Vila Velha Tour from Curitiba: Sandstone Formations & Waterfall

Sandstone formations, crater lakes and a 30-meter waterfall on easy, accessible trails

A full-day tour from Curitiba to Vila Velha State Park and Buraco do Padre in the Campos Gerais region, 90 km and 30 km inland respectively, with a live guide leading peaceful walks through 300-million-year-old sandstone, collapsed caves and a waterfall inside a high cave. Park entry and air-conditioned transport from Curitiba are included. The trails range from fully accessible boardwalks to optional intermediate hikes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Vila Velha and Buraco do Padre

• Travel from Curitiba to Vila Velha Park
• Walk accessible trails at Vila Velha Park
• Visit Furnas and Lagoa Dourada
• Travel to Buraco do Padre
• Walk 1 km trail to Buraco do Padre waterfall
• Optional hike to waterfall top and zip line
• Return transfer to Curitiba

The experience

The drive from Curitiba takes roughly 90 minutes to reach Vila Velha State Park, where the sandstone formations begin. The main walk follows easily accessible boardwalks past the sandstone "cup". A 7-step section that takes most visitors through the heart of the formations. If you want to see the wetter, more vegetated sandstone section, that adds another 40 minutes and 200 steps, and you choose as you go. The guide will show you how 300 million years of geology built what you're standing in front of.

After Vila Velha, the tour moves to Furnas and Lagoa Dourada, both quiet walks with some steps. Furnas are collapsed caves that now look like craters ringed with vegetation. Lagoa Dourada is a cave in the final stages of silting, named for the color of its water. From there, the dirt roads lead another hour to Buraco do Padre, a 30-meter waterfall that falls inside a cave. The 1 km trail to reach it has been rebuilt and is now wheelchair-accessible, with bathrooms, trash cans and a snack bar at the base. If you want a more demanding hike, the intermediate-level Trilha do Favo climbs to the top of the waterfall, where a zip line and the optional Fenda da Freira site are available. The return to Curitiba takes about two and a half hours.

What’s included

• Entry to Vila Velha State Park and Buraco do Padre.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport from Curitiba to both sites and back.
• live guide in English or Portuguese.

Before you book

Days and timesWednesday to SundayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (13 to 59 years) · Senior (60 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendly

Operated by Special Paraná

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Portuguese, so choose the language that matches yours. The trails are built for easy access (the main boardwalks require minimal steps, and the longer sections are optional), so this suits anyone with at least moderate fitness who wants to move at a comfortable pace without scrambling or climbing.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3).

How long is the drive from Curitiba to Vila Velha Park?

The drive from Curitiba to Vila Velha State Park is approximately 90 minutes, and from there to Buraco do Padre is another hour.

Can I do the walks at my own pace, or do I have to follow the full route?

The main boardwalk at Vila Velha is short and fully accessible, but you choose whether to add the longer 40-minute, 200-step section through the wetter sandstone area. At Buraco do Padre, the standard 1 km trail is wheelchair-accessible, and the more challenging Trilha do Favo is optional.

What is Buraco do Padre actually like when you get there?

Buraco do Padre is a 30-meter waterfall that falls inside a cave, reached by a 1 km rebuilt trail that is wheelchair-accessible. The site has bathrooms, trash cans and a snack bar. The infrastructure is well-maintained and security is present.

What's included in the tour price?

Entry to Vila Velha State Park and Buraco do Padre, plus air-conditioned transport from Curitiba, are included. Lunch is not included. A zip line experience and the optional Fenda da Freira site each cost extra.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility concerns?

The main boardwalk at Vila Velha has only 7 steps and is fully accessible. The 1 km trail to Buraco do Padre has been revitalized to be wheelchair-accessible. Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller. The longer sections at each site are optional, so you can choose your own level of walking.