Parque Estadual de Vila Velha EN

Vila Velha State Park

Between fields and forests, the Vila Velha State Park holds a scenario that seems to come out of a book of ancient myths. With rock formations dating back more than 300 million years, such as the imposing Sandstones and the famous “Cup,” the park offers a fascinating encounter with local geology, biodiversity and legends. Each curve of the path reveals marks of the Earth’s remote past, when seas covered the region and the continent was still forming.

The landscape is completed with deep caves and the enchanting Lagoa Dourada, surrounded by indigenous stories of forbidden love and melting treasures. The golden light of the sunset over the crystal-clear water justifies the name and invites silence. For those looking for excitement, there are attractions such as ziplines, tree climbing, bike touring, and even a night walk under the twinkle of the stars. The environment is home to rare species of fauna and flora of the Atlantic Forest and offers direct contact with a unique natural heritage.

With modern infrastructure, safe signs, restaurant, shop and internal transportation, the park is ideal for family visits, couples and solo travellers. On each visit, you get the feeling of having lived a day among stone columns, ancestral stories and landscapes shaped by time.

When to go

The park can be visited all year round. In the autumn (April to June), the weather is milder and the landscapes are greener after rains, while in the summer (December to March), the warmer weather is ideal for outdoor activities.

How to get there

The main access is through the city of Ponta Grossa, about 100 km from Curitiba.

Opening hours

Every day of the week (except Tuesdays), from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Entrance is allowed until 3 p.m.

Entrance Fee

R$138.00 (full price) | R$69.00 (half price) | Children up to 5 years old do not pay | Buy your ticket online or at the park’s ticket office.

Curiosities

The sky is part of the show

Away from the intense lights of the cities and with wide open fields, the park offers clear nights where it is possible to observe constellations, the Milky Way and even meteor showers with the naked eye, evidencing the astrotourism. In experiences such as night walks, the silence of the sandstones, and the immensity of the sky create a perfect setting for those who want to contemplate the universe and feel the connection between the terrestrial landscape and the cosmos.

The lost city of stone

Long before becoming a park, the territory of Vila Velha already carried an ancestral name: Itacueretaba, in Tupi-Guarani, means “Lost City of Stone.” Local legend tells that the god Tupã punished a forbidden romance between the warrior and guardian of a sacred treasure, Dhuí, and the beautiful indigenous woman Aracê Poranga, turning everything into stone. The molten treasure trickled down the earth to form the mysterious Lagoa Dourada. At sunset, the golden reflection in the waters seems to keep the memory of this forbidden love alive.

Living caves and their winged residents

In the caves of the park, with their immense walls up to 100 meters deep, an aerial show takes place twice a day. At dawn and dusk, hundreds of swifts enter and exit the caves in synchrony, in a natural ballet that surprises and thrills attentive visitors. It is one of the most magical moments of the visit.

Unimed Sandstone Trail

The most iconic trail in the park leads to impressive natural sandstone sculptures. The route is accessible and well structured, with emphasis on the famous formation of the Cup. Ideal for contemplation, photography and connection with the geological history of the planet.

Fortaleza Trail

One of the most intense and challenging trails in the park, 16 km long to the edge of Fortaleza, an imposing rock formation. Along the way, it goes through areas of countryside, forest and even a waterfall.

Furnas

These vertical caves reach up to 100 meters deep and are framed by lush vegetation. From above, it is possible to see the waters below and the flocks of swifts that inhabit the walls.

Lagoa Dourada

In addition to the scenic beauty, with golden reflections at sunset, the lagoon carries a Tupi-Guarani legend about love, disobedience and a hidden treasure. It is also a natural aquarium with crystal clear waters and home to several species of fish and birds.

Night Walk

On nights with a full moon or starry sky, the park takes on a new glow. The night walk reveals the sandstones under soft and silent natural lighting, providing a unique and unforgettable sensory experience under the sky of Campos Gerais.

Bike touring

With a 22-km route linking the main natural attractions, bike touring is a great way to experience the park with freedom and lightness. The route connects the Visitor Center to Lagoa Dourada, Furnas and Arenitos, in a safe and visually stunning route.

Tree climbing

Suspended between treetops, the tree climbing circuit includes 10 challenges that involve ropes, bridges and ladders. It is about 120 meters long and 8 meters high, ensuring adrenaline in the right measure in the midst of nature.

Zipline

Get ready to fly! With 200 meters in length, the zipline crosses the largest cave in the region at a speed of up to 50 km/h.

Stationary Balloon

Embark on a calm flight up to 15 meters high and admire the scenery from above. The attraction takes place on weekends and holidays, only with good weather conditions.

Embratur and Visit Brasil are not responsible in cases of poor performance or not providing the experience conveyed. Service providers are solely responsible for the activities sold.

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