Imagine gliding through breathtaking landscapes, crossing century-old mountains and tunnels, all while the lush Mata Atlântica rainforest envelops you. The train ride between Curitiba and Morretes, acclaimed by The Guardian as one of the world’s most spectacular railway journeys, is an unmissable experience for any traveler in Brazil. Get ready for an approximately 4-hour journey covering 100 km (62 miles) of the Serra do Mar mountain range, passing through 13 tunnels and 30 bridges, completely immersed in nature.
A Century-Old Engineering Feat: The Curitiba-Paranaguá Railway
Inaugurated in 1885, this railway is a true testament to 19th-century engineering. Although designed in Brazil, its construction took place in Belgium due to the lack of necessary technology at the time. Building it was an extremely challenging project, conceived as a strategic corridor to boost Paraná’s economic growth, then led by yerba mate production, and to ensure communication with the interior. Today, it fascinates: its tracks wind 950 meters (3,117 feet) above sea level, amidst dense forests, rivers, and dizzying abysses.
The Brazilian Railway Landscape
Unfortunately, despite its rich history, Brazil has so few scenic train rides available. This is partly due to the strong automotive industry lobby from the 1950s onwards. Currently, most railways are dedicated to cargo transport, as is the case for the line to Morretes, which is used for transporting goods to the busy Port of Paranaguá.
How to Get to Morretes (and Back): Schedules and Tips
The train between Curitiba and Morretes operates daily with the following schedule:
- From Curitiba to Morretes: Departs at 8:30 AM
- From Morretes to Curitiba: Departs at 3:00 PM
It’s important to know that while the train is an unforgettable experience, delays can occur due to the high volume of cargo trains using the same railway towards the Port of Paranaguá. It’s advisable to plan your day with flexibility!
Choose the Best Time for Your Trip
The experience of the ride can vary depending on the time of year:
- Weekends and Summer: The train tends to be full. We recommend booking your tickets in advance.
- Winter: Generally rainy with fewer passengers. Despite the rain, the landscape gains a different charm, with mist and greener vegetation.
- Weekdays: It tends to be easier to buy tickets, but the train occupancy rate is still high.
Securing Your Spot: How to Buy Train Tickets to Morretes
You can purchase your tickets for the train ride to Morretes in two main ways:
- Online: The most convenient way to guarantee your spot, especially during high season.
- At the Curitiba Bus and Train Station (Rodoferroviária): Head to the Serra Verde Express counter.
There are four ticket classes, each offering a different experience. Pay attention: only the Executive Service ticket includes a bilingual guide – essential if you’re traveling with foreigners and want translation! Remember to request the bilingual guide at the time of purchase to ensure the service.
- Train Ticket: Starting from R$ 199.00
- Complete Curitiba-Morretes Package (Outward by Train, Return by Van): Starting from R$ 445.00 –
- Complete Sunset Package (Outward by Van, Return by Train): Starting from R$ 445.00
- Simple Sunset Package (Outward by Van, Return by Train): Starting from R$ 290.00
Return Option to Curitiba: Viação Graciosa Bus
If you don’t want to return by train (since the tracks follow the same route both ways), there’s an excellent alternative. You can buy the bus ticket online from the company Viação Graciosa or at the Curitiba Bus and Train Station (Rodoferroviária) itself; you’ll find its counter, which offers a bus route to Morretes. The bus journey takes about 2 hours, making it a quicker option for the return trip.
On one of my trips from Curitiba to Morretes, I took the Viação Graciosa’s bus from the Morretes Bus Station to return. The bus route passes through the beautiful landscape of Serra da Graciosa, which is also in no way inferior to the scenery from the train tracks. Another option is to purchase a package including the train ride and the return van. Since Morretes receives many tourists daily, it’s recommended to book tickets in advance.
What to Do in Morretes After the Train Ride?
Upon arriving in the historic town of Morretes, beyond being charmed by its 18th-century colonial architecture, you absolutely cannot miss the opportunity to try the dish barreado at one of the local restaurants. The town is small and compact, making it possible to visit all its attractions on foot. There are also tour operators who rent bicycles. Local artisans sell their products, such as textiles, and delicious banana and ginger sweets. It’s well worth trying the banana and ginger cachaça (Brazilian sugarcane spirit), as well as the sweets.
Combine Your Adventure: Morretes and Iguazu Falls
If your trip through Southern Brazil includes Iguazu Falls (located approximately 800 km or 500 miles from Morretes, on the Brazilian side in Foz do Iguaçu), consider adding the train ride to your itinerary. It’s an excellent way to experience the diverse landscapes and attractions that Paraná has to offer, complementing the majesty of the falls with the beauty of the Serra do Mar.
Originally posted 2017-12-18 12:21:21.
