Things To Do
in Paranavaí
Paranavaí is a mid-sized city in northwest Paraná, Brazil, blending agricultural roots with modern services. It’s known for leafy avenues, markets, and a warm, welcoming vibe that makes it easy to explore on foot. The city serves as a gateway to surrounding farms and nature reserves, offering a mix of urban comforts and rural charm.
Visitors can enjoy parks, street life, and authentic Paraná flavors in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the beautiful Praça dos Festejos, where you can admire the local architecture and vibrant flowers. Stroll through the charming streets, stopping by local artisan shops to browse handmade crafts and souvenirs. Don't forget to grab a traditional Brazilian breakfast at a nearby café, featuring fresh bread and tropical fruit.
After lunch, explore the Museu Histórico de Paranavaí to learn about the rich history and culture of the region. The museum showcases fascinating exhibits that highlight the indigenous peoples, colonial history, and local art. Spend some time at the nearby Praça da República, a great spot to relax and enjoy the local atmosphere.
As the sun sets, head to a local restaurant to indulge in a traditional Brazilian dinner, sampling dishes like feijoada or picanha. After your meal, take a leisurely walk along the riverside promenade, where you can enjoy views of the Paraná River under the starry sky. Finish your evening at a cozy bar, sipping on a caipirinha and mingling with local residents.
Start your day with a guided bird-watching tour in the surrounding wetlands, where you can observe diverse avian species in their natural habitat. The early morning light provides excellent opportunities for photography as you immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the landscape. Listen to the sounds of nature and enjoy the tranquility before the day heats up.
After a picnic lunch in a designated area, embark on a hike through the nearby Parque Nacional de Ilha do Cardoso, renowned for its rich biodiversity. Explore the various trails that wind through lush forests and along pristine beaches, taking in stunning views of the coastline. Keep an eye out for capybaras and other wildlife that call this area home.
Return to Paranavaí and enjoy dinner at a local churrascaria, where you can feast on an array of grilled meats served by gauchos. As the evening progresses, find a local cultural event or live music performance to experience the vibrant arts scene. Spend the night reflecting on the day's adventures under the warm Brazilian sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $20-40 |
| 🏨1-night hotel stay (mid-range) | $40-90 |
| 🚎Public transit (one-way ticket) | $0.75-1.50 |
| 🛒Grocery staples for a week | $40-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Friendly locals and relaxed pace
- Access to nearby farms and nature
- Good value for money and authentic Brazilian experience
- Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
- Fewer high-end dining options
- Smaller range of cultural venues
- "Olá, você fala inglês?" - Hello, do you speak English?
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Eu gostaria de…" - I would like to...
- "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
- "Não entendo" - I don’t understand
- "Que horas são?" - What time is it?
- "Aceita cartão de crédito?" - Do you accept credit cards?
Places to Visit in Paranavaí
Visit one of these nice places.
A central square with greenery, fountains, and colorful storefronts, ideal for daytime and sunset shots.
Historic streets display pastel façades and traditional Brazilian shopfronts—great for portraits and street scenes.
Riverside paths and bridges offer reflective water views and golden-hour photography.
Lush trails, lookout points, and birdlife provide natural photography opportunities.
Photogenic bridges and riverbanks especially appealing at sunset.
Food in Paranavaí
Paranavaí Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Slow-cooked black beans with pork, usually served with rice, farofa, and orange slices.
Must-Try!
Grilled beef (often picanha) served with rice, farofa, and cassava on the side.
Crispy cheese-filled pastries commonly found at market stalls and snack carts.
Crispy cassava fries topped with melted Brazilian cheese, a popular snack.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market offering fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and regional snacks.
Weekly street markets with ready-to-eat snacks, grilled items, and local crafts.
Casual stalls serving pastel, queijo, caldo, and other quick bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with 'Olá' or 'Bom dia/Boa tarde' and a handshake or kiss on the cheek among friends.
Be patient in queues and at markets; avoid loud debates in public spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Paranavaí
Ensure a smooth experience
In Brazil, a tip of 5-10% is customary if service charge is not included; many casual places do not expect it.
Cash and major credit/debit cards are widely accepted; PIX transfers are popular for quick payments; some rural vendors may prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent showers; carry water, use sunscreen, and plan outdoor activities in the mornings or late afternoons.
Mild temperatures and reduced rainfall; pleasant for walking tours and outdoor markets.
Cool evenings with possible dry spells; warm layers are recommended for night strolls.
Warm days with blooming flora and moderate rain; ideal for photography and park visits.
Paranavaí at Night
Hiking in Paranavaí
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic riverside hike with viewpoints along the river.
Low- to moderate-difficulty trails through farmland and forest patches.
Gentle loops ideal for sunrise photos and birdwatching.
Airports
How to reach Paranavaí by plane.
Main regional airport serving Paranavaí; about 150 km by road; frequent domestic flights.
Regional airport serving Londrina and the surrounding area; about 120-180 km away.
Regional airport serving Cascavel; about 200 km away.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many people are involved in agriculture and agribusiness nearby.
A growing number of students from local schools and nearby towns.
A mix of family households and older residents enjoying parks and services.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport, followed passionately by locals.
Common in schools and clubs; community tournaments occur in parks.
Local running clubs and weekend races in urban parks.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Paranavaí.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most meat dishes can be substituted; choose plant-based options like feijão and mandioca, and ask for vegetable sides.