Curitiba represents the success of South Brazil. It is a modern, young and lively town which inhabitants are undeniably proud of: it has a new and efficient transport system, actively preserves its environment, its gardens are carefully kept, its monuments are extremely well maintained (the Sacred Art Museum, the Church da Ordem Terceira de Sao Francisco das Chagas, Praça Generoso Marques…) amidst modern, audacious buildings. What’s special about Curitiba, are the numerous parks that contribute to the wellbeing of its inhabitants.
It feels like being in Europe (in the nineteenth century the town welcomed a quantity of German, Polish and Italian immigrants), but a Brazilian Europe where people are not set apart by their cultural background.

Ihla do Mel as its name suggests (literally honey island) is full of promises.

The park is protected; cars are not allowed and one can only get around on foot or by boat. It is perfect for discovering colorful fauna and lush flora along the paths in open forest before relaxing on the paradisiacal deserted coastal beaches.

Off the coast, Superaguï Island and the marine park that surrounds it are famous for the mangroves and saltwater swamps, but also and above all for the abundant fauna, which has evolved in this peaceful haven.

Its hard to get to see a jaguar but other less shy species will let you approach them, notably the hundreds of parrots and dolphins which have chosen to make this area their home.
A choice destination for nature and wildlife lovers!

Meeting at the hotel at 09:00 / 14:00 with our English-speaking guide that takes us on a visit to town.
Curitiba symbolizes the achievement of South Brazil. Modern town, young and joyful, its inhabitants are very proud of it: an active preservation of its environment, well-kept gardens, perfectly maintained monuments (museum of Sacred Art, Church da Ordem Terceira de S̃ao Francisco das Chagas, praça Generoso Marques…) in the middle of modern buildings and their audacious architecture. And let’s not forget the specialty of Curitiba, the numerous parks that make the joy of its inhabitants and visitors.
After a 3-hour stroll in town, return to the hotel.
Meals not included. Night in hotel.

The best way to reach the coast and its national parks starting from Curitiba is to take the train Curitiba - Paranaguá, linking the capital of the State to the coast since 1885. The railroad crosses the splendid mountainous range of Serra do Mar covered with Mata Atlantica (literally “Atlantic Forest”). Along the 4-hour/69 miles trip, the train crosses a dozen tunnels carved in the rocks and about forty viaducts that span across abysses and rivers. A trip that, inevitably, will become one of Brazil’s classics.
At around 07:00, transfer from the hotel to the train station.
We disembark at the train station of Marumbi and continue on foot (easy trek – about 1½-hour) until we reach the sanctuary of Nhundiaquara, where we have lunch.
After lunch, transfer to Paranagua then crossing by boat (1-hour) to ilha do Mel.
We settle in a pousada in Nova Brasilia, the minuscule capital of the island.

Ihla do Mel is anchored at the entrance of Paranaguá Bay. The name, alone (literally honey island) is a promise.
In addition to its paradisiacal beaches, the island shelters a fortress and a lighthouse built by the Portuguese. It is a natural preserve where cars are not allowed; on the island we move on foot or by boat. Its pristine nature, its trails in the forest, its caves and deserted beaches constitute a great destination for nature lovers.
Day open that can be dedicated to trekking (a few hours or a whole day, numerous marked trails), napping or swimming.
Lunch not included. Dinner included. Night in a pousada.
Option: extra day(s) on ilha do Mel.

In the morning, we reach Superagüi national park by taxi-boat.
The marine park of the same name surrounding it is well known for its mangroves and its everglades. The park is also known for its abundant wildlife peacefully evolving in a decor of Mata Atlantica: dolphins, jaguars, parrots....
5-mile trek to Praia Deserta (the deserted beach). After a cooling bath, we pause for lunch on one of Ilha das Peças’ beaches (seafood restaurant, fish and oysters).
Return to Ilha do Mel in the late afternoon.
Lunch not included. Dinner included. Night in a pousada.

In the morning, we leave for our destination, the island of Pontal do Paraná.
To reach Guaraqueçaba, coastal town north of Superagüi, we take a boat to cross mangroves and clear lagoons.
From Guaraqueçaba, private transportation towards Curitiba (3-hour trip) and transfer to the airport.