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Paranagua (Paranaguá) is one of Brazil’s oldest cities, offering a mix of colonial history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty. As the gateway to the stunning Ilha do Mel and other nearby islands, this charming port town holds treasures for curious travelers looking to explore a side of Brazil often overlooked.
This post covers Paranagua, 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
A stroll through Paranagua’s historic center feels like stepping back in time. Founded in the 1600s, Paranagua retains much of its colonial charm, with well-preserved buildings reflecting the Portuguese settlement era. Among these, the iconic Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário stands out. With its simple yet elegant design, this church was built in 1578, making it one of the oldest in Brazil. You’ll also find the Museu de Arqueologia e Etnologia, which offers insights into the region’s indigenous heritage and colonial past.
For nature lovers, Paranagua is a convenient hub for exploring the nearby coastal wonders. A short boat ride will take you to the famous Ilha do Mel, a paradise known for its pristine beaches, hiking trails, and historical landmarks like the Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres.
As a port city, seafood is king here. Freshly caught fish, shrimp, and the local specialty barreado, a slow-cooked beef stew, offer a taste of traditional coastal Paraná cuisine. Enjoying a meal in one of the local restaurants while overlooking the serene waters of the bay is an experience not to be missed.
Paranagua combines the charm of the past with the natural beauty of the present, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Brazil.
Paranagua
- State: Paraná
- Population: 156,000
- Official language(s): Brazilian Portuguese
- Currency: Real/reais (R$)
- Climate: Cfa (humid subtropical)
- Safe to visit: Yes
- Cost of living: Low
When to Visit
The best time to visit Paranagua is during the off-peak seasons, which fall between March and June and from late August to early December. These months offer mild weather, fewer tourists, and a more relaxed atmosphere.
During this time, you can explore the town’s historical sites, enjoy the local cuisine, and take trips to nearby islands like Ilha do Mel without the summer holiday rush that occurs from December to February.
Avoiding major Brazilian holidays and school vacation periods will also help you experience Paranagua with fewer crowds.
Getting Around
Santos Dumont Airport (PNG) is Paranagua’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.
Paranagua’s central bus terminal is at Ponta do Caju. You may need a bus pass to take local buses.
Uber, inDrive, BlaBlaCar, and taxis are available in Paranagua.
Where to Stay
The best neighborhoods to stay in Paranagua include the historic center, where you’ll be close to colonial architecture and cultural attractions, and the waterfront area of Rocio, which offers scenic views and easy access to boat tours.
Paranagua has a handful of budget-friendly hostels and affordable hotels.
Airbnb is available in Paranagua. 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 Paranagua include:
Historic Center: Explore the cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and landmarks like the Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário.
Museu de Arqueologia e Etnologia da UFPR: Learn about the region’s indigenous history and colonial heritage.
Ilha do Mel: Take a boat trip to this car-free island for beaches, hiking, and the Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres.
Aquário Marinho de Paranaguá: Visit this aquarium to see marine life from Brazil’s coastal regions.
Barreado Festival: Experience this local slow-cooked beef dish at the festival or in restaurants throughout the city.
Paranagua Bay: Enjoy a boat tour around the scenic bay, spot dolphins, or visit nearby islands.
Mercado Municipal do Café: Shop for local crafts and coffee and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this historic market.
Rua da Praia: Stroll along this waterfront street filled with restaurants, shops, and a great port view.
Táxi Náutico: Take a boat tour, see dolphins, passing ships, and city views.
Discover more things to do, attractions, and tours in Paranagua and surrounding areas.
Shopping and Gyms
The best shopping malls in Paranagua are Estação Mall and Open Shopping.
Paranagua’s best gyms include Olympia Gym and Academia Clube da Elite.
The best supermarkets in Paranagua are Condor, Max Muffato, and Bavaresco.
Safety and Crime
Paranagua is safe to visit. The historic center and tourist areas are typically well-patrolled, but petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded spots and around the port. It’s advisable to avoid poorly lit or less busy areas at night and keep valuables secure.
Consult your government’s travel advisories for more details.
Cost of Living
Paranagua’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.
Paranagua’s living costs are about 67% lower than Dallas’s.
- Rent prices in Paranagua are 67% lower than in Dallas, TX.
- Restaurant prices in Paranagua are 72% lower than in Dallas, TX.
- Groceries prices in Paranagua are 62% 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 Paranagua include Hospital Regional do Litoral, PrimeCare – Centro Médico, and Instituto Global Saúde – Gabriel de Lara. Pharmacies are plentiful and include independents and chains, including Farmácias Nissei, Droga Raia, and Farmácia Preço Popular.
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.
Real Estate
Visit REMAX Brazil and Century21 Brazil for Brazilian real estate and rentals.
Nearby Cities
- Curitiba
- Ponta Grossa
- Joinville
- Itajaí
- Balneário Camboriú
Updated: October 17, 2024