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From Curitiba to Morretes, the Train Journey Along the 1885 Century-Old Railway Reveals Landscapes, History, and Impressive Engineering Works in the Heart of the Atlantic Forest.
Imagine a train journey that not only transports you from one place to another but takes you back in time. This is the promise of the ride through the Paraná Mountain Range, one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the world. Operated by Serra Verde Express, the approximately four-hour route connects the capital Curitiba to the historic city of Morretes on the coast, crossing the largest continuous area of preserved Atlantic Forest in the country.
The journey along this century-old railway is a dive into history and nature. The train in the Paraná Mountain Range descends more than 900 meters in altitude, passing through tunnels, bridges, and spectacular viaducts. This complete guide details everything you need to know to plan this unforgettable adventure.
A Railway from 1885: The History and Engineering of the Work in the Heart of the Atlantic Forest
The Paranaguá-Curitiba Railway is one of the most ambitious engineering works of the 19th century in Brazil. Inaugurated on February 2, 1885, its goal was to connect the plateau to the coast, overcoming the barrier of the Serra do Mar. The project, led by engineer João Teixeira Soares, faced immense challenges, such as steep terrain and torrential rains.
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With about 4,000 m², the building constructed in a traditional neighborhood in France looks like a rainbow, has a colorful facade, mixes vibrant glass, and creates one of the most unusual visuals in Bordeaux.
Today, the train in the Paraná Mountain Range travels these same 70 kilometers of track, offering passengers a journey through time. The route is an immersion in nature, crossing the largest continuous stretch of Atlantic Forest in Brazil and revealing landscapes that constantly change with the altitude.
By Train Over the Carvalho Viaduct and São João Bridge: The Jewels of the Journey
The railway is marked by dozens of engineering works, but two stand out as the highlights of the ride.
Carvalho Viaduct: famous for being the first curved viaduct built in the world, it provides one of the most thrilling sensations of the journey. The train emerges from the darkness of a tunnel directly onto the viaduct, and for a moment, looking out the window, the absence of visible ground creates the vertiginous and unforgettable impression of floating above the valley.
São João Bridge: with a length of 112 meters, this is the most impressive work on the line. Its metallic structure, manufactured in Belgium, rises to 55 meters above the São João River, the equivalent of a 24-story building.
How to Plan the Trip: Packages, Prices for 2025, and the Best Time to Go
The choice of the time of year and the right package is essential. Summer (December to February) has longer days but is rainier. Spring, especially in November, is considered ideal, with mild weather and lush scenery.
The train departs daily during the high season and on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the low season, leaving Curitiba at 8:30 am. There are various package options:
One-Way (from R$ 175): Ideal for those seeking flexibility and wanting to organize their own return.
Complete Package (from R$ 445): Includes the train ride and the return van to Curitiba, a more comfortable option.
Sunset Package (from R$ 290): one-way by van (usually via the scenic Graciosa Road), allowing a road experience through the mountains, with the return by train in the afternoon, offering a different light for the landscapes.
Reservations should be made in advance, especially during the high season.
Golden Tip: Which Wagon and Side Are Best for the Best Photos?
The most important decision of the trip is choosing the wagon and seat. To get the best views and photos, the advice is unanimous:
Left Side: on the descent journey (Curitiba-Morretes), sit on the left side of the train. It is from this side that the panoramic views of the valleys, cliffs, and most famous bridges can be seen.
Wagons: classes range from Economic to Luxury. The Boutique-class wagons, such as the Barão do Serro Azul with its balcony, are ideal as they allow for photos without the reflection from the windows. The Luxury Litorina class, despite being the most expensive and air-conditioned, has sealed windows, which prevents contact with the air and sounds of the mountains, limiting the sensory experience.
Arrival in Morretes: What to Do in the Historic City and the Tradition of Barreado
The train journey in the Paraná Mountain Range ends in the charming city of Morretes. With its preserved colonial historic center, cobblestone streets, and the Nhundiaquara River, the city invites you for a leisurely walk.
The main culinary attraction is barreado, a typical dish of the region. It consists of beef slow-cooked for hours in a sealed clay pot (“barreado”), resulting in extremely tender meat that falls apart. It is served with rice, manioc flour, and banana, a unique combination of flavors. The riverside restaurants are the most sought after to taste this delicacy. After the tour, the return to Curitiba is usually done by bus or van, in a journey of about 1.5 hours.
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