After an unforgettable train journey through the stunning Serra do Mar mountain range, you’ll disembark in Morretes, a historic gem in southern Brazil. This charming town preserves its 18th-century Portuguese colonial architecture and invites you to step back in time. Morretes’ heart beats around the Nhundiaquara River, whose Tupi-Guarani name means ‘fishing place’ – where natural beauty harmonizes perfectly with its ancient buildings and lush vegetation.
The city’s train station was a strategic point on the route that the drovers took from Vacaria (state of Rio Grande do Sul) to Sorocaba (state of São Paulo). It served as a decision point for the drovers who transported cattle and pigs, who chose there whether to continue to Paranaguá or Antonina.
For those planning to visit Morretes, an important tip is to consider the weather. In the summer, the city tends to be very hot and not windy, which can be a surprise for those who don’t feel comfortable with the heat. The city is located in a valley, surrounded by hills rich in copper, a metal that is a strong conductor of heat, intensifying the sensation of heat.
A Must-Try: Indulge in Morretes’ Famous Barreado
No visit to Morretes would be complete without trying its most emblematic dish: Barreado. This local delicacy is beef slowly cooked for about 20 hours in a seasoned broth, inside a sealed clay pot. The result? Meat so tender it melts in your mouth, transforming into a delicious and succulent shredded stew.
Traditionally, barreado is served with manioc flour, which you can add as desired to create a type of pirão (a thick porridge), and white rice, forming a robust and flavorful meal. The town’s restaurants serve this dish daily, and you’ll find options in almost every establishment, many with tables along the Nhundiaquara River, offering an even more authentic experience.
If you’re wary of barreado, don’t worry: most restaurants in Morretes offer a small tasting portion of barreado before the main course. Besides barreado, local restaurants also serve fish and seafood dishes. Prices vary between buffet and per-kilo options, but most of the restaurants I visited offer excellent value for their buffet, which includes barreado, fish, salads, and seafood.
On one of my trips, I had the opportunity to have lunch at Restaurante Olimpo, which has a Geographical Indication (GI) certification. This certification guarantees that the products and preparation methods adhere to the quality and tradition of the state of Paraná Coast. At Olimpo, I had a unique experience, tasting the barreado with unexpected and delicious accompaniments: breaded banana and orange slices, which paired perfectly with the meat and flour.
Other restaurants in Morretes that also have the Geographical Indication certification and are worth visiting are: Madalozo Restaurant, Ponte Velha Restaurant, Casarão Restaurant, Casa do Rio Restaurant, Empório do Largo Restaurant, Nhundiaquara Restaurant, Vila Morretes Restaurant and Terra Nossa Restaurant.
Explore Morretes’ Charm: Attractions and Activities
Morretes is a delightfully small and compact town, making it perfect for exploring on foot. Stroll at your own pace and discover every corner:
- Colonial Architecture: Get lost in the cobblestone streets and admire the colorful houses that tell the story of the 18th century. The historic center is an invitation for incredible photos!
- Nhundiaquara River Activities: Beyond admiring the river, you can find tour operators who offer bicycle rentals to explore the riverfront or even adventure itineraries.
- Local Handicrafts: Visit the small shops and the handicraft market, where you’ll find unique products like textiles and banana and ginger sweets. Don’t forget to try the famous banana and ginger cachaça (Brazilian sugarcane spirit) – they make great souvenirs!
Art and Culture at the Mirtillo Trombini Institute
In downtown Morretes, the Mirtillo Trombini Institute is a must-see cultural attraction. Dedicated to promoting visual arts and classical music, the institute is one of the legacies of businessman and artist Mirtillo Trombini. At its headquarters, visitors can visit art exhibitions, including collections from the renowned Oscar Niemeyer Museum in Curitiba. Furthermore, at the end of the year, the building’s windows are transformed into a stage for moving Christmas performances, an event that has become a city tradition.
Where to stay in Morretes?
If you’re planning to stay overnight in Morretes or extend your visit, a great option is Pousada Casa 1915, located in a listed building in the city center, just a few minutes’ walk from the train station and bus station. For those looking for a more affordable option, Hostel Casa do Trem is an excellent option, located very close to the train station where travelers arrive from Curitiba.
Plan Your Route: How to Get to and From Morretes
Morretes is an ideal destination for a day trip from Curitiba, combining the famous train ride with various return options.
Transport Options To/From Curitiba
By Train (the main experience!)
- Curitiba to Morretes: Departs at 8:30 AM (duration: approximately 4 hours).
- Morretes to Curitiba: Departs at 3:00 PM (duration: approximately 4 hours). The return train follows the same route as the outbound journey.
By Bus (a quick and flexible option)
- Curitiba to Morretes: Approximately 2 hours (depending on traffic). Tickets cost around BRL 40.00. Buses depart from Curitiba’s Rodoferroviária (bus and train station) starting at 9:00 AM (check updated schedules with Viação Graciosa). You can also buy bus tickets online.
- Morretes to Curitiba: Approximately 2 hours. Buses depart from Morretes’ local bus station starting at 3:00 PM (check schedules). You can also buy online in advance.
Regional Connections
- From Florianópolis to Morretes: The best route is by bus via Curitiba, but there are buses stopping in Morretes.
- From Curitiba to Paranaguá: If you wish to continue your journey to this port city, you can take a bus that takes approximately 2 hours. The fare is around BRL 50.00. Check schedules at the local bus station.
Include Morretes in Your Brazil Itinerary
Morretes is an excellent addition to a longer itinerary through Paraná. Most travelers visiting the state don’t miss the opportunity to see the impressive Iguazu Falls, located on the triple border with Argentina and Paraguay, near Foz do Iguaçu.
Considering Morretes and its iconic train ride in conjunction with a visit to Iguazu Falls offers a complete overview of Paraná’s diversity, combining natural adventure with history and coastal culture.
Morretes is a peaceful city, ideal for a round-trip from Curitiba. It’s the perfect destination for those who love strolling its historic streets and enjoying the beautiful views of the surrounding hills. So, why not add Morretes to your next itinerary and let yourself be enchanted by this little piece of the state of Paraná’s history?
Originally posted 2017-12-18 11:26:00.
