A cultural centre in Largo Dr. José Pereira, Jose Pereira 43, Casa Rocha Pombo was built in honour of the multifaceted Rocha Pombo from Morretes. He was an acclaimed historian, teacher, writer and politician. The simple colonial architectural style of the Jesuit period characterizes this building, which overlooks the Nhundiaquara River as well as the city.

Drive down 5 km from Morretes on the Marcos Malucelli Street along the Marumbi River to a natural reserve, showcasing a large lake ringed by a verdant forest. Swim or dive in the placid waters of the lake, or camp out and barbeque. You will find rest rooms, changing rooms and a cafeteria here.

The Nossa Senhora do Pilar, an impressive eighteenth century church, rises from the square and affords a wonderful view of the bay. The old Portuguese building still stands, but its interiors have unfortunately been completely refurbished and bear no resemblance to the original. You may like to view the oldest house in town, Number 214, constructed in the second half of the seventeenth century, situated across from the church.

Situated in Largo da Matriz, the present building dates back to 1850 and boasts a quaint clock tower. Construction first began in 1812 at a vantage point in the town. A Portuguese bell, together with the Empire's crest dating back to 1854, finds pride in a place right across from the church.

This well preserved church stands at the intersection of the Adviser Sinimbu and Fernando Amaro streets and has stood the test of time. Believed to have been built by slaves in 1765, its foundation stone was laid almost a century later in 1863. Constructed in the colonial style, a tower was added over half a century later at the behest of Captain Roberto France.

This picturesque, winding, old colonial road (PR Highway 410) lies 37 km from Curitiba on the BR 116. It winds through the lush, green Atlantic rainforest down to the coast. Several rest stops dot this route, with toilets, kiosks and open-fire grills. The quaint Iron Bridge over the river Mother Catira and the Jesuit's Path are only some of the interesting sites here. Only cars and vans can drive here.

The fandango is a traditional dance, virtually synonymous with the cultural traditions of the region. First introduced by Portuguese settlers following in the footsteps of Pedro Álvares Cabral, it is generally accompanied by the traditional cachaça. With two variations to this dance form, beats and valseadas, the fandango ushered in the carnival in earlier times and represented a goodwill gesture towards harvest volunteers.

Morretes is proud to preserve the culture of its ancestors, through the noisy fandango dance from Portugal brought here by the heirs of Cabral. In the past the fandango dance was the forerunner of the carnival, and the famous 'pichiruns' as the owner of the harvest, as thanks for the participation of the volunteers. It is accompanied by a good cachaça, which is offered to everyone. There are many brands of Fandango and these are divided into two groups: the beats and valseadas.

The River of Monkeys (Rio dos Macacos) provides for a spectacular view as it gushes over a height of 70m upon a granite slab, creating a striking natural pool. As you travel by train through the region, don't miss the dramatic Redondo Waterfall, 20m wide, tumbling down a drop of 30m. To get there by train, disembark at Engineer Lange and hike 2 to 3 hours. It is 4km by road from Porto de Cima and 2 hours on foot thereafter.

The largest underground hydroelectric power plant in southern Brazil which opened in 1971. It can be visited if an appointment has been made.

Marumbi State Park was founded in 1990 and has over 370 hectares, being considered a real hiker's delight. The towering Pico Marumbi, 1539 m high and situated within the confines of the Marumbi State Park, is the state's prime attraction for mountain climbing enthusiasts.

Vantage points in the park provide spectacular views encompassing mountains, waterfalls, rivers with amazing flora and fauna in and around the rain forest. Walk down the road to the station from the park to view the imposing Marumbinistas Waterfall, which tumbles down a precipitous drop of 50 m, adding to the splendour of the countryside.

Old pioneer trails first used by explorers served as vital links between the coast and the Parananse plateau in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The Graciosa Trail was completed in 2 parts - the Serra do Mar (1646-1653) and the Atuba (1848-1870). Legend has it that the original Itupava Trail was used by hunters in 1625, chasing a tapir down a mountain to the Porto de Cima. A second phase to Borda do Campo was completed in 1649-1654.

The well-marked Graciosa and Itupava trails now serve as delightful nature walks and afford spectacular views.

Situated in Plaza Rocha Pombo, a pretty square in the centre of town, the station overlooks the mountains of Serra do Mar. The building dates back to 1885 and its old architecture is a treat for weary eyes.

This scenic tree lined river intersects the city. It derives its name from the local nhundi (meaning fish) and quara (meaning hole) and was once an important waterway between the highlands and the coast. Canoeing and fishing are possible along a distance of about 12 km, where the river is navigable. Those seeking some adventure can float down in a ‘boia cross' or a buoy. Look out for the grandiose Old Bridge across the centre of the city. Built almost 100 years ago, it was reconditioned in 1975.

Easily accessible from Morretes is the Marumbi Nature Reserve, covering an area of approximately 66,732 hectares and encompassing most of the Sierra do Mar and part of the Eastern Plateau. The region offers a multitude of sight seeing options including the Estrada da Graciosa, the Curitiba - Paranagua Railway, Manantiales of Serra, the Graciosa and Itupava trails, and a dam on the Capivari River.

We strongly recommend a local guide during your tour in this area.