can take a dip in the crystal-clear waters or simply relax to the soothing sounds of nature. Capture some breathtaking photographs and make lasting memories in this idyllic setting. Return to town to refresh and catch your breath after a day filled with outdoor activities.

evening
:

For dinner, partake in a barbecued feast at a local churrascaria, indulging in an array of meats grilled to perfection. Engage in conversations with fellow diners, sharing stories and laughs as you savor your meal. As the night advances, partake in social gatherings or a dance event featuring local music to round off your adventurous day.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-15
Coffee at a bakery$1-2
🚌Local bus ride$0.50-2
🚕Short taxi ride$3-8
🍺Domestic beer (bar)$2-4

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Peaceful rural atmosphere and authentic local experiences
  • Close contact with agriculture and nature
  • Low cost of living and affordable food
  • Friendly, community-oriented locals
  • Limited tourist infrastructure and few English speakers
  • Restricted public transport — a car is helpful
  • Limited nightlife and entertainment options
  • Fewer dining variety and specialty services compared to big cities
  • "Olá / Bom dia" - Hello / 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?
  • "Não falo português" - I don't speak Portuguese
  • "Aceita cartão?" - Do you accept card?

Places to Visit in Nova Laranjeiras

Visit one of these nice places.

Town Square and Church

Classic small-town architecture, people gathering, and colorful markets provide candid street photography opportunities.

Country Roads and Farmland

Long dirt roads, rows of crops, grazing cattle and morning mist make for atmospheric rural landscapes.

Riverbanks and Small Waterfalls

Nearby rivers and cascades (accessible by short walks) offer scenic shots of water, rocks and native vegetation.

Araucária Groves

Stands of native araucária trees create striking silhouettes at sunrise or sunset, especially in cooler months.

Culinary Guide

Food in Nova Laranjeiras

Cuisine in Nova Laranjeiras reflects Paraná’s agricultural bounty and broader Brazilian tastes: grilled meats, hearty bean-and-rice combinations, fresh dairy and bakery items are staples. Meals are generous, based on local produce, and often feature influences from European immigrant traditions that shaped the region.

Nova Laranjeiras Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Churrasco (Brazilian barbecue)

Grilled beef, pork and poultry prepared simply over charcoal or wood — commonly found at local churrascarias and weekend family gatherings.

Must-Try!

Feijoada

Hearty black‑bean and pork stew traditionally eaten on weekends; served with rice, farofa and orange slices at many local restaurants.

Pão de queijo

Cheese bread from Minas but ubiquitous across Brazil — a common breakfast or snack found at padarias.

Chimarrão (mate)

A hot, bitter herbal infusion shared socially in the south of Brazil — common in Paraná households and social settings.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Feira Livre (local farmers’ market)

Weekly market selling seasonal fruits, vegetables, cheeses, eggs and homemade preserves — great for sampling local produce and chatting with producers.

Padaria and Pastel Stalls

Small bakeries and street vendors sell fresh breads, pastéis, coxinhas and sweet pastries — ideal for quick bites or an afternoon snack.

Climate Guide

Weather

The climate is subtropical with warm, humid summers and mild to cool winters. Rain is fairly well distributed but peaks in warmer months with frequent afternoon storms; winters can be dry and cool with occasional frosty mornings in rural areas.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Handshakes are common in formal interactions; friends and acquaintances exchange light cheek kisses (one or two) in social contexts. Use 'Bom dia'/'Boa tarde'/'Boa noite' for polite greetings.

Hospitality

Locals are friendly and hospitable — accept offers of food or a mate ritual graciously and reciprocate polite conversation.

Dress and Respect

Casual dress is normal in town, but dress modestly for church services and formal visits. Showing respect to elders and church institutions is important.

Language

Portuguese is the language of daily life; making an effort with basic phrases is appreciated and can open doors.

Safety Guide

Safety

Nova Laranjeiras is generally safe with low violent crime compared to big cities, but petty theft and opportunistic crime can occur anywhere. Typical precautions are advised: secure valuables, avoid isolated roads at night, keep copies of travel documents, and carry some cash in a safe place. If traveling in remote rural areas, tell someone your plans and have a charged phone.

Tipping in Nova Laranjeiras

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

A 10% service charge is typical in restaurants when listed; if not, leaving 5–10% for good service is appreciated. Small tips for hotel staff and drivers are optional but welcome.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are accepted in more established restaurants and shops, but many small vendors prefer cash. Carry some Brazilian reais for markets, rural services and small purchases.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer (Dec–Feb)

Hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; excellent for lush green landscapes but plan outdoor activities for morning or late afternoon to avoid storms and heat.

Autumn (Mar–May)

Milder temperatures and drier weather; foliage tones may deepen and it’s a comfortable time for hiking and farm visits.

Winter (Jun–Aug)

Cooler nights and mornings with occasional frost in rural areas; daytime can be pleasant and clear — bring a jacket for evenings.

Spring (Sep–Nov)

Warmer, increasingly humid and blooming landscapes — ideal for birdwatching and seeing wildflowers, but rainfall increases later in the season.

Nightlife Guide

Nova Laranjeiras at Night

Nightlife in Nova Laranjeiras is low-key and community-oriented: expect neighborhood bars (botecos), occasional live music, informal gatherings and weekend festivals. For more varied nightlife — nightclubs, cinemas or larger live-music venues — travelers typically go to nearby larger towns or regional centers.

Hiking in Nova Laranjeiras

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Trilha das Araucárias

A trail passing through patches of native araucária forest offering photography opportunities and a chance to see regional flora and fauna; suitable for half-day hikes.

Trilha das Cachoeiras

A local waterfall trail with small cascades and natural pools; popular for short hikes, picnics and cooling off on hot days—ask locals about access and safety.

Passeio Ribeirinho (Riverbank Walk)

Gentle riverside paths good for birdwatching, early-morning walks and sunset visits; trails may be informal, so follow local guidance.

Airports

How to reach Nova Laranjeiras by plane.

Regional Airport (nearby towns)

Small regional airports in nearby cities provide connections to larger Brazilian hubs; flights can be limited, so check schedules and plan ground transfers.

Foz do Iguaçu International Airport

Major international airport in the broader region offering frequent connections and long-distance transport options; reachable by road from Nova Laranjeiras and useful for international travelers.

Curitiba International Airport (Afonso Pena)

Large international airport serving Paraná state with many domestic and some international flights; a longer drive but offers the most flight options and rental car services.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and easily walkable for errands, cafés and markets. Many points of interest and scenic rural spots require a car, bicycle or motorbike; sidewalks may be limited outside central streets.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local farming families

Long-established families engaged in agriculture, cattle and small-scale production form the backbone of the community.

Descendants of European immigrants

The region has cultural influences from Italian, German and Polish immigration waves reflected in festivals, foods and family traditions.

Youth and commuters

Younger residents may commute to larger towns for education and work; the population trends include an aging rural population mixed with families and local entrepreneurs.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The dominant sport — local and school teams and community matches are common and well followed.

Futsal

Indoor football variant popular in towns across southern Brazil, widely played by youth.

Equestrian events and rodeo-style activities

Rural culture supports horseback riding and occasional local rodeo or agricultural show events.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Nova Laranjeiras is light; main congestion is limited to brief periods around school times or market days. Rural roads can be narrow, unpaved or potholed—drive cautiously, especially after rain. Public transportation exists but is infrequent; buses connect to regional centers on limited schedules, so renting a car or arranging transfers is common for visitors.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Nova Laranjeiras.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options can be limited in small towns but rice, beans, salads, omelettes and cheese-based dishes are common. Ask for 'sem carne' (without meat) and visit bakeries for snacks.

Vegan

Vegan choices are less common; plan ahead, bring snacks or ask for vegetable preparations. Larger nearby towns will have better options.

Gluten-free

Gluten-free options may be scarce in traditional bakeries and small eateries; request plain grilled meats, rice and salads and check ingredients at bakeries.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare is available through a municipal clinic for routine needs and first aid. Serious medical cases require transfer to a larger hospital in a regional city; travelers should carry travel insurance and know the route to the nearest regional hospital.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide