Paraná is a state in southern Brazil. With its strong northern European heritage, its culture is probably unlike most foreigners' image of Brazil.

Regions

Regions of Paraná

Northwest

North The north "coast" borders the State of São Paulo. Water sports, fishing and leisure.

West The west "coast" has the Iguaçu Falls and National Park, and the giant Itaipu power plant.

Iguaçu Valleys Bordering the State of Santa Catarina, water sports on Lake Itaipu.

Central and South Central This central region attracts rural tourism.

Campos Gerais do Paraná Land of fields close to Curitiba. Curious rocky formations and canyons near Vila Velha.

Grande Curitiba The metropolitan region contains the state's capital and its neighboring areas.

Coast The state's coast has several bays and mangroves, the mountains of the Serra do Mar and its mata atlântica forests, as well as beaches and eco-tourism at Ilha do Mel

Cities

• Curitiba - the capital, known worldwide for its innovative urban planning

• Campo Largo
• Capitão Leonidas Marques
• Cascavel
• Foz do Iguaçu
• Londrina
• Maringá
• Ponta Grossa
• Prudentópolis
• Vila Velha

Other destinations

• Iguaçu Falls - the world-famous waterfall.
• Iguaçu National Park
• Ilha do Mel
• Superagüi National Park near Guaraqueçaba

See

Atlantic forests

• The Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves — a UNESCO World Heritage site