Curitiba

Curitiba is considered Brazil's showcase city. This is because it is a little different from most of the South American country's metropolitan areas, and the greenest one at that. And that is to be taken literally, because statistically speaking, there are 50 square meters of green space for every 1.8 million inhabitants. European immigrants have given Curitiba its face with large pedestrian zones and inviting restaurants. It was gold prospectors who mined in the region and ultimately became pioneers of the once small city. Curitiba's sights include the Torre Panoramica observation tower, the Oscar Niemeyer Museum, which is well worth a visit, and the Botanical Gardens.