Paraná’s capital is famous in Brazil for its civic planning and quality of life. It is said to be one of the three cleanest cities in Latin America. In outlying areas ‘Ruas da Cidadania’ (citizenship streets), have been built so that local people can avoid travelling to the centre. These throng with activity and provide municipal services, child care and leisure activities. The first and most famous of these was built at Boqueirão in 1995, but the one at Rua da Cidadania da Matriz, next to the Praça Rui Barbosa transport terminal, is more central and has 20 computer terminals for free access to the internet.
However, few visit Brazil to see well-planned cities. The main reason to stay longer than a quick change of bus or train is the recently opened Oscar Niemeyer museum: a stunning modernist building that looks like a giant eye. This can happily be seen in a few hours between transport connections. Curitiba also marks the start of one of South America’s most spectacular railway journeys: to Morretes and the Baía de Paranaguá via the Serra da Graciosa mountains.
Within the city there is an integrated transport system with several types of bus route; pick up a map in one of the tourist booths for details. The ‘Transport–City Circular–Linha Turismo’ circles the major transport terminals and points of interest in the city centre and costs US$7 for five stops.
Afonso Pena airport (18 km south of the city centre, T041-3381 1515) receives international flights from Paraguay and Argentina and has direct connections with São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Porto Alegre and other state capitals. There are car rental booths, banks with international ATMs and cafes along with buses (US$1) and taxis (US$15) to the centre. International and interstate buses arrive at the combined bus and railway station, the Rodoferroviária (Av Alfonso Camargo, www.rodoviariaonline. com.br) where there are restaurants, banks, shops, phones, a post office, pharmacy, tourist office and other public services. The website has timetables and prices. Trains run along the Serra Verde between Curitiba and Paranaguá .
Curitiba is a fantastic place to visit from the upscale shops to the sidewalk markets. Great place to take a 4.5 hr bus tour around the city and hop on and off up to 4 times with your day pass. A train ride into the rain forest will be an 8 hr day and well worth it. Yes Rio is fun but Curitiba has my vote for a top place to visit on business, romance or with your family.
One of the Weinges cities in Brazil where you can also go through the city center at night without losing his head. On the periphery, it looks a bit different.
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