Cherish the Natural Beauty of Curitiba, Brazil
As the capital city of Parana, Curitiba, Brazil acts as a prosperous and very organized center in the country. Curitiba delights visitors with 26 lovely parks in a rich, well-kept environment decorated with beautiful flora and fauna. The city's architecture, food, and religious activity deeply reflect that of European immigrants.
The city is world-renowned for its creative and smart urban development. It has won the UNESCO prize for its thriving and well-organized city design. One of the most intriguing features of this city is the urban transportation system. There are buses, which are long and split into three sections. They stop at the designated elevated tubes, which feature easy access for the disabled. The buses are only one price no matter how far one is traveling, and riders pay at the bus stop. The bus transit system is utilized by about 85 percent of the city's population.
Curitiba offers a temperate climate with an average summer temperature of 70 degrees F and an average winter temperature of 57 degrees F. The city is situated on a plateau with flat areas that flood often, which contributes to a mild and damp winter. As with all tropical climates, the temperatures can fluctuate a great deal throughout a 24-hour period.
Curitiba in History
Curitiba's beginnings can be traced back to the 17th century, when it was a gold-mining camp. Curitiba became an official town in 1812, and its name was spelled Curityba at that time. The city's modern-day spelling (Curitiba) was also being used on some documents, but there was a dispute about which spelling to use. A state decree was passed in 1919 to make the name spelling officially "Curitiba." It was chosen as the capital of Parana in 1854, and began to grow rapidly after 1940. The city's early growth was based mainly on cattle breeding. Many immigrants arrived during the 19th and early 20th centuries, and the population has grown to about 1.6 million people.
Creative Things to Do Curitiba
Curitiba lavishes visitors with numerous activities to suit all passions. There's the "street that never sleeps" called 24 Horas Street (http://www.viaje.curitiba.pr.gov.br/pontosturisticos/rua24horas.html), a paradise for shoppers offering 34 shops including book stores, florists, sandwich shops, etc. It has a hopping nightlife and many options for dining. Many go here as a meeting place or even to get free Internet access day or night.
If it's nature's beauty you enjoy, tour the Botanic Gardens of Curitiba (http://www.curitiba.pr.gov.br/Paginas/ENG/Default.aspx?idf=553&servico=41). These are similar to the French gardens and feature many flowers, a greenhouse, and a water fountain. There's a native forest with walking paths, a theater, and a library. Another place for nature lovers is the German Woods, featuring more than 38,000 square meters of lovely native forest. This area was once a part of the Schaffer family farm, and there's a replica of an old wooden church that was built in 1933.
Still on nature's trail is the Portugal Wood, where a track follows a small brook. Walkers can view tiles with Portuguese language poets and a tribute to famous Portuguese navigators and their findings. For an Italian flavor, the Italian Woods are where many hold Italian parties such as the Grape Party and the Wine Party. There are structures for food and drink stalls. Other outdoor suggestions are the Tangua Park (http://www.curitiba.pr.gov.br/Paginas/ENG/Default.aspx?idf=564&servico=41), the Tingui Park, and Japan Square.
Fountains in Curitiba
Curitiba features several decorative fountains symbolizing the city's artistic facet. One is the Jerusalem Fountain (Sete de Setembro Avenue), which represents 3,000 years of Jerusalem history all in one structure. Designed by architect Fernando Canalli, the fountain features three angels made of bronze, which represent the three main monotheistic religions in the world - Judaism, Christianity, and Islamism. The Memory Fountain at Garibaldi Square features a bronze horse head representing immigrant colonists of long ago. The Maria Lata D'Agua Fountain at Generoso Marques Square features a deep water mirror with a reproduction of the Agua pro Morro sculpture. The Mocinhas da Cidade Fountain (at the crossing of Alameda Cabral and Cruz Machado) is a tribute to the country music couple, Nho Belarmino e Nha Gabriela.
Family Activities in Curitiba
Curitiba invites families to spend a vacation and explore all it has to offer. You can take your family to explore the Natural History Museum, where the Araucaria Path offers an elevated pathway exploring the amazing natural elements that are found in the Araucaria Forest. There are exhibitions of stuffed animals, dioramas, and dehydrated vegetables for interesting educational purposes.
On the fun side, your family might enjoy a day at the Iguacu Park and Zoo. It offers many family attractions, car parks, kiosks, a snack bar, and more. There are seven main areas to explore or have fun for sports, fishing, nautics, ecologic sanctuaries, public orchards, natural wood, and the zoo. The zoo has more than 1,000 animals including some amazing birds, mammals, and reptiles.
Some other must-sees in Curitiba are the Rosicrucian Order, Pedreiras Park, Public Promenade, Sao Francisco Ruins, Santa Felicidade, the Merces Tower, the Guaira Theater, and Tiradentes Square.
Staying in Curitiba
Curitiba has lodging opportunities to fit every need and budget. If you want to save money on lodging, check out the Hotel Lumini with its cozy atmosphere and economical rate. It offers breakfast, cable TV, a central hot shower in all apartments, a business center, and laundry and dinner services. It is also located in the downtown area near major attractions. Another budget hotel is the Interpalace Hotel with nicely decorated rooms, colored TV, a minibar, direct dial telephone, and a relaxing reception with fountains, natural lighting, and foliage. Also check out the Hotel Tibagi or Hostelling International in Curitiba for great deals.
Other hotels to try include the Caravelle Palace Hotel, Blue Tree Towers, Hotel Parana Suite, San Martin Hotel, Mabu Hotels & Resorts, and AltaReggia.
Curitiba has a variety of restaurants so you can create almost any dining experience based on your budget and your taste buds. Limited budget? Try the Montesquieu Bar, where one of the largest sandwiches in Brazil is served - Cheese Mountain. Or, try a variety of foods at Spich Restaurant or the Buffet Julia Cristina. For the mid-range budget, dine at Taco El Pancho, Santa Felicidade, or Churrascaria Curitibana. If you want to splurge a little, try the Saanga Grill, Le Rechaud, or Durski.
Curitiba makes traveling fun and relaxing whether you're traveling alone, with a companion, or with your entire family. You'll want to explore all this wonderful Brazilian city has to offer.