Paraty Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Paraty, Brazil with this comprehensive tour guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and more.


Introduction to Paraty

Located in the Costa Verde region of Rio de Janeiro, Paraty is a charming colonial town with cobblestone streets and colorful buildings dating back to the 17th century. Known for its preserved architecture, Paraty attracts tourists for its history, culture, and beautiful beaches.

Here is a comprehensive tour guide for Paraty, including a list of places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and what to eat.

List of Places to Visit in Paraty

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Museu de Arte Sacra de Paraty: Located in the historic center of Paraty, this museum houses an impressive collection of colonial religious art.
  • Centro Histórico de Paraty: Take a walking tour of the historic center of Paraty to see the colonial architecture, which has been well preserved since the 18th century.
  • Casa da Cultura: This cultural center hosts exhibits, workshops, and events, providing insight into the local arts and crafts scene.

Natural Attractions of Paraty: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Praia do Sono: This quiet beach is accessible by trail or boat, and offers crystal-clear water and white sandy shores.
  • Praia de Trindade: A popular beach destination, Praia de Trindade is surrounded by hills and lush vegetation, with several restaurants and bars along the shore.
  • Cachoeira do Tobogã: This natural water slide is located a few kilometers from the city center and is a popular spot for swimming and relaxing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Paraty

  • Caminho do Ouro: This historic trail dates back to the 17th century and was used to transport gold from Minas Gerais to Paraty. The trail is now popular for hiking and mountain biking.
  • Parque Nacional da Serra da Bocaina: This national park offers several trails for hiking and camping, with stunning vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding mountains.

Best Things to Do in Paraty: Activities and Tours

  • Boat tour: Explore the coastline of Paraty and its surrounding islands on a boat tour, which usually includes stops at several beaches and snorkeling opportunities.
  • Kayaking: Rent a kayak and explore the calm waters of Paraty Bay, taking in the scenic views and getting up close and personal with the local wildlife.
  • Stand-up paddleboarding: Another popular water activity, stand-up paddleboarding allows you to explore the bay at your own pace.

Week-Long Itinerary for Paraty

Day Activity
1 Explore the historic center of Paraty, including Casa da Cultura and the Museu de Arte Sacra de Paraty
2 Take a boat tour and visit nearby beaches, such as Praia do Sono and Praia de Trindade
3 Hike or mountain bike the Caminho do Ouro trail
4 Visit the Parque Nacional da Serra da Bocaina and hike one of the many trails
5 Take a day trip to nearby Ubatuba, a popular beach destination
6 Try stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking in the bay
7 Enjoy a day of relaxation at one of the nearby beaches, such as Cachoeira do Tobogã

Food and Drink Scene of Paraty

Must-Try Dishes

  • Shrimp bobó: A traditional Brazilian dish made with manioc, coconut milk, and shrimp.
  • Moqueca: A seafood stew made with coconut milk, tomatoes, onions, and peppers.
  • Brigadeiros: This chocolate truffle is a staple in Brazilian cuisine and can be found in many local shops and cafes.

Local Beverages

  • Cachaça: This sugarcane-based spirit is the main ingredient in Brazil’s national cocktail, caipirinha.
  • Chopp: A light beer that is often served on tap in Paraty’s bars and restaurants.
  • Guarana: A popular soda made with a local fruit of the same name.

Where to Stay in Paraty: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Pousada do Ouro: This luxury guesthouse is located in the historic center of Paraty and offers comfortable rooms and a rooftop pool with stunning views.
  • Villa del Sol: This mid-range hotel is located on the outskirts of Paraty and offers a tranquil escape with comfortable rooms and a relaxing pool area.
  • Che Lagarto Hostel: This budget hostel offers dorm-style accommodations and a social atmosphere, with a bar and daily activities organized for guests.

What to Buy in Paraty: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Cachaça: Take home a bottle of this local spirit, which comes in a variety of flavors and makes for a perfect souvenir or gift.
  • Handicrafts: Paraty is known for its handmade crafts, including ceramics, textiles, and woodwork, which can be found in many local shops and markets.
  • Coffee: Brazil is one of the world’s leading coffee producers, and Paraty is home to several local roasters and coffee shops where you can purchase freshly roasted beans.

Local Culture and Customs of Paraty

Paraty has a rich cultural heritage, with indigenous and African influences brought over during colonial times. Visitors to Paraty will witness this cultural diversity through its architecture, music, and cuisine.

Best Time to Visit Paraty

The best time to visit Paraty is during the winter months (June-August), when temperatures are mild and rainfall is low. However, the town is a popular tourist destination year-round, with festivals and events happening throughout the year.

Do’s and Don’ts of Paraty

Do:

  • Bring comfortable shoes for walking on the cobblestone streets and hiking trails.
  • Try the local cuisine, including the seafood and cachaça.
  • Respect the local culture and customs.

Don’t:

  • Swim in the ocean outside the designated areas, as there are strong currents and dangerous wildlife.
  • Drink tap water, as it is not considered safe for consumption.

Safety and Health

Safety in Paraty

Paraty is generally safe for tourists, with low rates of crime and a strong police presence in the historic center.

Health in Paraty

Visitors to Paraty should be aware of mosquito-borne illnesses, such as dengue fever and Zika virus. It is recommended to take necessary precautions, such as wearing insect repellent and covering exposed skin.

Getting to Paraty: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Paraty

The closest major airport to Paraty is Rio de Janeiro’s Galeao International Airport.

Bus Stations Near Paraty

Paraty is easily accessible by bus, with frequent departures from Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.

Other Options

Private transfers and rental cars are also available for those who prefer a more personalized travel experience.

How to Get Around in Paraty

The historic center of Paraty is easily navigable on foot, but bikes and mopeds are also available for rent. Taxis and local buses also operate within the town.

Where to Go Next from Paraty: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Ilha Grande: This nearby island paradise can be reached by ferry from one of Paraty’s nearby ports, and offers beautiful beaches, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
  • Angra dos Reis: This popular beach destination is located a short drive from Paraty and offers stunning coastal views and activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling.

Conclusion

Paraty is a charming colonial town that offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. With its preserved architecture, beautiful beaches, and thriving food scene, it’s no wonder why Paraty is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination in Brazil.

View of Paraty from the water View of Paraty from the water Santa Rita chapel Santa Rita chapel A cobble-stoned street in Paraty's historic center A cobble-stoned street in Paraty's historic center Boats on Paraty harbor Boats on Paraty harbor Cachaça bottles Cachaça bottles Caipirinha on a sailboat Caipirinha on a sailboat Igreja Matriz on the canal in Paraty Igreja Matriz on the canal in Paraty