About the Port
Paranaguá sits on a wide coastal bay in Paraná state, its historic center lined with pastel colonial buildings, a lively waterfront market, and churches dating to the city's founding in the seventeenth century. Long one of Brazil's busiest cargo ports, it retains an easygoing, workaday charm that contrasts with the natural attractions nearby.
Most travelers use Paranaguá as a starting point rather than a destination in itself. The old town is easily explored on foot near the pier, while the surrounding region offers the dramatic rail route through the Serra do Mar mountains to Curitiba and boat access to the car-free island beaches of Ilha do Mel. The combination of colonial streets, rainforest scenery, and coastal islands makes it a practical and rewarding base for a day ashore.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Paranagua Brazil.
Ride the Serra Verde Express
This historic railway climbs through Serra do Mar's rainforest via viaducts and tunnels toward Curitiba, offering some of Brazil's most dramatic mountain scenery. The full trip runs several hours, so confirm timing against the ship's departure and book seats ahead.
Boat to Ilha do Mel
Ferries from the waterfront reach this car-free island of forested trails and quiet beaches in under an hour, a refreshing contrast to the port town's colonial streets.
Wander the Colonial Waterfront
Stroll the pastel facades and old churches near the pier, then browse the lively market stalls for local seafood and handicrafts, all within easy walking distance of the dock.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Paranagua Brazil
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 25, 2027 | Silversea | Silver Endeavour | 23 | $15,680 | |
| Jan 5, 2028 | Azamara | Azamara Quest | 68 | $25,149 | |
| Jan 5, 2028 | Silversea | Silver Shadow | 132 | $100,900 | |
| Jan 5, 2028 | Azamara | Azamara Quest | 77 | $28,029 | |
| Jan 24, 2028 | Azamara | Azamara Quest | 49 | $19,719 | |
| Jan 24, 2028 | Azamara | Azamara Quest | 58 | $23,009 | |
| Feb 15, 2028 | Silversea | Silver Shadow | 12 | $12,900 | |
| Feb 16, 2028 | Azamara | Azamara Quest | 35 | $12,129 | |
| Feb 16, 2028 | Azamara | Azamara Quest | 12 | $4,429 | |
| Feb 16, 2028 | Azamara | Azamara Quest | 26 | $9,139 | |
| Mar 18, 2028 | Ponant Cruises | Le Boreal | 10 | $7,900 | |
| Mar 12, 2029 | Ponant Cruises | Le Lyrial | 10 | $7,370 | |
| Mar 17, 2029 | Ponant Cruises | Le Boreal | 10 | $7,370 |