Guaratuba is a small coastal town in Paraná state, about 90 minutes from Curitiba by car. It sits on the edge of a wide bay backed by well-preserved Atlantic Forest, making it a popular weekend escape for Curitibanos who want beach, boat rides, and quiet.
The town has 22 km of beaches along the open ocean, but the bay is the real draw — calm water, mangroves, and good fishing. Boat trips across the bay and up the estuary are easy to arrange. The surrounding hills are part of the Saint-Hilaire/Lange National Park, with trails through dense subtropical forest.
In town, the walk up to the Cristo statue (200 steps) rewards you with a panoramic view over the bay and coastline. The central beach stretches 2.5 km along the waterfront. At the far end, the Nossa Senhora de Lourdes grotto is a local pilgrimage spot with a freshwater spring. The main church dates from the 19th century and faces a pleasant town square.
Guaratuba is also known for its oyster farms in the Cabaraquara area, on the bay's southern shore inside the protected zone. Small restaurants there serve fresh oysters and seafood straight from the water.