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Ponta Grossa remains a secret for those seeking an authentic slice of Brazilian life away from the bustling tourist hubs. Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors like Curitiba and Foz do Iguaçu, Ponta Grossa offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and local charm that captivates any curious traveler.
This post covers Ponta Grossa, when to visit, getting around, where to stay, safety, and attractions. We’ll also delve into considerations for those seeking to remain long-term, like living costs and healthcare.
Overview
As you wander through Ponta Grossa, the city’s vibrant culture and welcoming atmosphere immediately stand out. With its tree-lined streets, colorful markets, and warm-hearted residents, it’s a place where tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously.
The city’s architecture reflects a blend of colonial heritage and contemporary influences, giving visitors a sense of its storied past while showcasing its progressive spirit. From its historic buildings to its lively public squares, each corner of Ponta Grossa tells a story.
Just a short drive from the city center, you’ll find yourself amidst lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and stunning rock formations. The surrounding areas, such as the scenic Parque Estadual de Vila Velha, offer excellent opportunities for hiking, nature photography, and exploring Brazil’s diverse flora and fauna. These natural wonders are perfect for those looking to escape the urban grind and immerse themselves in the serene beauty of southern Brazil.
The local cuisine draws from traditional Brazilian fare and innovative culinary trends and is a delightful adventure. From cozy eateries serving up hearty feijoada to charming cafes offering delectable pastries and artisanal coffee, the city’s dining scene will tantalize your taste buds.
Ponta Grossa has a small but vibrant cultural scene. The local arts community thrives with numerous festivals, exhibitions, and performances that showcase the region’s creative spirit.
Ponta Grossa
- State: Paraná
- Population: 355,000
- Official language(s): Brazilian Portuguese
- Currency: Real/reais (R$)
- Climate: Cfb (temperate oceanic)
- Safe to visit: Yes
- Cost of living: Low
When to Visit
The best time to visit Ponta Grossa is during the shoulder seasons, from March to May and September to November. During those months, you’ll experience milder weather and fewer tourists than during peak holiday periods.
Getting Around
Aeroporto de Ponta Grossa (PGZ) is Ponta Grossa’s main airport. LATAM Brazil, Azul, and GOL lead Brazil’s airline sector and serve Latin America, North America, the Caribbean, Oceania, Asia, and Europe.
Rental car options include Hertz, National, Alamo, Enterprise, and Localiza. Consider getting an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) to ensure that local authorities in the foreign country where you will drive understand your domestic driving license. An IDP will certify and translate your home country’s license to use abroad. That will be incredibly convenient in Brazil, where English speakers aren’t widespread.
Ponta Grossa’s central bus terminal is at Av. Visconde de Taunay, 602. You may need a bus pass to take local buses.
Uber, inDrive, BlaBlaCar, and taxis are available in Ponta Grossa.
Where to Stay
The best neighborhoods to stay in Ponta Grossa include the Centro and Uvaranas.
Ponta Grossa offers various accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to affordable hotels.
Airbnb is available in Ponta Grossa. For long-term stays, you can book one to three months through the platform and then deal with the host privately. Many homeowners and travelers prefer private arrangements to avoid Airbnb’s high fees. You can also search Vrbo for vacation rentals and private homes.
Things to Do
The top things to do in Ponta Grossa include:
Parque Estadual de Vila Velha: Explore its impressive sandstone formations, lagoons, and hiking trails.
Catedral de Ponta Grossa: Visit this stunning neo-Gothic cathedral in the city center.
Castelo Medieval: Enjoy the park’s castle-like architecture and its beautiful gardens.
Parque Linear de Ponta Grossa is a scenic park along the city’s riverside, ideal for walking, jogging, and relaxing.
Museu Campos Gerais: Discover the region’s history, culture, and art through its diverse exhibits.
Feira do Lago: Experience the vibrant local market featuring crafts, food, and regional products.
Discover more things to do, attractions, and tours in Ponta Grossa and surrounding areas.
Shopping and Gyms
The best shopping malls in Ponta Grossa are Palladium Shopping Center Ponta Grossa and Shopping Total.
Ponta Grossa’s best gyms include World Gym, Academia Iron Gym, and Academia Bio Ativa.
The best supermarkets in Ponta Grossa are Super Muffato and Supermercado Condor.
Safety and Crime
Ponta Grossa is safe to visit. Petty or violent crimes against tourists are rare. Police are present in Ponta Grossa’s Centro and main tourist areas. Avoid wandering into unfamiliar areas late at night. Stick to well-lit streets, especially after dark.
Consult your government’s travel advisories for more details.
Cost of Living
Ponta Grossa’s living costs are low, with accommodation, food, and transportation well below the prices of other major cities.
Dallas, Texas, is a good representation of the average cost of living in the U.S.; it is neither extremely expensive like New York or San Francisco nor particularly cheap like Mississippi or Arkansas.
Ponta Grossa’s living costs are about 75% lower than Dallas’s.
- Rent prices in Ponta Grossa are 86% lower than in Dallas, TX.
- Restaurant prices in Ponta Grossa are 71% lower than in Dallas, TX.
- Groceries prices in Ponta Grossa are 67% lower than in Dallas, TX.
Healthcare
Brazil’s healthcare system includes public and private hospitals. Public hospitals suffer from supply shortages, overcrowding, and long wait times. Private hospitals charge a premium and provide better care, equipment, and services.
The best hospitals and medical centers in Ponta Grossa include Hospital Universitário Regional dos Campos Gerais and Hospital do Coração Bom Jesus. Pharmacies are plentiful and include independents and chains, including Farmácias Nissei, Droga Raia, and Panvel Farmácias.
Health insurance providers are available nationally and locally. They operate in Portuguese, so you might consider getting insurance from a company that operates globally, like SafetyWing or WorldTrips. That will make policy and claim management much easier should a medical concern or incident arise.
Explore Ponta Grossa’s other quality-of-life factors.
Mobile and Internet
Vivo, Claro, and TIM dominate Brazil’s mobile, T.V., and internet sectors.
If you’re planning a short visit to Brazil, consider buying an eSim to save on roaming fees. Nomad and Jetpac offer the best rates and plans.
Real Estate
Visit Remax Brazil and Century21 Brazil for Brazilian real estate and rentals.
Read: How to Open a Bank Account in Brazil.
Nearby Cities
- Londrina
- Maringá
- Curitiba
- Apucarana
- Foz do Iguaçu
Updated: October 17, 2024