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An update from Evaneos
Paraty

Paraty (Brazil)

Practical information about Paraty

  • Relaxation
  • Encounters with locals
  • Romantic
  • Beach / Seaside Resort
  • Island
  • Hiking / Trekking
  • Castle and fortress
  • Handicraft
  • Place or Historical Monument
  • Essential
  • Off the beaten track
5 / 5 - 4 reviews
How to get there
250 km by road from Rio de Janeiro
When to go
From November to May
Minimum stay
3 to 5 days

Reviews of Paraty

Travel writer
3 travel articles

Paraty is the "dolce vita" with a Brazilian flavor: charming, tranquil and delightful in all respects.

My suggestion:
And the road between Rio de Janeiro and Paraty is wonderful too, though nonetheless very winding: plan to take five to six hours to complete the journey.
Summary:

I traveled to Paraty from Rio on the superb road that runs along the "costa verde" – the green coast. Make sure you have enough time to stop and take photos: the panoramas out over the string of islands decorating the bay are gorgeous.

The town itself, which dates from the 17th century, lies in a verdant setting surrounded by the Sierra da Bocaina Mountains and what was formerly the tropical Atlantic Forest. There is no lack of circuits and walks to do.

I loved this historical town, with its cobbled streets, its leisure port and the Capela de Santa Rita (Chapel of Saint Rita). I even ended up bringing a cotton hammock back from my strolls around the numerous stalls there selling local craft products. And then there's Paraty's pousadas. Once military depots – at the height of the gold trade – then colonial homes decorated with wrought iron, these colorful houses are now charming hotels where you can enjoy a supremely exotic kind of break! 

But above all else, it was the pace of life I really enjoyed. If you're looking for a place to spend a quiet, relaxed break, I can fully recommend this Brazilian haven of peace and tranquility.  

The door of the Chapel of Saint Rita
Ariadne M Travel writer
37 travel articles

A charming, colonial village, Paraty was once a major port for gold leaving Brazil for Europe. Today the village is still worth a detour!

My suggestion:
Check out Trindade Beach during your trip to Brazil . At only 15 minutes or so from the center of Paraty, it's the perfect place for a laze and to enjoy warm, clear blue water.
Summary:

A Brazilian, colonial gem, Paraty was once the departure point for gold brought from the 'Minas'.  Today, it's a delightful and unforgettable tourist destination.

The town's own beaches are not the cleanest. Better to head twenty to thirty minutes away (by scooter, bike, bus or car) and choose from a selection of amazing beaches - I found Trindade to be a good choice.

The old town center is, nonetheless, charming. The streets are paved with large slabs (beware - they can twist ankles) and there are little restaurants, bars and craft shops dotted all over the place.

A boat trip to see other beaches and isles is an enjoyable option and less energetic too!

A little side street in Paraty
Travel writer
181 travel articles

A pretty little colonial town located 240 km south of Rio de Janeiro on the Costa Verde.

My suggestion:
Be sure to tour round the fishing village of Trinidad, located around thirty kilometers from Paraty, and take advantage of the exceptional beaches there. It's a wonderful excursion to make, and you won't be disappointed!
Summary:

In Paraty, it feels like time has stood still. The town center is a little, white-tinted architectural jewel, with its streets exclusively pedestrianized. Despite its very small size, I never got tired of strolling from shop to shop and from cafe to cafe, attuning myself to the particularly peaceful atmosphere of the place.

The town is very popular with tourists, and for good reason. The vegetation edging its beaches gives them something of a "Robinson Crusoe" feel. From boat trips to see the coast to the numerous nice restaurants and bars where I can round off my day on a high note, everything works together here to ensure that I enjoy a special time: without a doubt, I'm on holiday!  

So, to summarize: a preserved, 16th century town center, beaches, mountains, tropical vegetation, waterfalls, islands … not a bad picture it all paints, don't you think? So there you have it: another choice destination for your trip to Brazil.  

View over the town of Paraty
Cathy Trichet Travel writer
45 travel articles

On my trip to Brazil, I was lucky enough to stopover in Paraty, a green, verdant town amid a myriad of islands.

My suggestion:
Take the time to see Paraty properly and visit some of the islands around it.
Summary:

I strolled around the streets of Paraty,exploring its colonial architecture and its lovely houses. I went inside the beautiful white church standing proudly at the town's center.

I went to explore the magnificent fishing port from where the ships transporting gold from Minas Gerais used to depart. I went out with some fishermen in their boat, who told me about Paraty's former importance: it almost became Brazil's capital at one point!

I was unable to resist the pleasurable experience of donning flippers, snorkel and mask in order observe the multicolored fish. Some inquisitive French angelfish came up very close to look at me. I went walking in the verdant hills of the surrounding area and saw macaws and marmosets.

I spent several days in this little corner of paradise, where time seems to have stood still and where the people show themselves to be very kind and friendly.

Paraty Bay