RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Crossing the Atlantic Forest, the Serra Verde Express – which operates the famous trip between Curitiba and Morretes – is among the ten most beautiful train rides in the world!
The train ride in the Serra do Mar departing from Curitiba towards the historical city of Morretes and to Paranaguá (to Paranaguá only on Sundays), is perfect for those seeking an ecotourism and adventure tour, close to nature, with breathtaking landscapes.
The train ride that enchants tourists of all ages cuts through more than 150 kilometers across the Serra do Mar in a well-protected region of Atlantic forest. The train also crosses 30 bridges and 14 tunnels dug in the mountain range, on an 1885 railroad that is regarded as the most beautiful in the country.
The route encompasses several attractions of the Serra do Mar, such as the Caiguava Dam, the Roça Nova Tunnel, the Ipiranga River Dam, the Cadeado Sanctuary and several lookouts with incredible views. The Serra do Mar train departs from the Rodoferroviária station in the central region of Curitiba at 8:15 AM daily and features 3 categories of cars: tourist, executive, and luxury.
The tour is conducted by a guide who recounts some trivia about the train and stories that have happened since the construction of the railroad. Visitors may also view the driver’s cabin and other of the train’s cars.
Nature is undoubtedly the tour’s main attraction. Brazil currently has only seven percent of its Atlantic forest left, four percent of which can be found in this region. Paraná pine trees, the symbol-tree of this region, can be observed all along the tour,
The Paranaguá-Curitiba railroad, along which the train travels, was inaugurated in 1885 by Princess Isabel, and the coastal city of Morretes preserves much of the architecture since its foundation in 1733. Learn how much the train ride to Morretes costs and check out tips on how to organize your trip, where to eat and what to do.
Train ride to Morretes: best time to do it
Despite its cool, humid climate most of the year, this area of the state of Paraná is close to the coast and features a more pleasant climate, typically around 21° C. During the summer the climate is hot and the chance of rain is much lower.
The Serra do Mar train departs from Curitiba’s Railroad Station daily at 8:15 AM. The return from Morretes to Curitiba is scheduled for 3 PM. The tickets must be purchased on-site (Monday to Saturday, from 7 AM to 6:30 PM, and on Sundays, from 7 AM to 12 PM).
Whatever category you choose for your train trip in Paraná, buying the ticket in advance is recommended.
The Railroad Station is located in Jardim Botânico, a very central region of Curitiba. To get to the station you may use the public articulated buses and get off at the route’s final destination.
From Morretes to Curitiba
The return trip to Curitiba may be done by car, along the Estrada da Graciosa, a charming cobblestone road from the 19th century, a former muleteers route. A source of pride for Paraná people, it was declared by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve due to its abundant local fauna and flora.
The tour takes approximately four hours and there are different services provided on the train. The guide service is very useful because, in addition to finding out trivia and facts about the region, having someone telling you when and from which side the waterfalls, bridges or a section of some mountain will emerge enriches the experience.
Serra Verde Express offers several packages with other types of services included. In addition, there are a number of discounts during low season, such as cheaper fares on Wednesdays, free for students on their birthday and a 30 percent discount for blood donors.
For more information about fares, schedules, packages, and agreements: reach the Serra Verde Express operator by phone (41) 3888-3488 or through the company’s official website.