Paraty

Paraty grew in the 18th century as a strategic port for exporting gold from Minas Gerais, chosen by the Portuguese Crown as a safe alternative to Rio when pirates targeted shipments. Together with Ouro Preto, it was part of the Estrada Real (Gold Road), and an obligatory overnight stop for travelers between Rio and São Paulo until the late 1800s. Home to about 37,000 people, the town and surrounding region of Ilha Grande were jointly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019 for their cultural and natural significance.

The Bus Station (Rodoviária de Paraty) at Rua Jango Pádua, 500m from the historic center, serves regional routes. Buses connect to Rio, São Paulo, and nearby destinations including the beautiful beach village of Trindade (30 km south). Tickets to Trindade cost approximately R$3 and are purchased onboard. Check the Colitur timetable on their Facebook page for regional bus schedules.

The historic town is compact and easily covered on foot, as cars (except taxis dropping off or picking up passengers) are banned from the cobbled city center. The rough boulders of the old streets would quickly destroy car shock absorbers anyway. Colectivos and buses to Trindade and outlying beaches depart from the Bus Station.

The busy periods are FLIP (Festa Literária Internacional de Paraty) in July or August, Carnaval, and New Year's, when hotels fill quickly and prices rise. The Festival da Pinga (cachaça festival) takes place in the third week of August at Matriz Square, featuring regional cachaça tastings and live music. The Bloco da Lama (Mud Carnaval) happens the Saturday before Carnaval at Jabaquara Beach, where crowds cover themselves in mud and chant. Summer months (December-March) offer the best beach weather, while the dry season (April-August) is ideal for trekking and waterfalls.

The Historic Center (Centro Histórico) suits visitors wanting to be in the heart of the action, with charming hotels and over 200 pousadas, though it can be busy and noisy at night. Quieter and cheaper options exist in the newer neighborhoods outside the tourist area. Budget travelers can find dorms from R$25 at hostels like Sereia do mar near Jabaquara Beach, while charming pousadas like Pousada Arte Urquijo offer rooms from R$300 including breakfast. During FLIP, Carnaval, and New Year, book well in advance.

Paraty is famous for cachaça production, with dozens of excellent brands available in shops throughout town. Free samples are offered at Cachaçaria Cana Caiana (Rua do Comércio 100, 09:30-22:30), which also sells homemade sweets. Local restaurants include Bom Apetite Restaurante (R. Dr. Derli Elena, 369) for homemade comfort food, Detinha Sabores Para-TI (Av. Roberto Silveira, 87-93) with a diverse buffet, and Casa Coupê Restaurante (Praça da Matriz, 6) serving local fresh foods with a Barcelona touch. Beachside at Jabaquara, Sereia do Mar offers 24 pizza varieties plus live music on weekends. The signature caipirinha is made with local cachaça, and the town hosts a dedicated Festival da Pinga in August.

A boat trip through the bay is essential, with over 300 islands where you can find your own private beach; small boats are available for charter near the river mouth. Palombeta Speedboat (R$700) offers trips to remote beaches with snorkeling stops and an English-speaking guide. For waterfalls, visit Cachoeira do Tobogã near Penha (30 minutes by bus), or trek to Pedra Branca and Poço do Inglês along the Paraty-Cunha road. The Caminho do Ouro (Gold Trail) provides trekking through Atlantic Rainforest to tropical beaches like Praia do Sono. Culture seekers should visit the Igreja Matriz (1787-1873) on Matriz Square, Casa da Cultura (1754 jail turned museum, M-Sa 09:00-19:00, Su 09:00-14:00), and the 1722 Santa Rita church regarded by Brasília's urban planner as Brazil's most beautiful church interior.

Paraty is one of Brazil's most famous cachaça producers, and in the early 20th century, cachaça was actually known as 'parati.' Dozens of excellent brands fill shop shelves from top to bottom at stores throughout the historic center. Miniatures of the colorful boats that dot Paraty's harbor make popular souvenirs, along with local art and handicrafts from the many galleries inspired by the scenic surroundings. The Casa da Cultura has a bookstore, and there are numerous handicraft shops throughout the old town.

Dance with locals at bar-clubs in the main square, particularly Lado B da Praça or Dinho's Bar, or Paraty 33. Cervejaria Caborê (Av. Otávio Gama, 100 in Caborê along the Perecé river) is the home of local brewery Caborê, open M-F 17:00-00:00, Sa-Su 11:00-00:00. The caipirinha (Brazil's national cocktail made with cachaça, lime, and sugar) is essential here, especially at sunset by the harbor. The Festival da Pinga in August showcases regional cachaça varieties at Matriz Square.

Paraty is generally safe for tourists, though standard precautions apply in the historic center at night. The main risks are petty theft like pickpocketing in crowded areas, and minor scams targeting tourists at beaches. Use registered taxis and avoid walking alone on isolated beaches at night. The bay and beaches are generally safe for swimming, though currents can be strong at some beaches—ask locals about conditions before entering the water.

Internet cafes are plentiful just outside the historical center—you can't avoid seeing one while walking a few blocks along the main street. Most pousadas and hostels offer free WiFi for guests. For mobile data, Brazilian carriers TIM, Claro, and Vivo have coverage in Paraty; SIM cards are readily available at shops in the historic center.

Trindade, 30 km south, is a beautiful beach village reachable by bus (R$3) from the Bus Station, known for stunning beaches and a more laid-back atmosphere. Ilha Grande, accessible by boat from Paraty or Angra dos Reis, is a paradise island with pristine beaches and hiking trails, and together with Paraty forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing. The colonial town of Cunha is reachable via the scenic Paraty-Cunha road, with trails leading to waterfalls and beaches. Angra dos Reis, to the north, is the gateway to over 300 islands and a major yachting destination. Rio de Janeiro is a 4-5 hour bus ride away, while São Paulo is approximately 6 hours.