Parque Barigui

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The park's name, 'Barigui', is derived from the Tupi language and translates to 'river of the thorny fruit'.

2. 2

   The lake occupies approximately 400,000 square meters, functioning as a primary reservoir for flood mitigation in the Barigui River basin.

3. 3

   The park is home to a significant population of capybaras, which are often observed grazing near the water's edge.

4. 4

   The Barigui Exhibition Center building is a prominent architectural landmark that often hosts industrial and international trade expositions.

5. 5

   The park grounds contain a historic manor house known as 'Solar do Barigui', which has been repurposed for various municipal uses.

6. 6

   The landscape architecture was designed to harmonize urban flood management with public recreational utility.

Overview

Parque Barigui is the largest and most frequented urban park in Curitiba, spanning over 1.4 million square meters of green space. It is defined by its massive central artificial lake, which was created for flood control and provides a natural habitat for local wildlife. The park houses the Barigui Exhibition Center, a major venue for trade fairs and cultural events. Within its grounds, the Museum of Automobiles displays an extensive collection of vintage vehicles. The park features an extensive network of cycling and walking trails that encircle the lake. Visitors frequently encounter free-roaming capybaras, which are the park's unofficial mascots. Its landscape includes expansive manicured lawns and pockets of preserved Araucaria forest. The park serves as a primary hub for municipal athletic programming and outdoor recreation.

Insider tips

• Keep a respectful distance from the capybaras; they are wild animals and can become aggressive if they feel threatened.

• Arrive early on weekends to secure parking, as the lots fill up quickly during peak hours.

• Follow the designated paths to avoid trampling sensitive vegetation and to safely navigate around cyclists.