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Cascavel is a small but vibrant city that often escapes the itineraries of many travelers exploring Brazil. While most visitors flock to the iconic beaches of Rio de Janeiro or the cultural hubs like São Paulo, Cascavel offers a more laid-back experience with its blend of urban charm, rich agricultural heritage, and a close-knit community vibe.
This post covers Cascavel, 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
Cascavel offers a variety of urban attractions. The city boasts an impressive array of parks, including the beloved Lago Municipal, a scenic lakeside park perfect for an afternoon stroll or a boat ride. The city’s vibrant markets, lively festivals, and thriving arts scene offer visitors plenty of ways to immerse themselves in the local lifestyle.
Cascavel’s surrounding nature is equally impressive. A short drive from the city takes you to the stunning Cascavel Ecological Park, where hiking trails wind through lush forests teeming with wildlife. Nature lovers can also take day trips to attractions like Iguazu Falls, just a few hours away, making Cascavel an excellent base for exploring some of Brazil’s most iconic landscapes.
One of the city’s highlights is its location within the fertile plains of Paraná, a region known for its agriculture. Cascavel is a vital hub in Brazil’s agribusiness sector, producing everything from soybeans to corn. That makes it an ideal destination for those interested in rural tourism and learning more about Brazil’s farming backbone.
Visitors can tour nearby farms, sample local produce, and even get involved in hands-on experiences. This agricultural influence is also evident in the local cuisine, with hearty, farm-fresh meals being a staple in restaurants throughout the city.
Cascavel is a city where the charm of rural Brazil meets the comforts of a modern urban center, all set against the backdrop of Paraná’s breathtaking landscapes.
Cascavel
- State: Paraná
- Population: 348,000
- 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 Cascavel is during the off-peak seasons, from April to June and August to October. During those months, the weather is mild, and the city experiences fewer tourists, making it easier to explore the local attractions without the hustle and bustle of peak season.
Since Cascavel isn’t a major tourist hotspot, visiting during quieter months allows for a more laid-back and authentic experience of the city’s culture and natural beauty.
Getting Around
Aeroporto de Cascavel – Cel. Adalberto Mendes da Silva (CAC) is Cascavel’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.
Cascavel’s central bus terminal is located at Av. Assunção, 1757. You may need a bus pass to take local buses.
Uber, inDrive, BlaBlaCar, and taxis are available in Cascavel.
Where to Stay
The best neighborhoods in Cascavel are Centro, which offers convenient access to shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, and Bairro Neva, a quieter residential area known for its parks and local charm.
Cascavel offers various accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to affordable hotels.
Airbnb is available in Cascavel. 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 Cascavel include:
Lago Municipal de Cascavel: A beautiful park with a large lake, perfect for walking, boating, and enjoying nature.
Cascavel Art Museum: Showcases local and regional art, offering insight into the city’s creative culture.
Catedral Nossa Senhora Aparecida: A stunning modern cathedral and one of the city’s architectural highlights.
Zoológico de Cascavel: Home to various native species, it’s an excellent place for families and wildlife enthusiasts.
Ecological Park Paulo Gorski: A natural retreat with trails, picnic areas, and birdwatching opportunities.
Teatro Municipal de Cascavel: Check out local performances, theater productions, and cultural events.
Mercado Municipal: A vibrant market where you can sample local produce, artisanal goods, and Brazilian specialties.
Centro Cultural Gilberto Mayer: A hub for cultural events, exhibitions, and performances celebrating local talent.
Cascavel Racetrack: A must for motorsports fans, hosting national and international races.
Waterfall Salto Portão: A scenic spot for hiking and experiencing the region’s natural beauty, located just outside the city.
Discover more things to do, attractions, and tours in Cascavel and surrounding areas.
Shopping and Gyms
The best shopping malls in Cascavel are West Side Shopping Center, Cascavel JL Shopping, and Shopping São Paulo.
Cascavel’s best gyms include Brasil Fitness Academia, Academia Vida & Saude, and Arms Gym.
The best supermarkets in Cascavel are Super Muffato, Irani Supermercados, and Festval.
Safety and Crime
Cascavel is safe to visit, especially in the main tourist areas. Petty or violent crimes against tourists are rare. Police are present in Cascavel’s Centro.
Consult your government’s travel advisories for more details.
Cost of Living
Cascavel’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.
Cascavel’s living costs are about 72% lower than Dallas’s.
- Rent prices in Cascavel’s are 87% lower than in Dallas, TX.
- Restaurant prices in Cascavel’s are 58% lower than in Dallas, TX.
- Groceries prices in Cascavel’s are 64% 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 Cascavel are Centro Médico-Hospitalar Gênesis and Hospital Uopeccan de Cascavel. 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.
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
- Ponta Grossa
- Apucarana
- Foz do Iguaçu
Updated: October 17, 2024