This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel.
Located on the Paraná Coast, Paranagua is the oldest city in the state and was founded in the seventeenth century, when gold was discovered. The city is famous for its port (Porto de Paranagua), one of those biggest in Brazil. The city is in constant growth, which makes Paranagua the most important city in the Coast of Paraná. Paranagua is only about seventy kilometers from Curitiba, the capital of Paraná's State. While Paranagua isn't known for its hostels, there are other accommodation options.
At the city, it's possible to buy fresh fish and seafood directly from fishermen; also there are a lot of restaurants and bars where you can test the local cuisine. You should try barreado -- a typical slow-cooked meat stew prepared in a clay pot whose lid is sealed with a sort of clay made from wheat or cassava flour, hence the name (which means, literally, “muddied”). It is very tasty!
There are a few fairs where local people sell arts -- it is a perfect place to buy a gift or a souvenir from Brazil. Those fairs also have local foods to sell like candies or jellies.
It's also possible go to the Ilha do Mel (Honey Island), a very famous island near from the city. You will need take a boat to go there; the trip lasts around forty-five minutes, but is totally worth it. The city does have train lines, which lead you to the capital. It is a cheap tour and very beautiful, because you go through inside of a forest that hasn't been touched by the hand of man. It's unique! Also, the train is quite charming.
Written by local expertz for Paranagua
Rafaavs
