Train Tour Curitiba Morretes

Brazil's Serra do Mar is a mountain range that stretches from Espírito Santo in the north to Santa Catarina in the south. Until the arrival of the first European settlers, this region, covering 16% of Brazil's total area, was completely covered by Atlantic Rain Forest. Today only about eight percent of the original Atlantic Rain Forest area remains, but it is still the most species-diverse Rain Forest in the world. Seven percent of the world's known animal species and 25% of Brazil's plant species can be found in this area.

Paraná alone has 12 million km² of Atlantic Rain Forest covering the entire Serra do Mar and parts of the lowlands on the coast. The forest is dense and lush, with a rare beauty and richness of fauna and flora.

The single-track line through the Serra do Mar is one of the highlights of Paraná. Opened in 1880, it was one of the biggest engineering challenges of the era. The track starts in Curitiba, 934 metres above the ocean, and ends in Morretes, just a couple of metres above sea level. The distance to Morretes is approximately 70 km. It is considered one of the most impressive train rides of the world through dense, lush tropical vegetation of the Atlantic Rain Forest, with breathtaking views of numerous bridges and landscapes.

Transfer from the hotel to the railway station at 7:30.

The train will leave for Morretes through Serra do Marat 8:15 and arrive at Morretes at about 11:15. Participants are allowed to explore the village with its colonial houses, handicraft market and church.

Lunch will be at the waterside of the Nhundiaquara River. Barreado, a typical meal of the coast of Paraná will be served with rice, cassava flour, bananas, fish and seafood. (Barreado is boiled beef cooked in a closed casket for many hours.)

Visit to the harbour town of Antonina with its beautiful bay.

Return to Curitiba along the Estrada da Graciosa, with many curves crossing through the forest. Arrive at Curitiba at approximately 5 pm.

"Touristico" Category: Economy class cabin including board service with soft drinks, snacks and a local guide (Portuguese speaking).

It is also possible to book the "Executivo" Category with an English speaking guide on board. Supplement for up-grade to executive category: R$ 30 - per person.

What the tour includes:

• Private transportation in car or van, depending on the number of participants
• Train ticket in "turista" category with snacks, soft drinks and a Portuguese speaking guide on board (the "executivo" category up-grade is available for R$ 30 per person)
• Lunch in Morretes (barreado and fish; beverages and dessert are not included)
• Local English speaking guide (Spanish, French or German speaking guides are available. Kindly specify preference at the time of booking.)