Elevator of Vila Velha is 92% complete and should resume operation after more than 20 years

The works of revitalization of the Elevator of Vila Velha, located in Furna dos Andorinhões, in the State Park of Vila Velha, in Ponta Grossa, reached 92% of execution. Deactivated for more than two decades, the historic vertical cable car is being recovered and modernized to welcome visitors again. The project is expected to be completed in December 2026.

The revitalization began in July 2025 and represents an investment of R$ 15 million, fully funded by the Soul Vila Velha concessionaire, responsible for the management of the park in partnership with the Instituto Água e Terra (IAT).

In this final stage, the teams work on the installation of the last pieces, on the realization of automation tests and on the landscape of the surroundings of the structure.

The 54-metre descent promises a new experience for tourists

With the reactivation, visitors will be able to access the interior of the Furna dos Andorinhões through a vertical descent of 54 meters.

The equipment, considered the only vertical cable car in Latin America, promises to become one of the main tourist attractions of the Campos Gerais.

The project also provides for the installation of an observation deck, which will allow to contemplate the geological formations of the park from a different perspective.

According to IAT’s Director of Natural Heritage, Rafael Andreguetto, the experience will provide visitors with a special contact with the natural characteristics of the region.

“The tourists will be able to visit a geological environment and unique in terms of diversity,” he says.

Tourism in Ponta Grossa can grow up to 50%

The resumption of the Vila Velha Elevator is expected to help increase the number of park visitors by up to 50%. In 2025, approximately 70,000 people passed through the conservation unit.

For the executive manager and president of Soul Vila Velha S.A., Leandro Ribas, the recovery of the equipment represents an opportunity to strengthen regional tourism.

“We are quite optimistic about this resumption and we believe that the equipment will contribute to expand the attractiveness of the park, stimulating both the return of those who already know Vila Velha and the discovery of this natural heritage by new audiences,” he says.

Works follow environmental care

Because it is located in an area of environmental preservation, the project received expert support during the interventions.

The works were carried out with measures to protect the fauna and flora, especially by the presence of sensitive species in the Furna dos Andorinhões.

The environmental monitoring should continue during the beginning of the operation of the elevator, ensuring that the tourist activity is developed with attention to the conservation of the natural heritage.

Elevator ride will have additional charge

The conventional entrance to the Vila Velha State Park allows you to visit the three main natural attractions: Sandstones, Furnas and Golden Lagoon.

The experience in the Elevator of Vila Velha will be optional, with an additional amount charged at the entrance of the park.

The prices have not yet been defined and should be disclosed later by the administration.

Get to know the Vila Velha State Park

Created in 1953, Vila Velha State Park was the first state park of Paraná and is located at Ponta Grossa, at Campos Gerais, approximately one hour from Curitiba.

Currently, the unit is managed by Soul Vila Velha, a company of the Soul Parques Group, through the Government’s grant of Paraná, with the follow-up of the IAT.

In addition to natural attractions, visitors find activities such as zip line, tree climbing, cycling and dining options.

The ticket offices are open until 3 pm, but the direction of the administration is to arrive in the morning to make the most of the tours.

With the completion of the elevator works scheduled for December, the park is preparing to recover one of its most emblematic attractions, expanding the possibilities of visitation and reinforcing Ponta Grossa as a tourist destination of the Paraná.

 

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