Things To Do
in Guatuba
Guaratuba is a sun-kissed coastal town in Paraná known for its expansive bay, long sandy beaches, and lush Atlantic Forest surrounding the shoreline. The town blends maritime charm with a strong fishing culture and a welcoming, laid-back vibe that appeals to families and surfers alike. Historic churches, a bustling waterfront, and easy access to nearby Ilha do Mel make Guaratuba a great base for day trips.
Visitors come to enjoy fresh seafood, sunset views, and outdoor adventures along the coast and in the surrounding nature reserves.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local café, enjoying freshly baked pão de queijo and a strong Brazilian coffee. After breakfast, stroll through the charming streets of Guatuba, where colonial architecture meets vibrant street art. Visit the Museu de Arqueologia e Etnologia to learn about the region's indigenous cultures and history.
For lunch, savor fresh seafood at a seaside restaurant, where you can taste the local specialty, moqueca. Post-lunch, take a guided walking tour to uncover the stories behind Guatuba’s historic buildings and landmarks. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon at the Praça dos Pescadores, soaking in the atmosphere and watching local fishermen at work.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot at a beachfront bar to enjoy a caipirinha while listening to live music. For dinner, indulge in a traditional Brazilian barbecue at a churrascaria, where you can sample various grilled meats. Conclude your evening with a scenic walk along the beach, where the sound of the waves creates a perfect backdrop.
Wake up early and head to Praia de Guaratuba for a morning filled with sun and sand. Rent a stand-up paddleboard or kayak to explore the clear waters while enjoying the stunning views of the coastline. After some water activities, relax on the beach with a refreshing coconut water in hand.
For lunch, try a beachside restaurant serving fresh fish tacos and local salads. Spend your afternoon engaging in thrilling water sports like jet skiing or banana boat rides, perfect for families and adventure seekers. Alternatively, simply unwind on the beach with a good book or take a leisurely swim in the ocean.
As evening approaches, gather for a beach bonfire with friends or family, enjoying roasted marshmallows and storytelling. Dine at a nearby restaurant where you can taste local specialties like grilled octopus and seafood risotto. End the night by watching the stars twinkle over the ocean, creating a magical atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two (mid-range restaurant) | $25-50 |
| 🍺Local beer (0.5L) at a bar | $2-5 |
| 🚌Public transit day pass | $3-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $60-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Great seafood and coastal scenery
- Relaxed, family-friendly vibe
- Good base for Ilha do Mel trips
- Reasonable prices compared to southern Brazil
- Limited nightlife compared with bigger cities
- Some areas require a car for full exploration
- Seasonal crowds and humidity can be high
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado(a)" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does this cost?
- "Onde fica..." - Where is...?
- "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
- "Não falo português bem" - I don't speak Portuguese well.
Places to Visit in Guatuba
Visit one of these nice places.
Long, sunlit boardwalk with surfers, fishing boats, and sea views—ideal for sunrise and golden-hour photography.
Elevated vantage point over the bay with expansive water, boats, and distant shoreline.
Hilltop lookout offering panoramic views of the coast and Guaratuba cityscape.
Colorful boats, turquoise water, and island-bound scenes; great for travel photography on departure or arrival.
Food in Guatuba
Guatuba Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Whole fish baked on a clay roof tile, typically served with rice, farofa, and lime.
Must-Try!
A fragrant fish stew made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, cilantro, and sometimes dendê oil; often served with rice.
Shrimp cooked in a creamy coconut sauce served inside a hollowed pumpkin; a local coastal favorite.
Fritters made with minced fish and herbs, a popular street snack and market treat.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
waterfront market offering fresh fish, fruits, vegetables, and regional snacks.
Indoor market with seafood counters, produce, bakeries, and casual eateries.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Portuguese is the main language; a polite greeting ( bom dia / boa tarde ) goes a long way. Address people as senhor/senhora in formal settings.
Keep voices relaxed and friendly; avoid loud, confrontational behavior in public spaces; tipping is modest and appreciated but not mandatory.
Safety
Tipping in Guatuba
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a 5-10% tip is appreciated if service is good; rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount for bar service is common in casual spots.
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; cash is still handy for markets and small stalls; many places also support Pix or mobile wallet payments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent showers; expect crowded beaches and vibrant nightlife along the waterfront. Bring sun protection, light clothing, and water-resistant gear.
Milder temperatures and lower humidity; ideal for hiking, scenic bays, and outdoor dining without peak crowds.
Cooler but usually still mild compared with southern Brazil; some rain possible and pleasant for offshore views and museums.
Warm and increasingly humid with blooming flora around trails and parks; good for wildlife spotting and island visits.
Guatuba at Night
Hiking in Guatuba
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, scenic hike to a lookout with views over Guaratuba Bay and Caiobá.
Gentle forest trails with birds and tropical flora, suitable for a day hike.
Airports
How to reach Guatuba by plane.
Curitiba-based hub about 100-150 km from Guaratuba; connections to major Brazilian cities and some international flights.
Smaller airstrip serving regional flights; limited schedules; many travelers use CWB for longer trips.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many visitors are families from Curitiba and nearby towns seeking beaches and nature.
Some residents enjoy a quieter coastal lifestyle with seasonal stays.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A staple pastime regionally; local games and casual play on beaches and fields.
Popular at Praia de Caiobá with beginner-friendly waves and local surf schools.
Common on public beaches and club areas; frequented by locals and visitors alike.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Guatuba.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Options exist, but the coast is seafood-heavy. Look for salads, grilled vegetables, rice and beans, and vegetarian dishes requested with vegetable stock.