Paranagua is a small city in the state of Parana in Brazil. Paranaguá means "big round sea" ( with reference to the big wide bay ) in the Tupi-Guarani language. It is Parana's oldest city. It is said that the city was originally founded somewhere around 1550 on the island of Cotinga, and later expanded onto the mainland.
It is 77 kms. by road from Curitiba.
PARANAGUA PORT
It is known for its excellent port facilities, being the busiest seaport for Curitiba, the capital of Parana. It is the 2nd most important port in Brazil, and is known especially for grain export. From here soybean from Paraná, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul and Paraguay are exported to the World.
OLD HISTORIC BUILDINGS
The city preserves many of the oldest colonial remnants in Parana.
CHURCHES
Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rocio; an important peregrination place in Paraná, as devotees come from all over Brazil to visit and pray. The image of the Lady of Rocio was found by fishermen that built the chapel here in 1813.( Shown in the picture below) Paranagua has many more historic churches. This is the only one I could see in this trip.
OLD CITY MARKET
One of the oldest restaurant in the Market place. The restaurants here are famous for their fresh sea-food delicacies.
CLUBE DO MAR
View from ' Club do Mar '
People owning private yatchs can become members of the club. Their yatchs are maintained by the club and ready for them to use during their visits.
BEACHES & ISLANDS
At a distance on the other side of the beach is " Ilha do Mel " ( Honey Island) A paradise on earth : no roads, no cars; only sandy trails linking beaches and smalls villages with the maximum capacity of 5,000 people allowed on the island. There are small but comfortable Pousadas / guest houses if you like to stay on the island. ( will post the pictures when I visit the island ) Paranagua is the only departure point to this island.
SERRA VERDE EXPRESS
Another tourist attraction is The Exciting Train Tour from Curitiba to Morretes ( an 18th-century town) and Paranaguá. " Serra Verde Express " ( Green Mountain Express) The railway is considered an engineering masterpiece. Its construction began in 1880 and ended in 1885, crossing 110 km through the Atlantic Rain Forest. There are 14 tunnels and bridges to link Curitiba, located about 900 m above sea level; same as Paranaguá. You can witness the amazing beauty of the valley, waterfalls. In the months of April / May the trees are in full bloom with yellow and purple flowers. It really looks like a Paradise on Earth.
