A great idea for a day-trip departing from Curitiba is the train ride to Morretes. This tourist train runs through the mountain region of Paraná, called Serra do Mar, going to the coast of the state, in a route full of beautiful nature and breathtaking views.

The construction of the railway officially started on February 1880, and it was considered an impossible achievement by many European Engineers due to the soil condition. The project aimed social development enabling communication between the cities of the Paraná coastal region to the State capital city, Curitiba. Moreover, it became essential to connect the Paranaguá port to the Brazilian southern states, making possible the crops exportation, in order to ensure their economic growth.

 The City of Morretes

Morretes is a small historic city on the coast of the Brazilian state of Paraná. With population of around 15,000 people, the city is known for its typical dish: the Barreado. Morretes natives attribute the origin of Barreado to indigenous people. Other versions of the story say that it was created by tropeiros, or donkey caravan tradesmen, or that the dish was locally created during Carnival, as a hearty food that could be prepared slowly while everyone was partying.

Whatever the origin, Barreado is a typical dish from Paraná State, Brazil, slow-cooked meat stew prepared in a clay pot whose lid is sealed with a sort of clay made from wheat or cassava flour, hence the name (which means, literally, “muddied”). After about 12 to 18 hours of cooking – a process which, in the past, was carried out in a hole in the ground – Barreado is served over cassava flour, with round banana slices and pepper. The meat juices are mixed with the flour to make pirão – a kind of gravy. Cachaça is the drink traditionally served with Barreado.

The Train Ride

The train departs from the Curitiba Railway Station (same place as the bus station: Avenida Presidente Afonso Camargo, 330). Through its 110 kilometers of extension, the railway is surrounded by amazing landscapes, with canyons, waterfalls and vegetal biodiversity. The journey along the centenary railroad, allows the visitor to admire the beauties of the Serra do Mar (Sea Mountain Range), crossing bridges, viaducts, valleys and tunnels excavated in solid rocks, work and pride of Brazilian engineering. The train trip takes 3 hours from Curitiba to Morretes train station, arriving at approximately 11:30 am.

The individual train ticket fares (quoted on March 2013) vary from R$46 to R$200, according to the wagon category (Coach, Touristic, Business class etc). You can purchase these tickets at Brazilian Experience!

Tip: Return to Curitiba through the Estrada da Graciosa (Graceful Road), built in 1873, and located at an area of environmental preservation passing by streams, waterfalls and sightseeing stops, enjoying the landscape.

Check out the pictures of some of our Exchange students on the Train Tour!