Destination Paraná: Prudentópolis

Located 203 km from the city of Curitiba, Prudentópolis has been gaining importance in the tourism scene because of its exuberant nature and large amount of water forming numerous rapids and waterfalls. With over a hundred waterfalls cataloged, Prudentópolis is also called the “Land of Giants Waterfalls”, many of them being about 80 meters to 200 meters high. The town was settled by Ukrainian immigrants that keep their tradition and culture alive.

The rivers São João, dos Patos and Ivaí make up more than a hundred waterfalls in the city. The nearest is 12 miles from downtown -called Salto Manduri – and it is located inside Recanto Rickli. The space has a snack bar, swimming pool, barbecue and camping area. Admission to view the waterfall, which is 100 meters long and 34 high, costs R$ 2.

For other services there are charged different rates, the use of the pool, for example, costs R$ 5. For those who visit Salto Manduri, it is interesting to visit Salto Barão do Rio Branco as well, which is a mile away. It is 64 meters of of free fall and has the biggest volume of water in the region. In order to have a full view, the visitant has to descend about 400 steps in and iron ladder.

For those who like adventure sports, a good option is the Private Reserve of Natural Heritage Ninho do Corvo. The area is 25 miles from the city center and it offers zipline, rappel and hiking, among other activities. The structure also offers a camping area. To see the eight waterfalls located at Ninho do Corvo, it is needed almost an entire day. Three of them are open to the public and the other five are used to practice of adventure sports. The biggest fall is 70 meters high.

Prudentópolis also has some cultural attractions. For instance, it is also known as the “Capital of Prayer”, due to the large number of churches located in the city – over a hundred temples. The main ones are:

• Church of St. Josafat: In Byzantine style, it was built between the years 1925 to 1928 Its interior is decorated with ikonostás, a collection of icons manufactured in Munich. The Masses are held in the Ukrainian language. Listed in 1979 by the Secretary of Culture of the State of Paraná, as artistic and cultural heritage, it has a belfry with six bells, a statue of Christ and a grotto with the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes.

• Church of St. John the Baptist: In colonial style, built of brick in the exact location where the memorable pioneers of Prudentópolis built the first chapel, the St. John. Its construction was completed in 1900, and until today it conserves its first structure.

One attraction that represents well the influence from Ukraine is the Museum of the Millennium. Created with the intention of rescuing and preserving the memory and story of Ukrainian immigrants, it was opened in 1989. Its collection consists of objects including traditional crafts, documents, photographs and books related to the Ukrainian people. Visiting hours: Tuesday to Friday from 9am to 11.30am and from 14h to 17h30 Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 to 11:30 and from 15h to 17h.

More information:

Municipal Bureau of Tourism and Environment

Rua Rui Barbosa, 801

Phone (0xx42) 3446-8000 e-mail: turismo@prudentopolis.pr.gov.br