Buraco do Padre is a dramatic gorge about 20 km east of Ponta Grossa, where a stream plunges into a narrow slot canyon to form a 50-metre waterfall before disappearing into an underground cave. The canyon walls close in to only a few metres wide at the bottom, with ferns and mosses covering every surface in permanent shade.
The hike to reach the gorge takes about 45 minutes on a trail through araucária pine forest — a classic Paraná landscape of umbrella-shaped conifers and reddish soil. A rope is anchored at the steepest section for the final descent to the waterfall floor. The trail is considered moderate and is appropriate for anyone reasonably fit. Waterproof shoes are useful if you plan to enter the cave behind the falls.
This is a quieter, more adventurous alternative to Vila Velha and is particularly good for those who prefer their landscapes without the crowds. A local guide is not required but worth hiring if you want to explore beyond the main trail.