GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE CONFERENCE PLACE
Curitiba is one of the most important cities in the southern part of Brazil. It is the 7th largest Brazilian city and fourth-largest in the Southern Cone (South America). The city has the largest population and the largest economy in Southern Brazil. Area: municipality 430.9 km2 (166.4 sq mi), urban 319.4 km2 (123.3 sq mi).
Population
The capital has approximately 1,800,000 inhabitants. The metropolitan area has a population of 3,400,000.
Language
The official language spoken is Portuguese.
Climate
In November, the average daily temperatures range from 15 to 24 degrees Celsius (59 and 75.2°F.).
Airport
Afonso Pena International Airport (IATA: CWB, ICAO: SBCT) is the main airport serving Curitiba, Brazil, located in the adjoining municipality of São José dos Pinhais. It handles all domestic and international flights. The airport is located 18 km (11 mi) southeast of downtown Curitiba. Several buses, taxi, and transfer companies provide airport shuttle (https://www.aeroportocuritiba.net/en/curitibas-airport-directions).
Transport
Curitiba is known for the differentiated urban solutions, notably for the integrated (connected) transport system and the regular transit routes, which has served, especially from the 1970s, to encourage urban development. The public transport system in Curitiba features large passenger terminals connected by roads used only by the ‘ônibus Vermelhos’ (“Red Buses”), the Expressos (“Express Buses”), ‘Articulados’ (“Articulated buses”), and ‘Biarticulados’ (“Biarticulated buses”). The biarticulated bus travels on long trips, stopping only at tube-station stops to pick up or drop off people. Each biarticulated bus can carry 270 people – and complemented with the speedy silver ‘Ligeirinho’ (literally, “speedy”), with a modern design, has fewer stops, therefore shortening distances – when compared to the ‘Linha Direta’ (“Direct Line”) – due to saved time, and feeders marked by their colors. This model has inspired similar tests in cities of other countries, such as Los Angeles and New York City, where, in the 1990s, the installation of an experimental line of “ligeirinho” in the city connected it to the World Trade Center. The system is the source of inspiration for the TransMilenio in Bogotá, Colombia, Metrovia in Guayaquil, Ecuador, and the Orange Line of Los Angeles, California, and for a future transportation system in Panama City, Panama.
Money Exchange and Credit Cards
Money exchange is widely available in banks, change bureaus, and the airport. Most major credit cards are accepted in shops, hotels, and travel agencies. Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm. Money Exchange Houses have a more flexible working period (closing time at 5 pm or 6 pm). A very well deployed network of ATMs is also available for international bank transactions.
Shops
There is available a wide variety of stores in Curitiba. The best places for shopping in Curitiba are: “Feira do Largo da Ordem”, “Patio Batel”, “Shopping Estação”, “Park Shopping Barigui”, “Feirinha do Largo da Ordem”, “Palladium Shopping Center”, and “Arts and Handcrafts Street Market”.
Tourism Information
Regarded by many as one of the most developed cities in Latin America, Curitiba has a healthy proportion of attractions to visitors. Green space is certainly in good supply all around the city. The choice of parks and gardens is almost overwhelming, ranging from landscaped parklands and woodland trails to public plazas. The Praca do Japão (Japan Square) is one of Curitiba’s most unusual offerings. It is a feast of all things oriental, surrounded by mature cherry trees and featuring its own tea house, which contrasts significantly with the backdrop of modern high-rise buildings. The Jardim Botânico (Botanic Gardens) is undoubtedly a must-see attraction, and it is quite likely that you will have seen photos of its stylish glasshouse centerpiece on holiday brochures advertising the city. Of course, families will always enjoy spending time at the Parque Regional do Iguacu and exploring its zoological attractions. Suppose you crave a little culture during the evening. In that case, one of the frequent concerts staged at the Centro Cultural Teatro Guaíra (Guaira Theatre Cultural Centre) may suit. For more information, please see at http://www.world-guides.com/latin-america/brazil/parana/curitiba/curitiba_attractions.html .
Lodging
There is an excellent variety of hotels, suites, apartment hotels, and inns near the place where the ICPR Americas 2022 will be held. For more details, we suggest https://www.booking.com.