Uncover one of Brazil's best-preserved colonial waterfronts on a private expert-led walking tour of Paranaguá's 17th-century centro histórico — from baroque churches and gold-rush merchants' mansions to the legendary Municipal Coffee Market on the waterfront.
What to expect
Begin at the 1746 Igreja de São Benedito, one of the few churches in Brazil built by and for enslaved Africans, its interior glowing with azulejo tiles. Stroll the cobbled Rua da Praia past Portuguese colonial townhouses to the Mercado Municipal do Café — a stunning 1909 Art Nouveau building where you'll taste freshly roasted Paraná coffee. The Museu de Arqueologia e Etnologia (Federal University of Paraná) reveals 5,000 years of coastal indigenous culture. End at the 17th-century fountain — the oldest in Brazil still in its original location — for a private caipirinha toast.
Good to know
The historic quarter is walkable from the cruise pier in under 10 minutes. A private half-day tour (3–4 hours) fits comfortably within a typical port call. Book Gregtur directly and request an English-speaking historian-guide. Wear light breathable clothing; the waterfront can be humid.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Paranagua — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.
More to do in Paranagua
- Serra Verde Express: Private Gold-Class Train to Curitiba
- Ilha do Mel: Gruta das Encantadas & Lighthouse by Private Boat
- Vila Velha State Park: Ancient Rock Formations & Furnas Lagoons
- Barreado Feast & Local Market: A Private Culinary Immersion
- Santuário Nossa Senhora do Rocio: Private Pilgrimage & Bay Panorama