Apucarana
Introduction
Apucarana is a municipality in the state of Paraná, in southern Brazil. The city sits at an elevation of 840 metres (2,760 ft) above sea level and covers 548 square kilometres (212 sq mi).
Getting around
Apucarana has no passenger rail, metro or tram network, so you will be getting around by bus, taxi or on foot. The central area is compact enough that walking covers your day-to-day needs — shops, services and the bus station area — but for longer trips across the municipality or out to the airport you will want a vehicle rather than your feet. Intercity buses are the main way in and out of town, with several operators running services into the city from across Paraná, Santa Catarina and São Paulo states. Most stop at the main bus station, the Rodoviária on R. Rio Grande do Sul, which is where you should expect to arrive and depart; there is a second bus stop in the city, but the Rodoviária is the principal one.
Buy tickets per operator, either at the Rodoviária or in advance through booking platforms, and book roughly three to seven days ahead for better fares. Classes vary by company and route — you may see economy, basic, conventional, standard, semicama, executive, first class, business or premium economy — and onboard amenities differ too: many buses have air conditioning, power sockets and Wi-Fi with hand and checked luggage often included free, though not every operator matches that. For local trips and the run to Cap. João Busse Airport southeast of the city, a taxi or ride-hailing app is the most flexible choice, especially with luggage or a late arrival; there is no rail or metro link to the airport. Carpooling services such as BlaBlaCar appear on some regional routes, including Maringá to Apucarana.
Three days in Apucarana
Day one: Start in Apucarana itself, in the state of Paraná in Brazil, and get your bearings in the city centre before branching out. Use the Rodoviária for regional connections, and note that carpooling through BlaBlaCar is another way to reach the surrounding area. Keep your first day simple and settle into the pace of the city.
Day two: Look beyond Apucarana toward the wider South region. The states of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul lie to the south, while São Paulo is the neighbouring state to the north, so day trips and onward legs in either direction are practical. Cap João Busse Airport serves the city if you prefer to fly.
Day three: Slow down and take care of practicalities before you leave. Buy what you need, sort out Wi-Fi access, and check classes or courses if you are staying longer. Most services you will want are available in town, and the Intercity routes connect Apucarana with Maringá and other points in Paraná.