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Vila Velha Park
Under the management of the Soul Vila Velha concessionaire, the park has undergone infrastructure improvements and added new attractions.
To visit the park, you must wear a face mask at all times while on the premises.
*Normal hours are Wednesday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; visitors may remain on the premises until 5 p.m. The park is closed on Tuesdays for maintenance.
Established in 1953, Vila Velha Park is Paraná’s first State Park, with more than 38 km² of protected biodiversity. It was established to preserve the sandstone formations and native grasslands of Paraná. Designated a State Historical and Artistic Heritage Site in 1966, it spans over 3,000 hectares and features various attractions, including the sandstone formations, caves, and Lagoa Dourada.
Considered Ponta Grossa’s main natural attraction, this Conservation Unit consists of three main features: the sandstone formations, which are rock formations that take on various shapes, such as the “cup” and the “camel,” among others; Furnas, characterized by large sinkholes with lush vegetation and water inside (an underground aquifer); and Lagoa Dourada, which gets its name because its waters take on a golden hue when they reflect the sunlight.
Many endemic and endangered species have been found in the park, such as the maned wolf, red howler monkey, giant anteater, ocelot, and birds such as the gray eagle, purple-breasted parrot, galito, great walker, and black-tailed manakin.
In addition to the traditional hikes through the caves, the Golden Lagoon, and the Arenitos, the park offers other special attractions:
- Fortaleza Trail:
The starting point is at the end of the Arenitos. Along the 16-km route, you’ll visit Ponta da Fortaleza—a continuous rock formation stretching 7 km—and cross the Quebra Perna River on foot to reach the waterfall for a refreshing break and an unforgettable picnic. The final destination? The park’s lush Furnas. Throughout the trail—which can take up to eight hours to complete—there are strategic stops for rest, hydration, and information about the park. From the Furnas to the Visitor Center in the late afternoon, transportation is provided by bus so visitors can enjoy other attractions in the park. The ticket for this tour is special and exclusive to this attraction.
- Night Hike:
This tour takes place on nights of the full moon and new moon, with pre-set dates. On a new moon, you can observe the stars, constellations, and a greater number of delicate creatures in greater detail. On a full moon, the light bathes the Arenitos in bluish hues, making for an unforgettable hike along the trail,
Visitors can see the lunar surface in detail, with its large craters. The Night Walk is a tour held every 15 days, always on Fridays and Saturdays during a new moon or full moon. Because it is a special attraction, the tour must be booked in advance by the Tuesday before the tour. The ticket for this tour is specific to this attraction.
- Cycling Tours:
For those who want to explore our natural attractions and ride throughout the park without taking the bus, you can use your own bicycle. We offer an exclusive cycling tour covering a 21-kilometer route. Setting off from the Visitor Center on their bike, visitors head toward Lagoa Dourada, then visit the Furnas, and finish the route at Arenitos. At each attraction, cyclists will find a designated bike parking area so they can enjoy each spot at their own pace. The entire circuit is well-marked so visitors can make the most of their ride.
This tour is self-guided, has a separate admission fee (in addition to the park entrance fee), and participants must bring their own bicycles.
- Tethered Hot-Air Balloon:
To view the Arenitos and the landscapes of the Campos Gerais from above. A tethered hot-air balloon ride is offered to appreciate the park’s natural beauty from a new perspective. Each flight lasts, on average, 10 minutes at a height roughly equivalent to a five-story building (15 m), which varies depending on wind conditions.
From above, you can observe the natural surroundings from a unique and exclusive vantage point.
This tour is available on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays and is offered only when weather conditions are favorable.
- Tree-top Adventure:
Stretching 120 meters, the tree-top adventure course takes you through the treetops, offering a unique connection with nature. Set in a forest of Araucaria trees, some reaching up to eight meters in height, the course consists of 10 different activities, including ladders, suspension bridges, ropes, and other obstacles. It’s an average of 30 minutes of adrenaline-pumping action and direct contact with nature.
- Zip Line:
The zip line takes you from one end of Furna 2 to the other, offering 200 meters of freedom. Spread your arms, look down, and let go! Feel the fresh air on your face and that pleasant tingle in your stomach.
For a stress-free visit, we suggest arriving early at the park (especially on holidays) to secure your tickets, or purchasing them online at www.parquevilavelha.com.br. Always keep in mind that the park’s daily capacity is 800 people. You may have to wait in line to check in and for the attractions, but remember that patience, empathy, and respect are essential—especially since one of the goals of visiting Conservation Units is to promote visitors’ well-being and avoid annoyances and discomfort.
ALWAYS STAY ON THE DESIGNATED TRAILS.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for hiking, and bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera. Also, remember to take all your trash with you when you leave, helping to protect our Conservation Unit and ensuring the environment remains preserved for future visitors. Oh, and when you leave the park, take only your memories and the photos you’ve taken.
Facilities:
There is parking, a reception area, a ticket office, a restaurant, a café, restrooms, gift shops, buses, Wi-Fi access at various locations, surveillance cameras, and comprehensive signage to help you enjoy your visit in comfort, safety, and with plenty of information.
Access:
Access is via Highway BR 376 (Ponta Grossa–Curitiba), at Km 28 from Ponta Grossa, exiting onto Av. Visconde de Mauá (Oficinas) or Av. Visconde de Taunay (Ronda).
Public transportation to Vila Velha Park is available from the Oficinas Terminal via the VILA VELHA LINE. To reach the Oficinas Terminal, take the T. Central/Oficinas line from the Central Terminal.
Park attractions may be unavailable or have their schedules and frequency altered due to natural conditions, unforeseeable circumstances, or force majeure that could endanger visitors or prevent their use, as well as for maintenance necessary to preserve the park or ensure visitor safety.
**Check the website before your visit: Whenever possible, information regarding the unavailability of an attraction or facility and the expected date for its return to service will be provided in advance on the website and through other communication channels made available by the company. In the event of unavailability occurring after the purchase of a ticket to use the attraction, a refund of the amount paid will be guaranteed in accordance with the cancellation policy
*To enjoy ALL the tours, it is advisable to arrive in the morning.
Contact:
(42) 3122-4488
Facebook: www.facebook.com/parquevilavelha