Things To Do
in Telêmaco Borba
Telêmaco Borba is a mid-sized city in the state of Paraná known as one of Brazil’s paper-and-pulp industry centers and often called the “Capital do Papel.” The town sits in a hilly, forested region of southern Brazil with a mix of urban neighborhoods and Atlantic Forest remnants along river valleys. Its identity is closely tied to the Klabin company, which shaped much of the city’s economy, infrastructure and cultural life, while surrounding countryside offers waterfalls, viewpoints and small farms.
Visitors can expect a practical, low-key destination with outdoor opportunities, a friendly local population, and dining that emphasizes Paraná regional flavors.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the charming Praça do Povo, where you can enjoy the early morning atmosphere amidst local vendors and street art. Take a stroll through the historic streets, admiring colonial architecture that reflects the city's rich history. Don’t forget to visit the local bakery for a traditional pão de queijo as an energizing snack.
After lunch at a cozy café, head to the Museu Histórico Municipal to delve deeper into the local history and culture. Spend time exploring fascinating exhibits that showcase the evolution of Telêmaco Borba from its founding to the present. Engage with friendly staff who can share interesting stories about the exhibits and the town's development.
As the sun sets, enjoy a leisurely dinner at a local restaurant known for its delicious regional cuisine, sampling dishes like feijão tropeiro. After dinner, take a peaceful walk in Parque Ambiental, soaking in the tranquil evening ambiance and listening to the sounds of nature. End your night with a visit to a nearby bar for a taste of local craft beer or cachaça.
Begin your day with a guided nature walk in the beautiful Parque Nacional dos Campos Gerais, where lush landscapes await. Spot a variety of native bird species, including toucans and hawks, as you traverse scenic trails. The refreshing morning air and vibrant flora will invigorate your spirit, making it a perfect start to the day.
After a morning filled with nature, enjoy a packed lunch in the park surrounded by the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves. Continue your exploration by heading to the breathtaking viewpoints that overlook the valleys, offering stunning vistas perfect for photography. As you hike, learn about the unique ecosystems and conservation efforts from your guide.
Return to the city to unwind from a day of adventure, enjoying a casual dinner at a local grill specializing in traditional Brazilian barbecue. Savor the smoky flavors of grilled meats, accompanied by fresh salads and farofa. After dinner, consider visiting a local cultural event or live music performance to immerse yourself in the vibrant local scene.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $25-45 |
| ☕Coffee and pastry at a café | $1.50-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (local) | $3-8 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $0.80-1.50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Easy access to Atlantic Forest landscapes and waterfalls near town
- Authentic regional culture with affordable prices
- Friendly, low-key atmosphere and safe daytime exploration
- Good base for exploring central Paraná and rural communities
- Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure compared with big cities
- Fewer direct flights and longer ground travel from major airports
- Some menus and services may have limited options for strict dietary needs
- Guided nature services and detailed tourist signage can be sparse
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Bom dia / Boa tarde / Boa noite" - Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado (if you are male) / Obrigada (if you are female)" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o centro / a estação?" - Where is the city center / the station?
Places to Visit in Telêmaco Borba
Visit one of these nice places.
Hills and viewpoints around the city offer panoramic shots of the urban grid encircled by forested slopes—best at golden hour.
Photograph the Tibagi valley and local rivers where light on the water and surrounding greenery create scenic landscapes.
Nearby waterfalls framed by Atlantic Forest vegetation are great for nature and long-exposure shots; wear proper shoes for access.
Industrial heritage and company-related architecture provide contrasting urban/industrial imagery—often best captured in soft morning or evening light.
Food in Telêmaco Borba
Telêmaco Borba Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Classic Brazilian barbecue; find it at local churrascarias and weekend street stands—order a variety of cuts and sample regional sausages.
Must-Try!
Pinhão (seeds of the Paraná pine) are popular in southern Brazil; try roasted pinhão or pinhão stews in seasonal fairs or local markets in autumn/winter.
Daily lunch sets (rice, beans, salad, protein) and hearty stews are available at neighborhood eateries and are affordable and filling.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small markets and periodic street fairs sell fresh produce, regional cheeses, pastries and seasonal pinhão; visit on market days to taste local snacks and buy ingredients.
On weekends you’ll find barbecue stands, pastel (fried pastry) kiosks and sweets near busy squares—great for inexpensive, authentic bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Brazilians in the region are warm and conversational—greet with a friendly 'Olá' or 'Bom dia.' Personal space is closer than in some cultures, and small talk is common.
Dress is informal in most places; smart-casual is fine for nicer restaurants. Respectful attire is expected for religious or formal events.
The local economy ties closely to industry; be respectful when visiting company areas or private forest reserves and follow posted rules.
Safety
Tipping in Telêmaco Borba
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; restaurants often add a 10% service charge—if not included, leaving 5–10% for good service is common. Taxi rounding up and small tips for hotel staff are normal.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and hotels; small shops and markets may prefer cash (Brazilian real). ATMs are available in town but carry some cash for markets and remote areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent afternoon showers; expect lush green forests and high water flow at waterfalls—bring sun protection and rain gear and plan outdoor activities for mornings.
Milder temperatures and lower rainfall; in some years you can find seasonal foods like pinhão at markets. Comfortable for hiking and outdoor exploration.
Cooler nights (can be chilly) and drier days—ideal for long walks and photography; bring a warm layer for evenings and higher-altitude spots.
Flowering season with renewed greenery and comfortable temperatures; good for birdwatching and witnessing active waterfalls after rains.
Telêmaco Borba at Night
Hiking in Telêmaco Borba
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, marked trails within municipal parks provide easy hikes, nature observation and picnic spots close to town.
Nearby waterfall trails vary from easy walks to moderate hikes—ideal for day trips and photography; check local guidance for safe access.
Some forestry reserves and private lands offer guided hikes through managed forest areas—arrange visits with local operators or community groups for access.
Airports
How to reach Telêmaco Borba by plane.
A small local airfield handling private and occasional regional flights; limited scheduled commercial service—useful for charters or private aircraft.
The main international airport serving the Paraná region, approximately 2.5–3.5 hours by car from Telêmaco Borba; offers the largest selection of domestic and international connections and regular bus or coach services to the city.
Regional airport north of Telêmaco Borba with domestic connections; roughly 2–3 hours by road depending on route—an alternative for regional flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the population is employed by or connected to the paper-and-pulp industry, shaping the local economy and community institutions.
Paraná has many residents of Portuguese, Italian, Polish and German descent; cultural influences from these groups appear in food and traditions.
Surrounding areas host small-scale farmers, agro-producers and settled rural communities maintaining traditional livelihoods.
Urban neighborhoods include young families, service-sector workers and professionals who commute to industry and municipal jobs.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport—local amateur leagues and community matches are common, and residents avidly follow national and regional teams.
Indoor sports like futsal and volleyball enjoy broad participation in schools, clubs and community gyms.
Given the hilly terrain and rural roads, mountain biking and trail running are popular recreational activities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Telêmaco Borba.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited compared with major cities; order salads, rice-and-bean plates, cheese-based dishes and ask for vegetable sides. Bring snacks if you have specialized needs.
Vegan choices exist at some cafes and markets (salads, fruit, beans, rice) but double-check preparations and ask restaurants to omit cheese/eggs/sauces.
Smaller restaurants may not have dedicated gluten-free menus; bakeries usually use wheat—communicate clearly and favor simple meals like grilled meats, rice and salads.