Things To Do
in Umuarama
Umuarama is a medium-sized city in the northwest of Paraná state, Brazil, known for its tidy tree-lined avenues, friendliness and an economy rooted in agriculture and agribusiness. It combines modern services and shopping with pleasant public parks and small-city charm, earning it the nickname often translated as the 'Capital of Friendship.' The city is a regional hub with good infrastructure, schools, clinics and a relaxed pace compared with larger Brazilian metros.
Visitors can enjoy local food, community events and easy access to the surrounding countryside for outdoor activities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting the charming Praça Miguel Figueiredo, a central square known for its beautiful gardens and historic buildings. As the sun rises, enjoy a leisurely stroll while taking in the local architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Stop by a local café to savor a traditional Brazilian breakfast of pão de queijo and fresh coffee.
After lunch at a nearby restaurant, head to the Museu Histórico de Umuarama to dive deep into the region's rich history and cultural heritage. The museum features fascinating exhibits showcasing the evolution of Umuarama, from its indigenous roots to modern times. Spend some time chatting with local historians or artisans who often share their stories and knowledge.
As the day winds down, find a cozy spot in one of the local eateries for dinner, where you can indulge in delicious regional dishes such as feijoada or churrasco. Afterward, take a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets, where you can enjoy live music performances or local art displays. End your evening at a popular ice cream shop, savoring a sweet treat as you reflect on your day.
Begin your day with a refreshing walk in Parque dos Pioneiros, a beautiful park featuring lush greenery and serene walking trails. As you wander through the park, be on the lookout for local wildlife and enjoy the calming sounds of nature. Pack a light picnic to enjoy at one of the park's scenic spots as the sun shines down.
Continue your exploration of the park by renting a bicycle to cover more ground and discover secret areas filled with exotic plants and flowers. Spend some time relaxing by the lake, where you can feed the ducks or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings. If you're feeling adventurous, try out the park's outdoor gym facilities or participate in a yoga session.
As the sun sets, head back into the city to explore the vibrant dining scene. Consider dining at a local steakhouse, where you can experience authentic Brazilian barbecue. After dinner, visit a nearby bar to unwind with some live music and mingle with locals, enjoying the lively nightlife atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| ☕Coffee and pastry at a café | $2-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within city) | $3-8 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $40-80 |
| 🛒Groceries for a few days (basic) | $15-35 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Friendly, small-city atmosphere with easy access to green spaces
- Good local infrastructure and services for a regional hub
- Varied local cuisine and agricultural markets
- Safe compared with larger Brazilian metropolises
- Limited international flight connections — transfers often required
- Smaller cultural scene and nightlife compared with big cities
- Fewer strictly vegetarian/vegan restaurant options
- Public transport is limited compared with major urban centers
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor / Obrigado(a)" - Please / Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o centro?" - Where is the downtown/center?
- "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Umuarama
Visit one of these nice places.
Capture civic architecture, street life, and the cathedral in morning or late-afternoon light; good for urban portraits and candid shots.
Ponds, walking paths and trees offer reflections, birdlife and relaxed nature shots — excellent at sunrise or golden hour.
Umuarama's pleasant avenues and small public gardens make for charming street photography and seasonal foliage images.
Colorful stalls, produce, artisans and food vendors provide lively, authentic scenes ideal for documentary-style photography.
Food in Umuarama
Umuarama Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Brazilian barbecue is popular — rodízio (all-you-can-eat) steakhouses serve many cuts of meat. Good places are found near the city center; ideal for groups.
Must-Try!
Home-style plates with rice, beans, salad and a protein (often pork, beef or chicken) available at family restaurants and lunch counters (por quilo or prato feito).
Brazilian cheese bread and fresh baked goods are ubiquitous — try them at local padarias (bakeries) in the mornings.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local markets and weekend fairs are the best places to sample regional fruits, cheeses, homemade sweets and street snacks like pastel and tapioca. Look for stalls selling regional preserves and fresh coffee.
Pastel (fried pastry) and other quick bites turn up at busy streets and markets; check weekend event listings for food-specific stalls.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Brazilians in Umuarama value warmth and cordial greetings — a simple 'bom dia' or handshake is appreciated; use first names once invited and be open and polite in conversation.
Casual dress is common; dress slightly nicer for dinners or events. Public displays of affection are normal; always be respectful in religious sites and observe modest behavior.
For social gatherings there is some flexibility with time; for business appointments, aim to be punctual and confirm ahead of time.
Safety
Tipping in Umuarama
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is common but modest: restaurants sometimes include a 10% service charge, otherwise 10% is a standard tip for good service; leave small change for bar staff and rounds at casual spots. Tip hotel porters and taxi drivers modestly for assistance.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants; have some cash (Brazilian real) for markets, small vendors and remote places. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly available in larger establishments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; bring light clothing, sun protection and a rain layer. Opportune time for lakeside activities but expect occasional heavy rain.
Milder temperatures and less rain make autumn comfortable for walking, outdoor dining and exploring the countryside; early mornings can be cool.
Winters are generally mild to cool with lower humidity and crisp mornings; temperatures can drop at night, so pack a light jacket. This is a good season for clear skies and city strolling.
Warming temperatures and blooming parks; occasional rain showers return. Good for outdoor activities and photography of flowers and green landscapes.
Umuarama at Night
Hiking in Umuarama
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
An easy, accessible walking area inside the city offering short trails, shade and birdwatching — good for casual hikes and family outings.
Nearby countryside and farm roads provide opportunities for longer walks, cycling and exploring natural scenery; guided agritourism visits can point you to the best safe trails.
Within a driving distance from Umuarama there are nature reserves and state parks where you can find more structured hiking trails, waterfalls and viewpoints — ideal for day trips with a car.
Airports
How to reach Umuarama by plane.
Small regional airport serving local flights and general aviation; convenient for short domestic connections when available.
The nearest larger airport with more frequent commercial flights and connections to major Brazilian cities; reachable by road in a couple of hours depending on traffic.
Larger international and national airports are a longer drive away and provide broader flight options if arriving from or connecting to other countries or distant Brazilian regions.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Umuarama and the surrounding region have many residents of Italian, German, Polish and other European descent, reflected in cultural influences and cuisine.
Many residents are connected to farming and agribusiness, with a strong economic link to crops and livestock in the region.
As a regional hub, the city attracts families and professionals working in services, education and agriculture-related industries.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport — community fields, local clubs and youth leagues are active; local matches are common social events.
Indoor sports like futsal and volleyball are widely played at schools and recreation centers.
Given the agricultural surroundings, horseback riding and rural/rodeo-style events are part of local traditions and festivals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Umuarama.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but more limited than meat dishes; ask for salads, sides, cheese-based dishes and vegetable stews. Many restaurants will adapt pratos feitos or offer vegetable omelettes, pastas and pizza at pizzerias.
Vegan choices require more planning; larger cafés and some bakeries may offer fruit, salads and rice/bean combinations without animal products, but bringing snacks or using grocery stores to prepare simple meals is wise.
Gluten-free awareness is growing but cross-contamination can happen. Specify 'sem glúten' and ask staff at bakeries and restaurants; supermarkets have some gluten-free packaged options.