park · Curitiba, PR
Parque Barigui
Created in 1972 as a linear park to control flooding and protect the forest along the Barigui River, it covers about 1.4 million square meters and has a 230,000-square-meter lake. Walking paths and a bike path circle the lake, where capybaras are a common sight.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Parque Barigui
Parque Barigui is one of Curitiba's most popular parks. It covers about 1.4 million square meters between the Bigorrilho, Mercês, Santo Inácio and Cascatinha neighborhoods, in the west of the city. It has wide lawns, patches of forest and a large lake in the middle.
The park was created in 1972, under Mayor Jaime Lerner. The idea was to protect the forest along the Barigui River and prevent building on the areas that flooded. The lake, about 230,000 square meters, helps hold back the river's floods.
Walking and running paths and a bike path circle the lake. There is an outdoor gym, sports courts, playgrounds (including ones adapted for children with disabilities), barbecue grills, snack bars, an amusement park and an events center. The forest has araucaria pines, yerba mate and pitanga (Surinam cherry) trees.
The park is famous for its capybaras, which often graze on the grass near the water. Great egrets and other birds are also common. It is a relaxed outing for families and for anyone who just wants to walk or have a picnic.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
One to two hours to walk around the lake and see the capybaras; longer if you include a picnic or a bike ride.
Best time
Mornings and late afternoons on dry days, in any season: the light over the lake is prettier and the capybaras tend to be more active. On sunny weekends the park gets very crowded.
How to get there
It is in western Curitiba, a few kilometers from downtown, with access from Avenida Cândido Hartmann and the BR-277. There is a large parking lot, city bus lines, and the Linha Turismo stops at the park.
Tip
Watch the capybaras from a distance and don't feed them. Bring water and sunscreen, because much of the paths are in the sun.
Official website
A look at the place
Parque Barigui in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Parque Barigui
Is there an entrance fee at Parque Barigui?
No. Admission is free and the park is open every day.
Are there capybaras in Parque Barigui?
Yes. Capybaras live in the park and often appear on the lawns near the lake. Watch from a distance and don't feed them.
Can I bike in Parque Barigui?
Yes. A bike path circles the lake, next to the walking and running paths.
Is there parking at Parque Barigui?
Yes, there is plenty of parking at several points in the park. On sunny weekends it fills up fast.
What is there to do in Parque Barigui?
Walk, run or cycle around the lake, see capybaras and egrets, have a picnic or a barbecue at the grills and take the kids to the playgrounds.