For a long time, the city of Curitiba, Brazil was overshadowed by Brasilia, the country’s capital and most modern city. In recent years, though, Curitiba has been largely revamped and is now a marvel of sustainable urban planning and design. While the city has been radically modernized, the streets are still filled with interesting historical sites, and the culture is still uniquely Brazilian.
About a thousand miles south of Brasilia, the capital of the agricultural district of Parana, Curitiba is a vibrant city on the up-and-up. The city has yet to become overrun with tourists like many other parts of Brazil, and the climate is much more mild than other parts of the country due to its distance from the equator. With so much to do and see in Curitiba, the best way to make the most of your time there is to rent a motorbike and explore the city at your leisure.
Here is everything you need to know about hiring a motorcycle in Curitiba. Most things here can also be applied if you are renting a scooter. This guide includes:
- If you need an international driving permit to hire a motorcycle in Brazil
- Safety issues concerning motorcycle hire in Curitiba
- Where to rent a motorbike
- The price of motorbike hire
- The best things to do in Curitiba
Do You Need an International Driving Permit to Rent a Motorbike in Brazil?
If you plan on hiring a motorcycle in Brazil, you do not need to obtain an international driving permit as long as you have a valid copy of your foreign-issued driver’s license. If you’re a United States citizen, then you are legally allowed to drive in Brazil; however, you should make sure that you always carry your passport with you so you can prove that you’re in the country legally.
If you plan on staying in Brazil for over 180 days, you’ll need to apply for a Brazilian driver’s license if you want to continue driving.
Is It Safe To Drive in Curitiba?
On the whole, traveling in Curitiba is very safe. While some people have a conception of Brazil as being unsafe, Curitiba has very low crime rates. The road infrastructure in the city is very good, with well-paved roads and ample signage.
While driving within the city limits of Curitiba is generally safe, there are some rather aggressive drivers in Brazil in general. It’s best to drive defensively and always be aware of your surroundings while operating a motor vehicle within the country. You should also avoid driving the road between Sao Paulo and Curitiba, as it’s one of the most dangerous roads in the country.
If you don’t feel comfortable driving in Brazil, there are great public buses that run all throughout the country and will take you anywhere you want to go in the major cities.
Where Can You Find Motorcycle Rental in Curitiba?
If you’re looking to hire a motorcycle in Curitiba, there are plenty of rental shops in the central districts of the city, specifically around the Centro, Seminario, Agua Verde, and Merces districts. There are rental shops in other parts of the city, but they’re less concentrated.
If you plan on flying into Alfonso Pena International Airport, the main airport serving Curitiba, you can find services online that will deliver a motorcycle directly to your terminal. However, you should make sure to book your motorcycle before arriving, because there are no rental desks directly in the airport.
What Is the Price of Motorbike Hire In Curitiba?
Motorbike rental in Curitiba is relatively affordable compared to similar services in the United States and Europe. If you want to rent a proper motorcycle such as a Kawasaki Versys 650, you can expect to pay around $90 per day. You can find more powerful motorcycles, like a Harley-Davidson Road King, for around $110 per day.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, you can rent motor scooters for a lot cheaper than traditional motorcycles. You can also inquire with your rental shop about getting discounts for weekly or monthly rentals.
What Are the Best Things To Do by Motorcycle in Curitiba?
Now that you know all the necessary information for hiring a motorcycle in Curitiba, here are some of the best places to go in the city with your rented wheels:
Oscar Niemeyer Museum
One of the most unique buildings in all of Brazil, the Oscar Niemeyer Museum is dedicated to the beauty of architectural design, and was named after the architect who designed the building. Located about a 15 minute drive north from the Centro district, the museum is pretty hard to miss, as it looks like a giant glass eyeball sitting above a man-made body of water.
The main gallery is called the Museum of the Eye, and features incredible interactive spaces and a brightly lit ambience. You can see examples of some of the most interesting architectural designs from around the world. There are free car parks around the museum, and the entrance fee to the galleries is about $4.
Opera de Arame
If you’d like to continue your cultural tour through Curitiba, one of the best places to hear live music is at the Opera de Arame, located just 15 minutes north from the Oscar Niemeyer Museum. Even if you aren’t a fan of the opera, the architecture of the building alone is a sight for the eyes, and the performances are some of the best in all of Brazil.
The Opera de Arame is located in the tranquil and lush Parque das Pedreiras, where you can walk around and enjoy the natural scenery. If you want to catch a show at the Opera de Arame, you should be sure to book your tickets in advance, as shows sell out quite quickly. That being said, the Opera de Arame houses just 1,000 people and the shows there are some of the most intimate theatre performances you’ll ever experience.
Barigui Park
Drive 15 minutes south from the Opera de Arame and you’ll come to Barigui Park, one of the best places to relax and enjoy the mild climate of Curitiba. In the park, you can look over the beautiful skyline of the city, set up a picnic blanket and enjoy some authentic Brazilian food, or walk around and interact with the many locals who hang out there.
Barigui Park is also one of the best places to eat authentic street food in Curitiba, as there are tons of carts along the paved paths selling barbecue.
Explore Curitiba by Motorcycle
Regardless of what your interests are, there’s something for everyone in Curabita. The city offers a modern and authentic Brazilian experience with endless sights to be seen. No matter how you spend your time in this amazing city, the best way to maximize your time there is to rent a motorcycle and explore at your own pace.
Do you still have questions about motorcycle rentals in Curitiba? No worries, you can always contact us by phone, email, or our website's live chat.
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