Things To Do
in Piraquara
Piraquara is a small city in Paraná, Brazil, just a short drive southeast of Curitiba along the Iguaçu River valley. Surrounded by green hills and Atlantic Forest remnants, it feels like a quiet escape from the metro area. The town serves as a gateway to waterfalls, forests, and calm rivers, offering a slower pace and friendly local culture.
Visitors enjoy easy access to natural attractions, warm hospitality, and a chance to experience regional Paraná life without the crowds.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café in the historic center of Piraquara, savoring traditional Brazilian pastries. After breakfast, embark on a walking tour that takes you past colonial-style buildings and charming squares, immersing yourself in the local culture. Be sure to visit the Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora do Rosário, a beautiful church that showcases the town's rich history.
In the afternoon, enjoy a delicious lunch at a nearby restaurant that serves regional cuisine, sampling dishes made from fresh, local ingredients. Afterward, visit the Museu do Ferro, where you can explore exhibits on the area's history, particularly its connection to the railway industry. Take a stroll through the surrounding parks, where you can relax and appreciate the natural beauty of the area.
As the sun sets, head to a local bar or restaurant for dinner, where you can indulge in a variety of traditional Brazilian dishes. Enjoy live music performances that often feature local artists, creating a festive atmosphere. End your evening with a leisurely walk along the town's main square, soaking in the vibrant nightlife and the warm community spirit.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to Lago do Passaúna, a stunning reservoir surrounded by lush greenery. Spend your morning kayaking on the tranquil waters, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and wildlife. Don't forget to pack a picnic to enjoy on the shore afterward.
After your morning adventure, relax by the lake and enjoy your picnic lunch, surrounded by nature. In the afternoon, take part in some fishing or try stand-up paddleboarding, both popular activities that allow you to connect with the serene environment. As you explore the area, keep an eye out for various bird species that inhabit the lakeside.
As evening approaches, find a cozy spot near the water to watch the sunset, which paints the sky in vibrant hues of orange and pink. Head back to Piraquara for dinner at a lakeside restaurant, where you can enjoy a meal with fresh fish as the highlight. Conclude your day by stargazing, taking advantage of the clear skies away from city lights.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🛒Groceries for 1 person (1 week) | $25-60 |
| 🚶One-way local transit | $0.75-1.50 |
| 🛏️Hostel or budget hotel per night | $12-25 |
| ☕Coffee or cappuccino | $2-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to Curitiba and easy to reach
- Access to natural attractions and parks
- Lower costs than the big city
- Friendly, relaxed pace and authentic Paraná atmosphere
- Limited nightlife within Piraquara
- Smaller accommodation options
- Language barrier for non-Portuguese speakers
- Seasonal weather can be humid and rainy
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
- "Ajuda" - Help
- "Eu não entendo" - I don't understand
- "Pode me ajudar?" - Could you help me?
Places to Visit in Piraquara
Visit one of these nice places.
A scenic riverside with shaded banks and reflections, ideal for sunrise photography.
Elevated vantage points offering panoramas of forested hills and the town below, especially at golden hour.
Waterfalls and lush greenery along forest trails; bring a lens suitable for nature detail.
Food in Piraquara
Piraquara Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A slow-cooked beef dish, traditionally served with farofa, bananas, orange wedges, and manioc flour; seek out a restaurant offering barreado as a regional specialty.
Must-Try!
Roasted pine nuts from the Paraná pine, a seasonal snack often enjoyed at markets and fairs.
A German-influenced apple cake often found in local bakeries; pairs well with Brazilian coffee.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A local market offering fresh produce, regional ingredients, and ready-to-eat snacks from street stalls.
Casual spots offering pastel pastries, empadas, and quick bites for a tasty, budget-friendly meal.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Begin conversations with a polite greeting like Bom dia/Boa tarde; handshake or cheek kiss is common among friends.
Portuguese is the primary language; learning a few phrases helps with interactions at markets and small eateries.
Ask before taking photos of people and avoid loud behavior in quiet areas or religious sites.
Safety
Tipping in Piraquara
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is common but not mandatory. Restaurants may include a 10% service charge on the bill; if not included, leaving 5-10% is appreciated. Small cafés and street food vendors rarely expect tips.
Cash is widely accepted, but credit/debit cards are common in restaurants and stores in Curitiba metropolitan area. Digital wallets and transfer apps (e.g., Pix, Nubank) are increasingly used for payments and tips.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; good for river activities and wildflowers, but carry water and sunscreen.
Mild days with cooler evenings; great for hiking as trails are less crowded and foliage begins to change.
Milder daytime temperatures, cooler nights; occasional mist and rainy days; pack a light jacket.
Pleasant temperatures and blooming flora; ideal for outdoor walks, birdwatching, and markets.
Piraquara at Night
Hiking in Piraquara
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A classic forest hike with views of the Serra do Mar, accessible via a train ride from Curitiba and a short drive to Morretes; plan a full day.
Forest trail networks with waterfall cascades and dense vegetation; good for multi-hour hikes.
Airports
How to reach Piraquara by plane.
Located in São José dos Pinhais, about 20-25 km from Piraquara; easy rail or road access to the city and region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primarily residents of Paraná with Brazilian and European ancestry influences; Portuguese, Italian, and German roots are notable in the region. The area reflects a mix of urban and rural communities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the region; local clubs and informal games are common in parks and schools.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Piraquara.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can easily find beans, rice, salads, and fresh vegetables in most menus; ask for beans, grilled vegetables, and cheese-based dishes. Many places offer vegetarian options or can adapt meat dishes with plant-based sides.