After the Maratona Internacional do Paraná: Ilha do Mel

The Route: Guaratuba (1 night) → Pontal do Sul → Ilha do Mel (1 night) → Pontal do Sul → Curitiba → Airport (CWB) Logistics: A road transfer from Guaratuba to the Pontal do Sul boat terminal, then a boat of about 30 minutes. Only walking and bicycles are allowed on the island, so pack a small bag. Marathon Month: March Duration: 2 nights

Guaratuba hotel (night 1) ──(road transfer)──> Pontal do Sul ──(boat, about 30 min)──> Ilha do Mel (night 2)
Ilha do Mel ──(boat)──> Pontal do Sul ──(road to Curitiba)──> Airport (CWB)

Ilha do Mel is a state park island off the Paraná coast. It has no cars, which suits tired legs because everything moves at walking pace. It also has sand and steps, which do not suit them. Rest first, then go.

March on Ilha do Mel is warm and wet. The mainland coast averages 22 to 27°C in the month, with about 218 mm of rain on a 30-year climatology for Guaratuba, and boats can be suspended in rough sea. Do not book a flight home for the day you come off the island.

Night one: Guaratuba

Spend the first night in the room you already have. Walk a little, eat early and sleep. Arrange the transfer to Pontal do Sul with your hotel or a taxi, agree the price and the pick-up time, and ask about the road route and the time it takes, since Easter traffic can slow it. Check the boat timetable with the operator before you commit.

The crossing

The park lists boats of about 30 minutes from Pontal do Sul, at around R$35 return on its last published figure, run by Abaline and by authorised water taxis. A crossing from Paranaguá takes about 1 hour 30. Parking is available at the boarding terminals if you drive. Prices change, so use the figure as a guide only.

Access to the island is being reorganised. The state institute began registering residents for a new access-control system in October 2026, with arrangements for visitors to follow. Ask your pousada how the system works on your dates before you travel.

Night two: on the island

Walk, do not rush. The park lists the Gruta das Encantadas at about 600 m of trail from the Encantadas landing, and the Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres, built in 1679, at about 4 km of trail from the Brasília landing. The Farol das Conchas lighthouse dates from 1872 and is reached by a trail and a staircase of 150 steps, which is a hard climb after a marathon. Walk in small groups of up to 10 on the trails, as the park asks.

Two pousadas to compare:

Pousada Villa Encantada, in Encantadas, listed about 250 m from the Encantadas pier and 600 m from the Gruta das Encantadas. Ask about air conditioning, breakfast and luggage help from the pier.
Tekoah Pousada, in Nova Brasília and Praia do Farol, listed about 600 m from the Nova Brasília pier and 900 m from the Farol das Conchas. Ask about breakfast times and the walk from the landing.

Book the room closest to the pier you will land at, because your legs will count every extra metre.

Where to eat

Eat where your pousada recommends and ring ahead, since island kitchens can keep short hours. Carry water on trails.

Getting home