Vila Velha State Park Bike Tour from Curitiba — Sandstones, Furnas & Lagoa Dourada
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5 hours
Fitness Level
Moderately fit—comfortable on repeated short climbs and able to ride 22 km with occasional standing efforts.
Overview
Pedal from Curitiba up into Paraná’s dramatic highlands on a private 22 km ride through Vila Velha State Park. Explore millenary sandstones, vertical Furnas caves and the crystalline Lagoa Dourada on a guided cycling loop that blends geology, wildlife, and steady climbs.
Vila Velha State Park Bike Tour from Curitiba — Sandstones, Furnas & Lagoa Dourada
Select participants and date
You pull on your helmet at Praça do Japão in Batel as the city’s morning hum thins behind you. The van idles, cool air on your neck, and the road unfurls toward the São Luiz do Purunã ridge — the subtle promise of another altitude, another geology. By the time the asphalt gives way to the park’s internal road, the air has a different weight: cleaner, mineral, threaded with eucalyptus and cerrado grass.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring layers for fast temperature change
Elevation and open plateaus mean mornings can be cool and afternoons warm; a lightweight wind/rain layer will keep you comfortable.
Hydrate and carry spare fluids
There are no refill stations inside the park—carry at least 1–1.5 liters and consider an electrolyte snack for the climbs.
Choose a bike with lower gearing
Short, steep pitches up the São Luiz do Purunã require frequent downshifts; a compact chainring or low cassette helps preserve energy.
Protect your camera and phone
Fine sandstone dust and sudden showers can damage gear—use waterproof pouches or zip-locks and a microfibre cloth for lenses.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Toucan and other forest birds
- Capuchin monkeys and small mammals in shaded Furnas
History
Vila Velha was set aside as Paraná’s first state park in the mid-20th century to protect its unusual sandstone formations and unique aquatic systems.
Conservation
The park protects fragile sandstone and aquatic habitats—stay on trails, avoid swimming in protected lagoons, and follow guide instructions to minimize impact.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Curitiba
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Helmet
Mandatory for safety on descents and uneven park roads.
Water bottle or hydration pack (1–1.5 L)
Keeps you hydrated through climbs and dry plateau stretches.
summer specific
Light rain/wind shell
Protects against afternoon storms and chilly winds at higher elevation.
spring specific
Compact repair kit (tube, pump, multi-tool)
Essential for quick fixes on remote sections of the route.