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Morretes

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Historical site
—°13
Morretes (Brazil)

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Morretes, established in 1733, is a scenic historical town in the state of Paraná, positioned between the Serra do Mar mountains and the Nhundiaquara River. Its early growth was fueled by the regional gold rush and later by the trade of yerba mate and sugar. During the 19th century, Morretes served as a vital link for travelers moving between the inland plateau and the coastal ports. The completion of the remarkable Curitiba-Paranaguá railway in 1885 solidified the town's importance as a logistical and tourist hub, drawing visitors to admire its natural beauty. The town is renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture, which lines the banks of the river and creates a serene historic ambiance. A cornerstone of local culture is the Barreado, a traditional slow-cooked beef stew prepared in sealed clay pots for over 20 hours. Modern Morretes is a beloved destination for ecotourism and cultural exploration, offering a unique blend of lush Atlantic Forest scenery and deep-rooted traditions. Its tranquil riverside setting and historical integrity continue to captivate both domestic and international tourists.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Aug, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C232423211816161718202122
Rain mm27024019512611210710277128156164203

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The historic center is freely accessible for strolling along the cobblestone streets. Many colonial-era buildings now house local restaurants, artisan shops, and cultural centers that welcome visitors.
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Typical hours
The town is lively throughout the day, especially on weekends when tourists arrive for lunch. Shops and restaurants typically operate from mid-morning until late afternoon or early evening.
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Photography
The scenic colonial facades framed by the Nhundiaquara River and the Atlantic Forest mountains create remarkable photography opportunities in every direction.
⏱️
Time needed
Plan to spend at least 3 to 4 hours here to fully enjoy a leisurely walk through the historic streets, shop for local crafts, and have a slow, traditional lunch.
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Combine with
The town is ideally paired with the famous Serra Verde Express train ride from Curitiba and a visit to the nearby coastal historical town of Antonina.
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Getting there
Morretes can be reached by a scenic train journey departing from Curitiba, or by car or bus via the beautiful but winding Graciosa Road through the mountains.
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Insider tip
You absolutely must try the local specialty, 'Barreado', a slow-cooked meat stew traditionally served with cassava flour and bananas, available in almost every local restaurant.

Geography

Coordinates
-25.47660, -48.83220

Facts

  • Morretes was officially founded on October 31, 1733.
  • The Nhundiaquara River, flowing through the town, was once a primary route for gold transportation.
  • The Curitiba-Paranaguá railway, which stops in Morretes, was completed in 1885 and is an engineering marvel.
  • The traditional Barreado stew is slow-cooked for at least 20 hours in sealed earthenware pots.
  • In the 19th century, Morretes was a major center for the production of high-quality Cachaça.
  • The town features several historic bridges, most notably the iron bridge crossing the Nhundiaquara River.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

AntoninaAntonina14 km · NExplore →
Port of ParanaguáPort of Paranaguá36 km · NExplore →
Curitiba ZooCuritiba Zoo45 km · SExplore →
Greenhouse of the Botanical GardenGreenhouse of the Botanical Garden45 km · SExplore →
CuritibaCuritiba49 km · SExplore →
Wire Opera HouseWire Opera House50 km · SExplore →
Ilha do MelIlha do Mel55 km · NExplore →
Port of São Francisco do SulPort of São Francisco do Sul60 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Morretes (13)

Morretes📍 landmark

A historic railway station from 1883, a key stop on the scenic Serra Verde Express.

PARQUE TEMÁTICO HISGEOPAR🏛 museum

A theme park featuring miniature models that illustrate the history and geography of Paraná.

Instituto Mirtillo Trombini🏛 museum

A cultural center and art gallery housed in a preserved 19th-century mansion.

Marco Zero de Morretes🏺 historical

A stone monument marking the original founding point of the town in the 18th century.

Ponte sobre o Rio Iporanga🏺 historical

A bridge over the Iporanga River, surrounded by dense tropical vegetation.

Evangelho Quadrangular⛪ religious

A place of worship for the Foursquare Gospel Christian community in the town.

Capela da Mãe Aparecida⛪ religious

A small devotional chapel dedicated to the patroness of Brazil.

Ponte Alagada📍 landmark

A low-lying bridge over the Nhundiaquara River, often visited for its proximity to the flowing water.

Ponte de Ferro (Ferroviária)📍 landmark

A historic iron railway bridge crossing the river as part of the scenic mountain route.

RPPN Etambóia🌿 nature

A private nature reserve dedicated to preserving the Atlantic Forest.

RPPN da Pousada Graciosa🌿 nature

A protected forest area contributing to the biodiversity of the Serra do Mar.

Estacao Engenheiro Lange🌿 nature

A historic train station on the spectacular railway line between Curitiba and Paranaguá.

Prainha🎡 recreation

A quiet riverside spot on the Nhundiaquara used by locals for cooling off.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to get to Morretes?
By the famous tourist train from Curitiba through the Serra do Mar.
What should you eat in Morretes?
The traditional Barreado, served with rice and bananas.
What can you do at the Nhundiaquara River?
Popular is 'boia-cross', floating down the river on inner tubes.
What is the typical souvenir?
Banana products like sweets or banana schnapps.
Can the town be done in one day?
Yes, many take a day trip from Curitiba.
Morretes: where is it located?
Morretes is located in Brazil.
Morretes: what is there to see?
Highlights include Morretes, PARQUE TEMÁTICO HISGEOPAR, Instituto Mirtillo Trombini.
Morretes: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Aug, Nov.
Morretes: why is it worth visiting?
Morretes, established in 1733, is a scenic historical town in the state of Paraná, positioned between the Serra do Mar mountains and the Nhundiaquara River.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Curitiba — Morretes (Brazil)
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Maringá — Morretes (Brazil)
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A very green, planned city in the interior of Paraná, known for its quality of life and its conical cathedral.
Ilha do Mel — Morretes (Brazil)
Ilha do Mel
Ilha do Mel is a car-free island and a protected ecological reserve.
Joinville — Morretes (Brazil)
Joinville
The largest city in Santa Catarina, known for its strong German and European industrial tradition.

History & landmarks

Greenhouse of the Botanical Garden — Morretes (Brazil)
Greenhouse of the Botanical Garden
A beautiful Art Nouveau-style greenhouse that became the architectural symbol of Curitiba.
Wire Opera House — Morretes (Brazil)
Wire Opera House
A unique circular theater made of steel tubes and polycarbonate, built in the middle of a former quarry.

Nature

Paraná River — Morretes (Brazil)
Paraná River
The Paraná River is one of South America's great river systems and a major source of hydropower.
Iguazu River — Morretes (Brazil)
Iguazu River
The Iguaçu River is best known for forming Iguazu Falls on the border between Brazil and Argentina.

More places

Antonina — Morretes (Brazil)
Antonina
A historic port city in the state of Paraná, surrounded by the lush nature of the Serra do Mar.
Port of Paranaguá — Morretes (Brazil)
Port of Paranaguá
Paranaguá is one of the most important ports in Brazil for agricultural exports.
Curitiba Zoo — Morretes (Brazil)
Curitiba Zoo
An extensive zoo in southern Brazil that is part of a large regional park and houses many endangered species.
Bird Park Foz do Iguaçu — Morretes (Brazil)
Bird Park Foz do Iguaçu
An ecological park focusing on the conservation of Atlantic Rainforest bird species.
Itaipu Dam — Morretes (Brazil)
Itaipu Dam
A monumental hydroelectric dam on the Paraná River, supplying a massive amount of electricity to both Brazil and Paraguay.
Port of São Francisco do Sul — Morretes (Brazil)
Port of São Francisco do Sul
This port is a key logistical center for the northern region of Santa Catarina.