Carlópolis lies on the shore of the Chavantes Reservoir. Its flooded area covers approximately 116 km²; the reservoir borders the state of São Paulo. Water and fishing shape the town’s appeal to travellers, but island and cultural themes are also part of the picture.
On the Chavantes Reservoir
The abundance and variety of fish in the reservoir draw tourists and anglers to Carlópolis. This makes fishing a clear focus when choosing the destination. Carlópolis is also part of the Angra Doce project, which aims to promote sustainable tourism development around the Chavantes Reservoir in Paraná and São Paulo. This places the local waterscape within a broader regional tourism development context.
Ilha do Ponciano: FrutFest and model aircraft
FrutFest is held annually in September on Ilha do Ponciano. The festival celebrates Carlópolis’ importance in fruit production. If you plan to travel for FrutFest, check the dates for the relevant year in advance. Tourists and Carlópolis residents also use the island for model aircraft flying. Thus, in local trip planning, Ilha do Ponciano combines a seasonal event with an unrelated recreational activity.
Bridge and getting there
The Ponte Prefeito Benedito Garcia Ribeiro connects Carlópolis in the state of Paraná with Fartura in São Paulo across the Itararé River. It is 1,550 m long and 53.5 m high. The BR-374 and PR-092 highways serve as routes to Carlópolis; PR-092 is also known as Rodovia Governador Parigot de Souza. The bridge and highways serve different navigational purposes: the Ponte provides a connection to Fartura, while BR-374 and PR-092 provide access to Carlópolis.
Religious sites and a private club
The statue of the monk at Igrejinha do Monge was created in 2007 and is visited by worshippers. On Ilha do Ponciano is the Gruta de Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes. Its entrance faces Carlópolis; the grotto was built in honour of the patron saint of seafaring. The two sites have different points of emphasis: the statue is associated with a specific year of creation and religious visits, while the grotto is notable for its orientation and dedication to seafaring.
The private Caravela Country Club has swimming pools and a children’s playground. As it is a private club, check access arrangements in advance if you would like to include it in your plans.
More nature to explore in the wider destination of Paraná
Beyond Carlópolis, Paraná offers other landscapes and experiences. In Paraná, Iguaçu National Park includes a 169,695.88-hectare World Heritage site; the Iguaçu Falls system stretches for almost three kilometres and has vertical drops of up to 80 metres. Indigenous rock paintings dating back approximately 7,000 years can be found in Parque Estadual do Guartelá. These natural attractions belong to the wider destination of Paraná and differ from Carlópolis’ reservoir and fishing focus.
Discover more destinations: Bom Jesus dos PerdõEs, Araras, Jacareí, Alambari, Ouroeste, Divinolândia, Indiaporã, Guarani d'Oeste
For the wider travel overview: São Paulo.
