Scenic Train ride to historical cities of Morretes and Antonina

This review explores a popular train tour departing from Curitiba, taking travelers on a nine-hour adventure through lush Atlantic rainforest, across historic bridges, and into two charming colonial towns. Whether you’re after breathtaking scenery, local flavors, or a taste of Brazil’s colonial past, this trip offers a well-rounded experience.

What we really love about this tour is how it combines spectacular landscapes with culture—all wrapped up in a comfortable, well-organized package. The chance to ride aboard a vintage train is a definite highlight, giving the journey a nostalgic feel. Plus, the included lunch featuring the regional specialty barreado is a real treat.

However, a potential consideration is the group size and pace—some reviewers mention that certain segments can feel a bit crowded or lengthy, especially during the train boarding process or the final stop in Antonina. If you prefer a more personalized or leisurely experience, you might find this tour slightly commercialized.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy scenic vistas, cultural insights, and tasty regional cuisine. It’s ideal for those who want a day trip that balances nature and history without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

Key Points

• Enjoy a vintage train ride through the Serra do Mar, with views of waterfalls, canyons, and dense Atlantic rainforest
• Visit the historic town of Morretes, exploring colonial architecture and local markets
• Savor a traditional Barreado lunch on the riverbanks of Nhundiaquara
• Discover Antonina, a charming seaside town with artisanal sweets and scenic streets
• The tour includes hotel pickup and round-trip transfers, making logistics hassle-free
• It’s suitable for most travelers, with a focus on comfortable group travel and guided sightseeing

The Scenic Journey Begins: Train through the Serra do Mar

The highlight of this trip is, without doubt, the train ride itself. Departing early from Curitiba around 7:00 am, you’ll travel on a historic railway built in the 19th century, winding through the Serra do Mar ecological reserve. The tracks, over 130 years old, were designed to traverse impressive mountains, bridges, tunnels, and valleys, offering travelers a real sense of stepping back in time.

Prepare your camera as you approach over 41 bridges, including the iconic Ponte São João and the Viaduto do Carvalho. These structures span deep gorges and provide dramatic viewpoints. You’ll pass waterfalls cascading down lush cliffs and spot abundant wildlife, all from the comfort of a vintage carriage.

The journey is packed with photo opportunities, and the train’s windows frame some truly memorable landscapes. Many reviews praise the “spectacular” scenery and comment on how, even in cloudy or rainy weather, the vistas remain impressive. As one traveler noted, “This a great train ride. It was cloudy/rainy, so we couldn’t see all the sites well. But it was still very enjoyable.”

The train ride is also historically significant. Its inaugural trip was made by Princess Isabel in 1884, and the tracks carry stories of Brazil’s colonial and industrial past. Several carriages are equipped with onboard snacks and drinks, making the ride comfortable and relaxed.

Stop at Morretes: Colonial Charm and Local Culture

Arriving in Morretes around mid-morning, you’ll step into a postcard-worthy scene of colonial houses, bustling craft markets, and majestic churches. The town’s architecture is a delightful blend of Portuguese influence and local charm. You’ll have around 90 minutes to explore, walk its cobblestone streets, or browse handmade goods.

Many visitors appreciate the guide-led walk, which reveals stories behind the town’s historic buildings. One reviewer shared, “The historic side of Morretes was charming—its colonial houses and lively markets felt like a step back in time.”

A key highlight here is the churches and local craft stalls. You might find delicacies like banana sweets or artisanal souvenirs. The town is small enough to explore on foot, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Traditional Lunch by the River: Barreado and More

After exploring Morretes, the tour continues to the banks of the Nhundiaquara River for a regional lunch. The star dish is Barreado, a slow-cooked beef stew sealed in a clay pot, which simmered for over 12 hours. The process creates melt-in-your-mouth meat, served over rice, with sliced bananas, oranges, manioc flour, and sometimes breaded fish on the side.

Many reviews rave about this meal: “The food was simple but tastes awesome, and the hosts were incredible,” wrote one traveler. The dish is a local specialty, offering a hearty taste of Paraná’s culinary heritage.

The setting enhances the experience—dining lakeside with tranquil river views, complemented by the warm hospitality of local cooks.

Discovery at HISGEOPAR: Miniature Paraná

Post-lunch, the tour visits Hisgeopar, a miniature exhibit showcasing the geography and history of Paraná. Dressed in motion, dozens of dolls represent colonizers and work systems, with models of iconic sites like Itaipu Dam, Seven Falls, and Iguazu Falls.

This stop is appreciated by those interested in Brazilian geography and history, offering a fun, educational overview. It’s especially good for families or travelers who want visual context beyond the towns.

Antonina: Seaside Charm and Artisanal Sweets

The last stop is Antonina, a quaint seaside town with cobbled streets and artisanal shops. Visitors can wander along the shore, browse local stores, and enjoy the region’s famous banana-based sweets. The brief 20-minute visit means it’s more of a photo stop than a deep dive, but many enjoy the fresh sea air and scenic vistas.

A reviewer noted, “Walking through Antonina’s streets and trying banana sweets was delightful,” emphasizing the town’s charming, relaxed vibe.

Return Journey: Road Along Estrada da Graciosa

The return to Curitiba is equally scenic, following the Estrada da Graciosa, often considered one of Brazil’s most beautiful roads. However, in case of bad weather, the trip might switch to the BR-277 highway, ensuring safety and reliability.

The drive takes about 90 minutes, with arrival back in Curitiba expected around 4:30 pm. The journey wraps up a full day of sightseeing, culture, and natural beauty.

What’s Included & What to Consider

The price of $109.99 per person offers a good value for a full day of activity—especially considering that it includes hotel pickup, transportation, train tickets, a guided city tour, lunch, and entrance to Hisgeopar. The tour is designed for convenience, with most travelers being picked up from their Curitiba hotels, making the logistics smooth.

The group size is capped at around 30, which balances social atmosphere with manageable numbers. Guides are professional and generally speak Portuguese, with some reviews noting limited English, so language skills might matter if you prefer bilingual guides.

Food is included, but beverages and desserts are extra. Some reviews mention the quality of the meal, with many praising the authentic taste, although a few found parts of the experience overly commercialized or lengthy.

The train ride lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes each way, with stops that allow for sightseeing and exploration. The overall duration is about 9 hours, making it a full but comfortable day trip.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

Many reviews highlight the spectacular scenery and friendly guides. One traveler likened the train ride to being “in a Harry Potter movie,” describing the vintage carriage’s charm and the lush surroundings.

Others appreciated the delicious regional food and the chance to explore Morretes and Antonina’s streets. Several reviews mention how the trip has become a memorable experience, with personal stories of long-lasting impressions.

Disappointments tend to revolve around boarding delays, crowded carriages, or communication issues—particularly regarding language barriers or the handling of last-minute changes. A few travelers also noted that parts of the final stop felt somewhat commercialized or rushed.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This train journey is ideal for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and foodies alike. It offers an immersive way to experience Brazil’s Atlantic rainforest, historic towns, and regional cuisine, all in a day’s outing.

It’s especially suited to those who appreciate vintage train travel and scenic vistas, and who are comfortable with group tours. If you’re seeking authenticity and comfort in equal measure, this tour ticks both boxes.

However, if you prefer more personalized experiences or dislike crowded environments, you might want to consider other options or arrive early to beat the crowds.

This tour represents a well-organized, scenic, and culturally rich day trip that offers good value, memorable sights, and authentic flavors.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from most Curitiba hotels, making the day hassle-free.

How long is the train ride?
The train journey lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes each way, passing through impressive landscapes.

What is Barreado?
Barreado is a traditional Paraná beef stew slowly cooked in a clay pot for over 12 hours, served over rice with fruit and manioc flour.

Can I visit Morretes and Antonina in one day?
Yes, the tour includes stops in both historic towns, with Morretes explored more thoroughly and Antonina visited briefly.

What’s the tour duration?
It’s about 9 hours, including transfers, sightseeing, and meals.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers, including families, can participate, as long as they’re comfortable with the group pace.

Are guides bilingual?
Guides are Portuguese-speaking; some reviews mention limited English, so check ahead if language is essential.

Are there any optional expenses?
Beverages and desserts are not included, so you might want to budget extra for drinks or snacks.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The return route might switch from Estrada da Graciosa to BR-277 for safety reasons, but the scenic experience generally remains impressive.

How do I book the tour?
You can reserve online in advance—most book about 28 days ahead—and be prepared for a full day of sightseeing.

This train trip from Curitiba to Morretes and Antonina offers a delightful mix of history, scenery, and regional flavors. It’s a chance to see Brazil from a nostalgic vintage carriage, while discovering charming towns that feel untouched by time. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or just after a memorable adventure, this journey provides a well-balanced taste of the region’s best.