Curitiba is the starting point of one of the world’s greatest train rides, the Serra Verde Express, which takes roughly four hours to descend almost 1,000m to Paranagua on the coast, through numerous microclimates and breathtaking landscapes. Opened in 1880, it is a wonderful feat of engineering.

This three-day tour not only takes in the train ride, but also lets you get to know the 'untypical' Brazilian city of Curitiba, which has been held up worldwide as a model of urban development, and gives you relaxation time in the decidedly unmodern atmosphere of Ilha do Mel on the Atlantic coast.

Day 1: Curitiba: Arrival

We welcome you upon arrival at Curitiba airport and transfer you to your chosen hotel.

In the afternoon, we will take you on a city tour of Curitiba. The city is renowned for its progressive urban planning, so you will see traditional architecture, such as Tiradentes Square with its neo-Gothic Cathedral, alongside modernistic architecture: the Oscar Niemeyer Museum, built in the shape of a giant eye, the Wire Opera House, and the fully-covered 24 Hour Street. These are juxtaposed with green spaces such as the German Woods, the Botanical Garden, the Pope Woods, and Tangua and Tingui Parks.

At the end of the day, we return you to your hotel. You may wish to enjoy Curitiba's vibrant nightlife this evening!

Day 2: Serra Verde Express: Curitiba - Morretes – Ilha do Mel: Lunch with drinks.

This morning, we transfer you from your hotel to Curitiba Railway Station to make the remarkable train journey to Paranagua. The single-track line starts at 934m / 3,228 ft above sea level and heads first through the Serra do Mar, before winding its way downhill through Atlantic Rainforest to arrives in Morretes some four hours later.

Upon arrival, you will have time to explore the village with its Colonial houses and handicraft market, before we have lunch on the banks of the river Nhundiaquara. Here, you will have the opportunity to try barreado, a typical dish from the Paraná coast consisting of beef slow-boiled and served with seafood.

After lunch, we drive to Pontal do Sul on the coast, where we transfer to a boat for the half-hour ide to Ilha do Mel in the Bay of Paranagua.  On arrival we check you in to your pousada and the rest of the evening is at your disposal.

Day 3: Ilha do Mel – Ponta do Sul - Curitiba

Ilha do Mel is a very laidback place, free from cars and motorcycles , and so a great place for a stroll along the beach or a nap in a hammock. It also has an interesting history, dating from its strategic importance in the 18th Century, so today we will take you on a guided tour to the fortress and the lighthouse. 

In the afternoon, we take the boat back to Pontal do Sul, from there we head back by bus to Curitiba (approximately 2 hours).

Fancy more beach time? We can organise extra nights on Ilha do Mel or you may want to go to the classy resort island of Florianopolis.