Brazil · City Guide
Curitiba
Curitiba is one of Brazil's most innovative and liveable cities, internationally recognised as a pioneer of sustainable urban planning with an outstanding park system, the iconic Botanical Garden, the remarkable Oscar Niemeyer Museum and excellent access to the spectacular Serra Verde Express railway journey to the coastal town of Morretes through the Atlantic Forest. A city of European immigrant heritage, excellent food and a green urban model, Curitiba rewards those interested in urban innovation and natural beauty.
Elect's take
"Curitiba has a quality of life and urban design that I find genuinely impressive, and the train journey to Morretes through the Atlantic Forest is one of the most beautiful rail journeys in South America."
Curitiba's Botanical Garden, with its striking Art Nouveau-inspired glasshouse, is one of the most beautiful urban gardens in Brazil. The Oscar Niemeyer Museum, designed by the legendary architect himself, is one of the most architecturally significant museum buildings in Latin America, its eye-shaped annex an iconic image of Brazilian modernism. The Serra Verde Express train journey from Curitiba to Morretes descends through the Atlantic Forest via spectacular viaducts and tunnels, providing one of the most beautiful rail journeys in Brazil. The European immigrant heritage of the city, particularly Polish, Ukrainian, German and Italian, is expressed through distinctive neighbourhoods and cuisine.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
Botanical Garden
One of Brazil's most beautiful urban gardens with a striking Art Nouveau glasshouse.
Oscar Niemeyer Museum
An architecturally iconic museum designed by Brazil's greatest modernist architect.
Serra Verde Express
One of Brazil's most beautiful rail journeys through the Atlantic Forest to Morretes.
European Immigrant Heritage
Distinctive Polish, Ukrainian, German and Italian neighbourhoods and cuisine.
Urban Innovation
Internationally recognised as a pioneer of sustainable urban planning and green design.
Atlantic Forest
Spectacular forest scenery accessible by the Serra Verde railway and nearby parks.
