Guaraqueçaba
A PARANAENSE TREASURE BETWEEN THE MOST PRESERVED ATLANTIC FOREST OF BRAZIL
In Tupi-Guarani, Guaraqueçaba means "Place of the Guará", a bird of very red color which was abundant in the region, but today it is almost in extinction. The colonization of the region began with the arrival of the Portuguese to Paraná, around 1545. The city lies within the largest Atlantic Forest reserve in the country, surrounded by islands, deserted beaches, endangered animals, waterfalls and history.
The population, according to IBGE, is 7,679 people. The city of Guaraqueçaba is situated in a region of rare beauty of the coast of Paraná, bordered by the bays of Paranaguá and Laranjeiras and by the elevation of the Serra do Mar.
WHAT TO DO
ECO TOURISM
The preservation of the environment and the physical characteristics of the region make Guaraqueçaba an ideal place for fans of ecological tourism.
TRACKS
A cidade oferece várias trilhas para quem gosta de se aventurar em meio à natureza e contemplar belas paisagens.
PARKS
In Guaraqueçaba, visitors can visit nature reserves. The region is considered one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world.
TIPS
WALK BY THE PONTA DO MORRETES
At Ponta do Morretes, there are several historical buildings and many of them are restaurants and snack bars. It is still possible to go to a deck, which is next to the old municipal market of the city. Most of the buildings are positioned, in the shape of a half-moon, facing the bay and Ponta do Morretes. Walking to the left side, it is possible to walk a small trail, which will provide other angles of the city.
GET TO KNOW THE MORRO DO QUITUMBÊ
It is a small hill about 8m high that provides an incredible look of the bay and the city. The trail has about 700 m, well marked in the midst of native vegetation. The trail begins next to the Church of Our Lord Bom Jesus dos Perdões.
GO TO THE CHURCH OF OUR LORD JESUS OF FORGIVENESS
Built entirely of stones, the Church of Our Lord Bom Jesus dos Perdões is the first construction of the city and dates from 1838. The altar is shaped like a boat with a fish shaped base.
MOST VISITED PLACES
Salto Morato Nature Reserve
Superagui National Park
Sebui Ecological Reserv
TOURS
Salto Morato Nature Reserve
The Salto Morato Nature Reserve is a beautiful hiking option for nature lovers. Its main stands out is the Salto Morato, a waterfall with about 100 meters. Besides the waterfall, the reserve has other leisure options, such as a century-old fig tree, several trails, a swimming pool and a natural aquarium. The reserve is a RPPN (Private Natural Heritage Reserve) and belongs to Fundação O Boticário, which provides an infrastructure, with space for camping, restrooms, support center and grills.
Superagui National Park
Created in 1989, the National Park Superagui has about 34 thousand hectares, in an area of Atlantic Forest declared "Site of Natural Heritage" and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. The park is located in a region full of mangroves and restingas and shelters hundreds of species of animals, among them some in the process of extinction. The region is considered one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world. The National Park of the Superagui includes the islands of Pieces, Pinheiro (pine tree) and Pinheirinho, in addition to almost the whole of Superagui Island.
The park is not fully open to the public, but it is possible to visit some parts and their surroundings. In the region of the village of Barra do Superagui, outside the park area, there are some inns, restaurants and a camping.
There are miles of deserted beaches, which can be explored on foot or on bicycles.
In order to get to the localities which have been liberated for tourism around the park, you must take a boat in Guaraqueçaba or in Paranaguá.
Sebuí Ecological Reserve
This reserve, like the Salto Morato Reserve, is also a Private Reserve for Natural Preservation - RPPN. The attractions of the reserve include dozens of waterfalls, ecological trails, mangroves and intense contact with an area of Atlantic Forest in its purest state of conservation.
To arrive there, it is necessary to take a boat in Guaraqueçaba, which takes about 50 minutes, or in Paranaguá, which takes about two hours.
HOW TO ARRIVE
Leaving the capital of Paraná, it is necessary to go to Antonina to take the access road to Guaraqueçaba. The route can be made by BR-277 towards the coast of Paraná or along the Graciosa road (PR-410).
Another option of access to the city, a little more delayed, are the boats that depart daily from Paranaguá.
WHERE TO STAY
There are several hostel options in Guaraqueçaba, which follow the style of the city.
GASTRONOMY
In Guaraqueçaba, on the menu of coastal establishments, fresh fish, oysters, roasted stuffed mullet, prawn dumpling and souce included. On the continent, organic products such as cassava flour and its derivatives, organic banana jelly, honey from native bees, propolis, breads, cakes and biscuits are included in the list.