Ponta Grossa is a little-known destination in Paraná, but full of natural attractions that delight visitors. The city, which is close to the state capital, has parks surrounded by nature and breathtaking landscapes. It’s the perfect getaway for those who want to avoid the stress of big cities. Check out the guide below and create your travel itinerary!
Where is Ponta Grossa
Ponta Grossa is 120 km from the capital Curitiba, on top of a hill in Campos Gerais do Paraná. Florianópolis is 416 km away and São Paulo is 510 km away.
How to get
The small Ponta Grossa airport has few flight options, and at expensive prices. Therefore, it is common for travelers to arrive at Curitiba airport and travel by car or bus. The bus station offers trips to Ponta Grossa. If you go by car, don’t worry, as the road has good infrastructure.
Finally, know that the main access highway is BR-376, dual carriageway and with tolls. To get around the city, be willing to rent a car, as many attractions are far from each other.
History of Ponta Grossa
Ponta Grossa was part of the famous Rota dos Tropeiros, in 1704, the time when the name of the city supposedly emerged. The origin of the name is connected to a large hill, which could be seen from any angle by anyone traveling through the region. The arrival of the rails allowed commercial and cultural growth. European immigrants, such as Ukrainians, Germans, Poles and Italians, then began to disembark there.
The city is known as the “Princess of Fields”, but no one knows exactly why. They speculate that it is just an affectionate nickname for the residents, as the city is located in Campos Gerais do Paraná. The history of Ponta Grossa’s neighborhoods is closely related to landscapes and, therefore, their names were connected to nature, such as Boa Vista, Chapada and Jardim Carvalho. Along with neighboring cities, such as Carambeí, Palmeira and Teixeira Soares, Ponta Grossa has been gaining more and more notoriety in tourism.
What to do in Ponta Grossa
One of the advantages of traveling to Ponta Grossa is that the destination guarantees unforgettable tours at any time of the year. However, if you want to enjoy attractions surrounded by nature, with waterfalls and natural pools, the summer months are ideal. Discover the attractions of Ponta Grossa.
1. Vila Velha Park
Vila Velha State Park is a popular tourist spot in Ponta Grossa. It is common for tourists to go straight to the destination, which offers incredible trails. To visit Furnas and Lagoa Dourada, you need to follow a paved trail, the forest trail or the sandstone trail. In addition, the park has a canopy tour, a stationary balloon ride, a zip line, a night walk and a 22 km cycle tour route.
2. Priest Hole
Buraco do Padre is located in a park of the same name. It is a geological fault in rocks 40 m deep, where a waterfall falls. Access is also simple: a wooden walkway connects to this stunning landscape. There are zip lines and a night experience in the park, which are paid separately.
- Entry price: the standard ticket is R$48. Birthdays pay R$0.99. Parking costs R$12.
- Opening hours: daily, from 9am to 4:30pm, but appointments are required.
3. Nun’s Slot
Fenda da Freira is also within the Buraco do Padre Park, but it is an attraction in its own right. In other words, in addition to the park entrance fee of R$48, you will need to pay another R$40 to see the landscape. It is a 300 m corridor between sandstone rock formations. The tour has a monitor, who accompanies visitors and explains about the attraction.
- Opening hours: daily, from 9am to 4:30pm, but appointments are required.
4. Mariquinha Waterfall
Take the road for 24 km to reach the entrance to Cachoeira da Mariquinha. Park the car and walk another 15 minutes along a trail to a 30-meter waterfall that plunges into a well, a beautiful natural pool. It is a place for contemplation and also to cool off from the heat. There are bathrooms and a small snack bar on site.
- Entry price: R$30 for adults, R$40 for camping.
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday and holidays, from 9am to 7pm.
5. Capão da Onça
A small resort with natural pools that form small beaches, as well as small waterfalls and rapids. It is an outdoor space that attracts many residents for a day of rest. Barbecue facilities and a snack bar are part of the structure. Capão da Onça is 15 km from Ponta Grossa. Along the way, there is a small stretch of dirt road.
- Entry price: R$20 for adults.
- Opening hours: daily, from 9am to 6pm.
6. São Jorge Canyon and São Jorge River Waterfall
Travel 18 km from the center of Ponta Grossa, 8 km of which is dirt road, to reach a municipal conservation unit. Nature is the main attraction, with waterfalls, one of which is 30 m high. The structure has a restaurant and a camping area.
- Entry price: R$20 for adults, R$40 for camping.
- Opening hours: daily, from 9am to 9pm.
7. Furnas Gêmeas in the Curucacas Refuge
27 km from Ponta Grossa is Refúgio das Curucacas, with trails, the famous Pedra da Onça and areas for camping and climbing. The main attraction are the twin caves, covered in vegetation that form a perfect place to watch the sunset. The attraction is also known as Furnas do Passo do Pupo.
- Entry price: R$40 for adults.
- Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday, from 9am to 7pm.
8. Shopping Palladium
With several stores gathered in one place, Shopping Palladium is considered one of the largest shopping centers in Ponta Grossa. There you will find everything you need. In addition to the shops, you can enjoy other attractions within the establishment, as well as explore the gastronomy.
9. Resurrection Abbey
In the monastery, there is a community of 30 monks who share the teachings of the Rule of Saint Benedict. In addition to welcoming guests, the Resurrection Abbey welcomes visitors who want to learn a little about the culture. It is possible to pass by the woods, the chapel and the local store. Entry is free and no appointment is required. The chapel is open every day for anyone who wants to participate in Holy Mass.
10. Restaurants in Ponta Grossa
There are excellent places to eat in Ponta Grossa, with menus to please all palates. You can taste the best dishes at Tomate Seco Restaurante e Pizzeria, Sete Fusion Cuisine, the Italian Miro Cozinha e Vinho, Famiglia Zaparolli and La Gôndola, the latter offering great value for money.
Also visit the center of Ponta Grossa, with some buildings with ancient architecture. Security in Ponta Grossa is high, so it is possible to stroll around the region peacefully.
Hotel in Ponta Grossa
Despite being a city with a rural atmosphere, the hotels have excellent infrastructure, ideal for those who want to spend time in the region. Check out where to stay in Ponta Grossa.
- Hotel 10 Ponta Grossa – $: 8 km from the center of Ponta Grossa is one of the most popular hotels for those looking to save money. The accommodation is on the banks of BR-376 and accommodates up to 8 people. Hotel 10 is modern and pet friendly.
- Village Hotel Ponta Grossa – $$: This hotel in the center of Ponta Grossa has classic decor and accommodation divided into standard, luxury and VIP, all spacious. The breakfast is praised, with homemade options on the menu.
- iBis Ponta Grossa – $$: the hotel that follows the iBis chain standard and is an economical option in Ponta Grossa. The location is the strong point, 4 minutes from Palladium Shopping and 10 km from the airport. Simple but comfortable and modern rooms. There is an outdoor terrace on the top floor.
- Bourbon Ponta Grossa Convention Hotel – $$: The hotel is located 18 km from the airport and is usually a place to stay for business travelers. It is also a hotel chosen for holding events, due to the space. Double rooms are comfortable for a night’s sleep. The presidential suite even has a mini kitchenette.
- Slavieiro Ponta Grossa – $$$: hotel for those who want to stay close to the Vila Velha State Park, 17 km away. It is modern, with large rooms that accommodate up to 4 people. Furthermore, it is pet friendly.
Hotels tend to receive many travelers who are in a road trip, as it is the route to other destinations in Brazil. In the options listed above, you can make a strategic stop to rest.
Ponta Grossa reviews and video guides
The selection of videos below shows the main attractions of Ponta Grossa, with tips from those who have already visited the place. Therefore, they are worth noting. Press play and check out the YouTubers’ experiences in the best tourist spots!
Ecotourism in Ponta Grossa
Take a tour with Canal Só Para Consulter through Vila Velha Park, home to incredible landscapes, such as waterfalls. Furthermore, they went to discover the Priest’s Hole. The couple’s main tip is to visit the city by car, to save time and avoid fatigue.
Vila Velha State Park: the main attraction of Ponta Grossa
The nature and landscapes of the State Park are part of this Scratching the Map video with Talis and Maycon. The couple showed what transportation to the destination is like. At the tourist spot, there was a guide present explaining the history of the place. See what the nature around you is like.
Buraco do Padre: an unforgettable tour
The Latitude Infinita channel showed whether it is worth visiting the famous Buraco do Padre Park. The images will definitely motivate you to take this trip. They visited during the pandemic, so it is possible that there will be changes to some park rules.
Before traveling, remember to decide which spots you want to visit first to draw up a convenient itinerary, as many locations can be far away. Take the opportunity to take beautiful photos during your trip, like the ones you will see in the next topic.
7 photos of Ponta Grossa to complete your itinerary
Check out stunning images of the destination of Paraná, as well as some extra attractions that have not been mentioned so far.
1. Vila Velha Park is the main attraction
2. Buraco do Padre has beautiful natural landscapes
5. Just like the incredible Fenda da Freira
4. Saudade Station is the old train station
6. Porto Brazos is a winery that functions as a restaurant
5. The Sant’Ana Cathedral enchants with its rounded architecture
7. Enjoy the sunset from any angle
Ponta Grossa offers, without a doubt, a pleasant walk through the nature of Paraná. Now, if you are looking for a little more movement and a big city, you can discover the attractions in Maringá, considered the best city to live in Brazil.
