Londrina is the second largest city in the state of Paraná, Brazil, with approximately 500,000 inhabitants. Located in the northern part of the state, Londrina was first explored by British settlers who established railway stations in the region to transport coffee beans to the port of Santos. In 1930, Londrina was officially founded by a group of Japanese and German settlers and has since welcomed immigrants from Portugal, Italy, Poland, Africa, Spain, and Lebanon, among others.
Londrina is a regional hub for commerce, services, agribusiness, and universities in southern Brazil. Coffee cultivation was the main economic activity in Londrina for many years, but currently, agricultural activities are more diversified and also include corn, wheat, beans, rice, sugarcane, soybeans, and fruit plantations, all of which thrive in Londrina’s rich soil, known as “terra roxa” (purple earth).
Londrina has a large industrial park, and the real estate sector is also growing, generating jobs and contributing to the city’s growth. The city also hosts Expo Londrina, the largest agricultural fair in Latin America.Places to Visit
Historical Museum of Londrina Padre Carlos Weiss: The Historical Museum of Londrina was inaugurated on September 18, 1970, 
and since 1974 it has been a supplementary branch of the State University of Londrina, academically linked to the Center for Letters and Human Sciences.
Since December 10, 1986, the museum has occupied the old Londrina Railway Station, and due to its architectural design, it serves as a historical landmark of English origin, characteristic of Londrina’s colonization and the New North of Paraná.
The museum aims to recover, preserve, and share the cultural heritage of Londrina and its surrounding region. Most of the exhibition focuses on work and the economy; on daily life in Londrina.
Londrina Art Museum: The museum is located in a building that originally served as a bus station, built in 1952, 
and is the first modern architecture building in the State of Paraná. Its construction began during the term of Mayor Hugo Cabral but was completed during the term of Mayor Milton Ribeiro de Meneses in 1952. Decommissioned in 1988, the building underwent major renovations and now houses the Londrina Art Museum.
The museum was inaugurated on May 13, 1993, and as its main attraction, it exhibited the sculpture “The Eternal Spring” by Auguste Rodin. Additionally, works by Menotti Del Pichia (Head of Sancho Panza and Don Quixote) and Vítor Brecheret, as well as an installation by Yiftah Peled, were displayed.
Igapó Lake: Igapó Lake is an artificial lake in Londrina, created in December 1959. The name Igapó derives from the 
Tupi language, meaning “transfusion of rivers.” In 1970, the city created a project to urbanize the lake, which then initiated the construction of sidewalks and the planting of trees around the lake. Years later, the lake included a garden with 187 species of native plants, the Zerão (leisure area), and the Urban Social Center.
Igapó Lake is a recreational area, and besides the dam, it allows for water sports for recreation. There is a vast urbanized area with swimming pools, tracks, miniature airplanes, and a photography club. Visitors and citizens enjoy the lake and the activities it offers – a cycling track, theater, gardens, and a fountain allow people to gather and enjoy a peaceful afternoon in the park.
Londrina Botanical Garden: With over 1 million square meters of native forest, streams, and rivers, the Londrina Botanical Garden was established in March 2006 by the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.
The Londrina Botanical Garden is one of the most important research and conservation units for native and exotic species in Paraná. The garden is a space dedicated to the protection and cultivation of rare wild species, endangered, or economically and ecologically important for the restoration and rehabilitation of ecosystems.
The garden has many trails to explore, with plenty of information available about plant species and other forms of wildlife. With its romantic touch, the garden is an ideal place for couples to stroll in the afternoon.CLAUDIA KNUTSSON
Freelance Writer
cpedersen2@pride.hofstra.edu