5 Best Sights in The South, Brazil

The 10-km-long (6-mile-long) Ilha do Mel, a state park in the Baía de Paranaguá, is the most popular destination on Paraná's coast. The island is crisscrossed by hiking trails—cars aren't allowed, and the number of visitors is limited to 5,000 at any one time—and has two villages, Encantadas and Nova Brasília, and several pristine beaches. Local lore has it that the east shore's Gruta das Encantadas (Enchanted Grotto) is frequented by mermaids. On the south shore check out the sights around Farol das Conchas (Lighthouse of the Shells) and its beach. From Forte de Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres (Our Lady of Pleasures Fort), built in 1767 on the east shore, take advantage of the great views of the forest-clad northern bay islands. The most scenic ferry rides leave from Paranaguá between 8 am and 1 pm (2 hours; R$39). More convenient are the ferries that depart from Pontal do Sul, 30 miles east of Paranaguá, every 30 minutes. Prices start at R$29. Both ferry routes are operated by Abaline. To ensure admission in the high season (December–March), book an island tour before you leave Curitiba.

The city's first church, Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosári was destroyed, sacked, and rebuilt several times, but its facade (circa 1578) is original.

Built in 1755, the Museu de Arqueologia e Etnologia (MAE) occupies a building that was once part of a Jesuit school. The collection here includes pieces found in excavations in the area, mostly in sambaquis—burial sites in shell-mounds built by native coastal-dwelling people. The museum also hosts temporary art exhibits.

The northern shore of Baía de Paranaguá is home to the 54,000-acre Parque Nacional de Superagüí and its complex system of coves, saltwater marshes, and forested islands—including Ilha Superagüí and Ilha das Peças. Most of these pristine settings containing animal and bird species unique to the Mata Atlântica are closed to visitors. You can, however, see many bird and animal species by basing yourself in the fishing village of Barra do Superagüí—reached by a three-hour ferry ride from Paranaguá's harbor. From the village, there is one trail open to visitors within the park, though your best bet for viewing wildlife is to explore the islands on a guided boat tour. Ask for local boat operators and guides in the Paranaguá ferry dock or at the park headquarters in Barra do Superagüí.