"Lovely Morretes: A good day trip from Curitiba" Morretes by VdV

Morretes Travel Guide: 9 reviews and 29 photos

Take the train, get off in Morretes

A nice place to take a day trip from Curitiba, or even to spend a couple of days relaxing.

I've been twice now; the first time in January 2004 by myself. I took the train from Curitiba, which stopped in Morretes. Our tour group went to Antonina, then back to Morretes for lunch and to walk around the quaint shops along and near the river.

In November 2005, I had virtually the same itinerary but this time was with my Mom and a private guide who accompanied us to the train station in Curitiba, then picked us up in a private car when we arrived in Morretes.

What is Barreado?

Mix to thick paste that won't spill on your head!

Barreado is the official dish of Parana state in Brasil. It is a beef stew that is cooked in a sealed clay pot for 24 hours, spiced with such ingredients as cumin, smoked pork, tomato, onion and garlic.

Along with the beef stew, one must assemble the following items on the table ready to serve with the beef: manioc flour, plantains (sweet) and white rice.

The first step is to put three large spoonfuls of manioc flour into your bowl. Then ladle in some of the broth and a bit of meat into the flour, enough to make a paste-like substance (it should be so thick that it will not spill if you hold your bowl over your head! (**See photo of my Mom who did not know the owner was holding the bowl upside down over her head!)

Enjoying Barreado...

The delicious barreado...yummmmmm!

After you have a very thick paste of the beef, broth and manioc flour (almost like the consistency of mashed potatoes), add the white rice, sliced plantains and if you like, a bit of pimentos for those who like it spicy.

Typically other dishes are served along with the barreado including: fried shrimp, shrimp/seafood stew, fried fish and salad. Oh yes, and don't forget to have banana whiskey and/or bananas foster for dessert!

Enjoy!

p.s. You will probably need a designated driver...besides the banana whiskey, the barreado is sure to put you into a protein coma shortly after your meal! :)

Pros and Cons

Pros:Lovely, scenic, nice shops and village atmosphere
Cons:Some may think it's good just for a few hours; others may care to stay for a few days...
In a nutshell:Nice place to visit for a few hours, or a few days.

Last visit to Morretes: Nov 2005
Intro Updated Feb 27, 2006
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (5)

Lovely location, delicious food... - Morretes

And another Barreado restaurant to... Restaurants (2)

On my second trip to Morretes, I had an opportunity to try another barreado restaurant. This time I ate at Madalozzo,... more travel advice

A view of the Stone Road from the backseat of our - Morretes

Head back to Curitiba via the Stone Road Transportation (1)

If you are in a car returning to Curitiba from a day trip to Morretes, no doubt your friend/driver/guide will take you... more travel advice

Local plaster sculptor at work... - Morretes

Many artists in Morretes Shopping (1)

This photo was taken at a local sculpture/metal plating shop. (See accompanying tip in "Tourist Traps." This artisan was... more travel advice

Wares for sale at sculpture/metal plating shop.... - Morretes

Support the artists, but felt suckered... Tourist Traps (1)

I took the famous train ride from Curitiba toward Paranagua on Osatur/Serra Verde Express. Our group disembarked at... more travel advice

Comments (6)

Reply
- Report abuse
cachaseiro May 30, 2006 at 9:29 PM

that looks like a totally beautiful place:O)
Reply
- Report abuse
Luchonda Oct 8, 2004 at 11:23 PM

Vera i tasted the "Barreado" in the same restaurant - indeed a wonderfull experience and tasteful.
Reply
- Report abuse
chancay Sep 7, 2004 at 6:28 AM

Hi! yummy restaurant tip!! Am hungry now ;-) ..really thoughtful tourist trap tip...it is often like this...unfortunately
Reply
- Report abuse
Henkster Sep 3, 2004 at 12:58 AM

this place looks beautiful
Reply
- Report abuse
quartinb May 25, 2004 at 4:36 AM

gee!.... BARREADO, sure looks delicious...!not fare...!anyone should have try it....:-) lucky gal
Reply
- Report abuse
pepples46 Apr 4, 2004 at 10:57 PM

I know how you feel, the T.T is a good example Parana e muito legal