Paraná's pulp-and-paper hub surrounded by Atlantic Forest reserves
Telêmaco Borba is a mid-sized city in the state of Paraná, Brazil, best known as the headquarters of Klabin, one of Latin America's largest paper and packaging companies. The city sits along the Tibagi River and is largely shaped by the forestry industry that has driven its development since the mid-20th century.
Despite its industrial identity, the region offers genuine natural attractions, including the Parque Estadual do Cerrado and the vast private Klabin nature reserve, which protects a significant patch of Atlantic Forest. Visitors interested in eco-tourism, birdwatching, and river scenery will find the surrounding landscape rewarding. The city itself is clean, orderly, and reflects the company-town planning that defined its early growth.
- •Reserva Natural Klabin — private Atlantic Forest reserve with guided eco-tours and diverse wildlife
- •Parque Estadual do Cerrado — rare cerrado ecosystem fragments with trails and native flora
- •Rio Tibagi — scenic river popular for fishing, kayaking, and riverside walks
- •Museu e Arquivo Histórico Telêmaco Borba — local history and company-town heritage exhibits
- •Salto Mauá (nearby) — impressive waterfall on the Iapó River worth a day trip
- •Praça Central — leafy town square good for people-watching and local daily life
Getting around: Telêmaco Borba is best explored by car, as attractions are spread across the city and surrounding forest areas. Local buses serve the urban core, and motorcycle taxis are widely available for short trips. Rideshare apps have limited coverage, so renting a car in Ponta Grossa or Londrina before arriving is advisable for independent travelers.
Best time: The dry season from April through September offers the most comfortable temperatures and the best conditions for hiking and wildlife observation.
Local food: Try traditional Paraná staples such as barreado, freshwater fish from the Tibagi River, pinhão (pine nuts) in winter preparations, and hearty Italian-Brazilian dishes reflecting the region's colonial heritage.
This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.