This coastal Brazilian town preserves its colonial past with cobblestone streets and 18th-century buildings. Visitors can explore historic churches or take boat trips along the Rio Paraty-Mirim.
Paraty, a small coastal town in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro state, captivates visitors with its colonial-era buildings and cobblestone streets. Nestled between mountains and Ilha Grande Bay, Paraty invites you to explore its surroundings. Sail to nearby islands like Ilha do Araújo, hike to Tobogã waterfall, taste locally-produced cachaça at Engenho D'Ouro, and savor fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants.
Beaches and Islands Around Paraty
Paraty sits on the Costa Verde (Green Coast), with clear waters and lush vegetation. Walk to nearby Pontal Beach, or take a boat tour to the islands in Ilha Grande Bay. Visit Ilha do Araújo or Ilha do Cedro, where you'll find calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Each island has its own character, from sandy shores to rocky coves.
Hiking Trails and Waterfalls
The Atlantic Rainforest surrounding Paraty offers numerous hiking opportunities. Trek along the Gold Trail (Caminho do Ouro), once used to transport gold from Minas Gerais to Paraty's port. This path leads to Tobogã waterfall, where smooth rocks form natural slides into cool pools. For a more challenging hike, climb Pico do Cuscuzeiro for panoramic coastal vistas.
Cachaça Production in Paraty
Paraty has been producing cachaça since colonial times. Visit distilleries like Engenho D'Ouro or Alambique Paratiana to learn about the distillation process and taste different varieties of this sugar cane spirit. Some distilleries are located in the mountains, providing expansive looks at the surrounding landscape.
Paraty's Historic Center
Step back in time as you explore Paraty's historic center. Its 18th-century appearance remains intact, with whitewashed buildings adorned with colorful doors. Cars are prohibited on the cobblestone streets, creating a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere. Visit colonial-era churches like the Capela de Santa Rita, the town's oldest. Many restored buildings now house art galleries, shops, and restaurants.
How to Get to Paraty
Paraty is situated approximately halfway between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. From Rio, take a 4-5 hour bus ride. From São Paulo, the bus journey takes about 6 hours. If you're driving, follow the coastal road (BR-101). The nearest airports are in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, from where you'll need to continue by road.
When to Visit Paraty
Paraty experiences warm temperatures year-round. Summer (December to March) brings the most tourists and rainfall, along with the hottest weather. For milder temperatures and smaller crowds, consider visiting in April-May or September-October. Winter (June to August) is the driest period but evenings can be cool.
