Curitiba Airport Mini Guide
I’ve Heard That Curitiba is a Great Place to Visit
Curitiba may not be top of people’s must visit places in Brazil but it has so much of interest that travellers in the know suggest it time and again as a great place to spend at least a few days. The city has a wonderful historic centre with many buildings over 300 years old. With its multicultural origins, the city has set up memorials to many cultures, all of which make for fascinating visits, the best of which being the Japan Square, the Jerusalem Fountain and the Arab Memorial. For a fantastic day out, take the Serra Verde Train to Morretes on the coast - the journey twists and winds its way through unspoilt rainforest with plunging ravines and raging torrents.
How do I get to Curitiba?
The best way is to fly into Afonso Pena International Airport, eleven miles from Curitiba’s centre. The airport takes dozens of flights daily from all over South America including
Bogota,
Santiago and
Lima although travellers from outside the continent will need to connect within South America before continuing their journey. It’s very easy to get into the city, eleven miles away, as buses, taxis and car rental are all available at the airport. A direct highway leads into the city centre with clear directions to the various areas.
What is the Airport Like?
The airport is big but is still stretched to overcapacity. The terminal was constructed to handle 4.5m passengers and currently handles over a million more. As Curitiba was a host city for the 2014 World Cup, the authorities had begun an expansion plan to cope with the expected congestion. The airport has excellent facilities including over sixty shops in a mall and many places to eat.
What Should I do When I Arrive?
The terminal building has six jet ways to help people disembark conveniently and international travellers should then present their passports before collecting their luggage. The airport appears huge with soaring steel arches and so if you can’t find your way around, in the main arrivals hall, staff at the information desk can help you, There’s an HSBC currency exchange facility should you need it and a post office. Public transport can be picked up outside the terminal and the car hire companies have their desks at the far end of the terminal, near the exits.
What About When I Leave Curitiba?
Check your bags in and then hurry to the shopping mall at Afonso Pena. There are sixty shops and restaurants eager to part you from your money and the range on offer is excellent. Jewellery, chocolate, coffee, gifts plus clothes, leather goods and sunglasses, the list seems endless. The restaurants are great too, catering for all tastes; those who want their last taste of traditional Brazilian food will not be disappointed neither will those who are happy with a Big Mac.
Afonso Pena Airport is your gateway to the cultural charms of the city of Curitiba. Capital of Parana province, Curitiba has attractions drawn from many global cultures in the hope of developing world harmony from the city. There are some great things to experience such as the Wire Opera building which can house 50,000 people and plays hosts to major productions throughout the year.
24 Horas Street is another fantastic place to hang out, emblematic of a city that doesn’t sleep, the street is carefully planned with facilities that ensure you can survive 24 hours without sleeping.