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Joaquina Beach

My advice is to bring your own snacks and drinks. Beachside cafes can be pricey and while the food is great it's nice to save some cash and munch on what you love.

I recommend hitting the beach early, around 7 AM, to snag a good spot and enjoy the sunrise. It gets crowded fast, and the morning vibe is just unbeatable!
Red Beach

I learned the hard way to avoid the public restrooms if you can. They can get pretty gross, so maybe consider a nearby café if you need to go!

If you’re looking for a place to eat, check out the local kiosks. They have amazing seafood and it's much cheaper than the restaurants on the main strip

I recommend hitting the beach early, around 8 am. It’s way less crowded and you can snag a good spot. Plus, the morning sun feels so nice!

I suggest bringing a beach umbrella or rent one. The sun can be harsh, and trust me, you don’t wanna end up roasted by midday!
Leme Beach

If you want to soak up some sun without the crowd, head to the left side of the beach towards the Leme Stone. It’s way less crowded and super picturesque!

I recommend renting a beach chair and umbrella. It’s worth it for comfort, and we found it was about R$30 for the day. Just make sure to bargain a little.

If you’re into light workouts, the beach pathway is perfect for jogging or walking. It’s a nice way to see the area and burn off those caipirinhas!

Beware of the beach vendors! Some are really pushy, and it can be a bit overwhelming. Just say 'no, obrigado' with a smile if you’re not interested.
Ibirapuera Park

Keep an eye on the local events calendar. I stumbled upon a cool live music event just by chance, and it made my visit even more memorable!

If you're into art, don’t miss the Museum of Modern Art in the park. It’s free on Sundays, so plan your visit around that for maximum fun without the cost.

lastly wear comfortable shoes! you’ll be doing a lot of walking and the park is huge. trust me sore feet are not the best souvenir from your trip.
Curitiba Botanical Garden
Lago Negro

If you want to avoid the rain, go during the dry season from May to September. I got caught in a surprise shower in October and it was a bit of a bummer.

I suggest starting at the opposite side of the park entrance. It’s less crowded, and you can enjoy a more peaceful experience exploring the nature paths.

Check for food trucks near the entrance. The one I tried had amazing local snacks at half the price of the cafes inside! My advice is to plan a picnic instead of eating at the restaurants.
Iguazu Bird Park

If you're planning to take photos, bring a decent zoom lens. A lot of birds are high up or tucked away, and having a good camera can really capture the beauty without scaring them away

I recommend visiting early around 8 AM. The birds are super active at that time, and you’ll avoid the bigger crowds later in the day. Plus, it’s cooler and more pleasant to roam around!

My advice is to buy your tickets online ahead of time. It saved me a lot of time on entry, and you might find some discounts too. Every little bit helps, you know?

Don't forget to wear comfortable shoes! The pathways can be uneven, and I found myself a bit worn out by the end. Plus, you’ll want to explore every corner without a sore foot.
Porto de Galinhas

Grab a local guide on the beach - they know the best spots for swimming and can even help you find areas without crowds. I met this guy who brought us to the perfect reef!
Bargain for everything! Prices were pretty high for tourists but I got a killer deal on a beach umbrella just by asking nicely and haggling a bit.

Watch the tides! Some areas are shallow and great for swimming during high tide but not so much during low. I didn’t check and ended up walking a lot further!

I recommend getting to the beach by 8 AM before it gets too hot and packed. You'll have the best sunrise views and some peace for swimming.
Parque das Aves
Leblon Beach

Don't miss out on the evening ambiance around 5 PM when the beach gets quieter and the sunset is just stunning! It's a perfect time for photos.

Bargain a little when renting chairs or umbrellas! I didn't negotiate and ended up paying way more than I should have. Just ask, and you might get a better deal

I recommend avoiding the touristy restaurants directly on the beach; they’re pricier. Walk a few blocks back to find amazing and authentic local eateries!

If you're planning to sunbathe, be sure to set up your towel as early as 9 AM. By noon, finding a spot can be a real challenge!