August 20, 2003

• Serra Verde Express, Curitiba to Morretes, Brazil

  
  

  Whenever one comes to Curitiba, it is also advisable to take a train trip to either  Morretes or to Paranaguá. I had taken this trip before, but my other two friends hadn´t. There was no problem at all… It was amazing traveling again!

  
  

  I first learned of the Serra Verde Express through the web site of the State of Paranà. The trip claimed to be over spectacular scenery and that is what I found. The area is, sadly, one of the few remaining forests in the state that has been preserved in nearly its native state. The good news is that it is fairly large: once the train leaves the outskirts of Curitiba, we didn’t see anything other than equipment on railroad tracks until we arrived in Morretes.The train leaves Curitiba every day from the combined bus terminal and train station.

  
  

  

  
  

  Scenery along the line was quite spectacular. The line-side signal pole is made from old railroad rail. There were seveal tunnels and waterfalls along he ridge. On several occasions the line hugs the side of cliffs as it descends to the Atlantic Ocean.

  
  

  

  
  

  Morretes is a small community that at one time served as a junction between the main line, which continues to Paranaguà, and a branch line that goes to Antonina. Antonina was at one time an important port city in the region. It isn’t a deep enough port for the larger ships, and so it was in decline for a long period. However, this means that the city is a treasure for the tourist because it is a relatively small, calm community that is trying to develop a tourist economy.

  
  

   

  
  

  The restaurant we ate in includes an excellent view of the surrounding hills, as well as overlooking a very small river that runs through town.

  
  

  

  
  

  

  
  

  Serra Verde Express web site also has a few photos, plus this is who you contact to purchase tickets, in case of viting there….

  • 9:22 am
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