Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
5 min of reading 
2 comments 
The Train Ride Between Curitiba And Morretes, Voted One Of The Most Beautiful In The World, Goes Through The Atlantic Forest And Passes Over A Historic Belgian Bridge. With 65 Km Of Track, The 1884 Railway Impresses With Its Engineering And Nature. The Serra Verde Express Offers Luxury Options And Even Pet-Friendly Cars.
Exploring natural landscapes and experiencing Brazilian history from a new angle is a rare experience. But a train ride through the Atlantic Forest offers exactly that.
A journey on tracks, surrounded by mountains, historic tunnels, and an impressive bridge of Belgian origin, has become one of the most iconic rail routes in the country.
Voted by the British portal Lonely Planet as one of the 60 best railway routes in the world, the ride between Curitiba and Morretes is a true immersion in history and nature.
-
Small city in the Brazilian Midwest becomes the target of a R$ 23 billion megafactory, construction reaches nearly 60 percent and could create the largest single line in the world during construction with a peak of 14,000 workers.
-
Suspension of INSS payroll loans freezes a R$100 billion market and puts banks, fintechs, and retirees on alert
-
With a central span of 1,410 meters and towers of 210 meters, the Great Belt Bridge impresses with its gigantism, connecting islands and linking the east to the west of Denmark over the sea.
-
The planted forest sector triples its cultivated area in 20 years in Brazil, going from 3 million to over 10 million hectares, generates BRL 240 billion and 720 thousand jobs, but coexistence with biodiversity still divides specialists in the country.
Operated by the Serra Verde Express, the 65-kilometer journey reveals a stunning landscape, with mountains covered in vegetation, waterfalls, and centuries-old buildings.
Belgian Bridge And Stunning Views
Among the highlights of the route is the São João metal bridge, an impressive engineering work that was manufactured in Belgium and assembled in Brazil.
With 112 meters in length, 70 meters of clear span, and 55 meters in height, the structure provides a privileged view of the Atlantic Forest, creating a fascinating contrast between nature and the 19th-century railway architecture.
Passengers crossing the São João bridge experience a unique moment: the sensation of being suspended over an untouched landscape, with rivers winding between the mountains and an endless green horizon.
In addition to the São João bridge, the route features 41 bridges and dozens of viaducts that challenged the engineers responsible for the railway’s construction.
The structures were designed to support the weight of the locomotives while integrating into the natural landscape without causing significant environmental impacts.
A Railway Over 135 Years Old
The Paraná-Curitiba railway was inaugurated in 1884, with the presence of Princess Isabel, and still maintains its historical relevance.
During the journey, the train passes through 13 tunnels carved into the rocks, revealing the monumental effort of workers at the time, who faced extreme challenges to turn this dream into reality.
The project, considered one of the greatest engineering works in Brazil in the 19th century, had to overcome steep terrain and dense vegetation to connect the coast to the Paraná plateau.
At the time, the railway boosted the region’s economic development, facilitating the transport of goods and people between the port of Paranaguá and the capital, Curitiba.
Today, the route no longer holds the same commercial importance, but has established itself as one of the most sought-after railway tourist attractions in Brazil, attracting visitors from around the world who wish to learn about its history and admire its landscapes.
Variations Of Carriages And Unique Experiences
The Serra Verde Express offers different types of carriages, each providing a distinct experience.
There are luxury options, with refined onboard service, as well as thematic carriages that tell the story of the railway and its impact on the region’s economy.
The luxury carriages feature comfortable seats, exclusive meals, and a sophisticated environment, ideal for those looking to turn the ride into an unforgettable experience.
The conventional carriages ensure comfort at more accessible prices, allowing any tourist to enjoy the journey.
In 2020, the company innovated by launching Brazil’s first pet-friendly luxury carriage, allowing passengers to bring their pets along for the ride.
This initiative made the trip even more accessible for those who do not want to part with their pets.
In addition to the experience inside the carriages, arriving in Morretes is a show in itself. The city, founded in the 18th century, preserves its colonial architecture and delights visitors with cobblestone streets, historic mansions, and rich cuisine.
One of the region’s most traditional dishes is the famous barreado, a Paraná delicacy made of meat slowly cooked in a clay pot, which can be enjoyed at various local restaurants.
A Journey That Enchants Tourists From Brazil And Beyond
The train ride from Curitiba to Morretes is not just a journey on tracks. It is a true voyage through Brazil’s history, culture, and biodiversity.
Throughout the journey, passengers have the opportunity to observe native species of the Atlantic Forest, such as toucans, monkeys, and various birds that inhabit the region.
With each curve, the scenery transforms, revealing hidden waterfalls, deep valleys, and mountains covered in dense vegetation.
The cool climate and occasional fog make the experience even more magical, creating an atmosphere of mystery and beauty.
Moreover, the Paraná-Curitiba railway attracts tourists of all ages, from nature lovers to railway engineering enthusiasts.
For history buffs, each tunnel and bridge carries memories of a time when railway transport was essential for the country’s development.
For those seeking adventure, the ride offers moments of pure adrenaline, such as crossing the Serra do Mar, where the train travels on tracks that seem to float between the cliffs.
It is an experience that blends emotion, nostalgia, and enchantment in every meter of the journey.
An Unmissable Experience For Nature And History Lovers
The train ride from Curitiba to Morretes is not just a journey on tracks but a true expedition into the past, culture, and biodiversity of Brazil.
Whether it’s the thrill of crossing suspension bridges, the contemplation of mountains covered in native forest, or the charm of historic carriages, this experience stands out among the country’s tourist routes.
Many visitors combine the train ride with other attractions in the region, such as ecological trails, visits to waterfalls, and boat trips in the bay of Paranaguá.
This makes the trip even more complete, uniting history, adventure, and ecotourism into one itinerary.
With a stunning landscape and a century-old legacy, the Paraná-Curitiba railway continues to enchant generations, combining adventure, nostalgia, and a touch of sophistication on the tracks.
Em Miguel Pereira (RJ) tem uma ponte em curva feita Tb na Bélgica talvez na mesma época dessa citada. Foi projetada pelo engenheiro brasileiro Paulo de Frontim. Infelizmente sem serventia pois há décadas o governo federal desativou lamentavelmente vários ramais ferroviários.
Excelente reportagem sobre Morretes/Curitiba!
Atualmente, as ferrovias brasileiras ficaram isoladas, com os trens de passageiros e até de cargas abandonados, sobrecarregando o movimento das rodovias, com mais cargas rodoviárias. Com o crescente desenvolvimento do País, estradas ficaram depreciadas, por excesso de veículos pesados, e lotações de veículos de passeio, com constantes acidentes. Sem o Desenvolvimento ferroviário, osistema rodoviário vai colapsar. Nem por isso, ninguém vai deixar de ter o seu automóvel urbano.