Parque Estadual de Vila Velha (Vila Velha State Park)

Considered one of the main attractions of Paraná, this Conservation Unit is home to sandstone formations carved after three hundred million years of rain and wind erosion. Several shapes can be perceived on the rocks, such as the Camel, the Cup, the Mushroom and the Sphinx.

Other attractions located at the park include the Furnas and also the Golden Pond. The Furnas are circular depressions, formed as sandstone collapsed and where water accumulates forming beautiful water mirrors with an average diameter of 80 meters, vertical walls reaching depths up to 100 meters, with a water depth of approximately 50 meters. A similar process to the creation of the Furnas gave origin to the Golden Pond, named because of the golden effect that the solar rays create on the water.

There are three tracks at the park: Arenitos and Bosque track, Furnas track, and Golden Pond track. The Arenitos and Bosque track is not guided. It has an extension of 2671 meters and takes approximately 2 hours of walk. On this track, visitors can observe the sandstone rock formations, fauna and flora of the park. The Furnas track is 500 meters long and has a circular format. It gives access to Furnas 1 and 2. The predicted time of this route is 1 hour. The Golden Pond Trail is guided, and it is 400 meters long in a linear format. It takes about 40 minutes. All the trails are pavemented and organized in a way there are strategic stops for observation, contemplation and study of the environment.

Since it is a conservation unit, there are some rules that need to be followed inside the park. All the visits are monitored. It is allowed to have picnics on determined areas, but you cannot eat or drink on the main attractions of the park. It is also not allowed to feed the animals, make barbecues, camp, practice sports or bring pets to the park.

Less than 100 kilometers (62 miles) northwest of Curitiba, the park is located in the midst of a green plateau region known as Campos Gerais. It is a great option for an easy day trip from Curitiba. The park opens from 8 am to 5:30 pm (the ticket office closes at 3:30 pm). On Tuesdays, it is closed for maintenance.

Check out more pictures of the park on our Facebook page.

Useful Information:

 Address: Rodovia BR 376 (Ponta Grossa -Curitiba), Km 28

Telephone: (42) 3228-1138 / 3228-1539

E-mail: pevilavelhatur@iap.pr.gov.br