When somebody mentions Brazil to you, you are probably thinking of beautiful sandy beaches, tropical islands, waterfalls, rainforests, and Rio de Janeiro.
Exactly that happened to me when I started planning my 2-month trip to that amazing country. Now, let me take you to Paraty, one of Brazil’s top spots!
Unchanged and rare beauty, colonial houses, rain forests, culture, great food, 60 islands, 300 stunning beaches, and an endless list of things you can do – the Paraty region has it all!
This small and charming town named after a local swamp fish lays in the southern tip of the Rio de Janeiro state. It used to be a thriving gold spot, and it is no less golden today. It is a popular tourist hotspot and an artist refuge.
This town and its surroundings are so rich in activities and attractions; be sure to check out these top 17 things we recommend you to do during your stay there!
Top Things To do In Paraty
Get lost in the Old Town and Historical Center
One of the things you will love the most about Paraty’s Old town is the postcard-perfect streets inviting you to walk down them. The UNESCO-recognized historical center is a true architectural masterpiece. This very well-preserved colonial center has also been recognized as the National historic site since 1966.
Colorful and cute houses, charming cafés, bohemian shops and street artists, coffee and bars, museums, and galleries; all of this adds that special Paraty recognizable spirit to this place. This may easily be one of the most preserved old towns you have ever seen.
If you catch yourself in Paraty during the rain, do not worry. That will be an adventure itself. Since the cobbles of the streets are inclined, after the rain they will create channels to drain off the rain. This would be a perfect moment to capture great photos of the colorful houses with their reflections.
Yet another feature that makes Paraty special is a full moon once a month and a high tide. Try to be there at that time as it will allow you to see how Paraty has turned into a small version of Venice. And not less charming at all.
The Old town is a completely car-free zone. So you will enjoy your exploring adventure without the hassle of noise from traffic. Oh yes, you might have a cute companion along the way; monkeys roaming the streets.
Enjoy some time on Barra do Corumbê Beach
Your Paraty adventure will ask you to relax a bit. There is no better place for it than this little but amazing beach. It offers a magnificent view over the entire bay. Being alone, as a couple or a family with children, is perfect for all ages. This beach you will find easily as it is very close to the town and you can walk there.
The water is clean, and because it is relatively shallow it is always calm. That is exactly what makes it a perfect spot to try some stand-up surf paddling. Swimming would be another option and that is all the activities this beach can offer.
If you get hungry while you are there, we recommend you to try excellent seafood at the Corumbeer restaurant. It also has a natural swimming pool you may enjoy.
Visit Jabaquara Mangroves
Your “to do” list for the Paraty will be incomplete if you do not visit the Jabaquara Mangroves. If you are a lover of water sports, then it is a perfect location for you. The calm waters of this mangrove are above all relaxing, but perfect for nautical sports. You may wish to try your skills in sailing, canoeing, kayaking, or windsurfing.
Reaching the mangroves may be a bit tricky but is definitely worth the effort. You will have to cross the Jabaquara beach. You can do it only by sea. The best way we can recommend you is to hire a kayak and row over. There are several companies in Paraty offering both tours and individual kayak rentals. Try that! Not only that will add another exciting element to this adventure, but it will allow you to take amazing photos along the way.
The area surrounding Paraty is of absolutely stunning natural beauty.
One of the best ways for you to explore it is to take a boat trip. This is the perfect opportunity for you to see some of the most beautiful beaches and coves in the entire Paraty area. There are numerous routes offered you can choose from.
The boat tours leave from the Paraty harbor in the morning hours and they usually last about four hours. You will have the opportunity to do some snorkeling too to discover the magnificent underwater world.
The boats will have the necessary equipment. Some food and drinks, as well as mandatory caipirinhas, are also available on the boats.
Chill on Beach of Praia do Cão Morto
The area around Paraty is full of nice beaches to chill at. You definitely have to visit this beach, one of the most stunning beaches in the entire region. Mostly because your first impression will be that you are rather at the lake than the sea.
It has soft sand for you to relax on and pristine waters. What makes this beach particularly amazing is the natural hug of the beach and the rich Atlantic forest that stretches out behind the sand.
If you are learning at least some Portuguese during your trip, then don’t be afraid of the meaning of this beach’s name. Fortunately, Cao Morto, or the dead dog in English, has no resemblance to its less fortunate name.
Go to Saco do Mamanguá
In search of some great hiking trails, beaches, and more mangroves? The visit to the Saco do Mamangua is a must for you. It is for sure one of Paraty’s most recognizable natural wonders.
It is actually a sort of a fjord with a corridor of sea running between breathtaking green mountain peaks. You should really visit this place, especially if you wish to avoid crowded touristy places.
Even though it is one of the main features making Paraty such a desirable place to visit, it somehow managed to remain as one of the region’s well-kept secrets.
You can access it only by trail or by boat from the beach of Paraty Mirim. The well-marked trail leaves the beach of Paraty Mirim and it will take you around 1h30.
Enjoy Praia Grande
If you wish to experience a true feeling of the local life and local fishing customs, then Praia Grande will be the place for you. It is the main hub for fishermen and their fishing boats.
There is also a fish market there, offering the freshest possible catches of the day. If you can prepare the fish yourself at your accommodation, go ahead and bargain for that great fish for your dinner plate.
If you don’t feel like cooking but are still craving for some seafood, we have a recommendation. You can take a very short hike to the nearby village of Prainha. It is a pure fishermen’s village with several great, home-like atmosphere bars offering the tastiest seafood you can get.
Take a Dip in the Waterfalls
Paraty is simply blessed with the gift of the amazing green nature surrounding it. A somewhat different adventure will await you if you head to the famous nearby waterfalls. They are located in the heart of the Atlantic jungle in the vicinity of the town.
These waterfalls are very much different from any other classic waterfalls you’ve seen before! The most amazing ones you need to see are:
Toboga do Tarzan
You will understand the name of this waterfall when you get there! It is a stone, where the water flows in such a way to form a slide and a natural pool at the end of it. To reach this waterfall, you can take a bus that leaves from Rodoviária de Paraty, on Avenida Roberto Silveira, and runs to the neighborhood of Penha. The bus will stop close to the entrance of Tobogã waterfall itself, near the Pedra Branca Distillery. From there, you can walk to the waterfall in a few minutes.
Poço das Andorinhas
This small but not less amazing waterfall is on your must-visit list too! It is also known as the “Swallow’s well”. The stones, several small and natural pools, beautiful cascades, it has all you need for a perfect getaway in nature. The waterfall is easily accessible by car. It is located on Paraty-Cunha Road, near the Headquarters of the Gold Path Touristic Information Center.
Cachoeira da Pedra Branca
Or the “White Stone’s waterfall” is for sure one of the most beautiful ones you will see. It is located on Paraty-Cunha Road, right after the White Bridge (Pedra Branca). When you reach this point, stay on the right, until the end, and there you will easily find a marked trail that leads to this natural paradise. While you are there you may also check the ruins of the town´s first power plant.
Cachoeira do Tobogã
This waterfall is also called Poços do Penha Even though it maybe doesn’t have the most spectacular cascade, it has another spectacular feature for you to try; you can literally slide down this waterfall. It is absolutely safe, and if you still feel that you need help, there is a guy over there who calls himself a “surfer”. He is always there to assist you and help you with this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Use the bus to reach this waterfall as it is the most convenient way to get there. They run from the main station in Paraty every hour and the driver will know where to drop you off for the cascades.
One thing that All of these amazing waterfalls have in common is the wonderful and relaxing swimming opportunity, and the most stunning visuals for your best photos ever.
Church on the rock
Brazil is known as a very religious country. Visiting some of its churches may be a great way for you to travel a bit through the history of Colonial Brazil. Most of the churches date back as far as 1722.
It may surprise you that almost all of them were specifically built; for slaves and for the freemen, aristocracy, ladies, and even fishermen. Churches may not be on your Paraty itinerary, but do visit one unusual landmark; a spectacular little Church on the rock. As the name says, it is really located on the top of a rock.
A great idea would be to combine it with the visit to the waterfalls. If you are heading to the Cachoeira do Toboga waterfall, the bus will stop right across the street from this amazing little church. Keep in mind that churches around Paraty charge a small entrance fee. Taking photos inside is not allowed.
Discover Graúna Mountain Region
If you thought that Brazil is a purely tropical country, you are wrong. It is not only the ocean and high temperatures. The Mountain regions of Brazil are spectacular with remarkable wildlife. There is nothing better in colder periods of the year but to enjoy the coziness and charm of smaller towns with amazing mountains in the background.
One of such places is the Grauna Mountain region just outside of Paraty. You can reach it easily in about a 30 minutes drive from the Paraty city center. It is filled with charming small villages you can explore. The best way we can recommend you is to hike. Explore the hiking trails, enjoy the untouched amazing wildlife, and contemplate the surrounding nature.
Visit Trinidade
Trindade may have in its name a resemblance with Trinity. And indeed, it is a “holy trinity of three great beaches you will want to see!
As the locals like to say, Trindade is now one of the worst-kept secrets. Not so long ago, it was just a sleepy fishermen’s village. One of the legends says that it was even a hiding place for the French pirates.
You need to know that in the 1970s the village became very popular among the hippie community. They thought of it to be a magical land frequently visited by UFOs. You may try yourself to encounter E.T. While you wait for him, use the time and explore some of the village’s stunning beaches. Praia Brava and Praia do Cepilho are great for surfers among you. You may even camp there.
The biggest beach, Praia de Fora, called Praia dos Ranchos too, is another great beach you must visit. A quick trail over to Praia do Cachadaço will take you to this amazing beach if you are in search of more quiet times and relaxing. It is a natural pool filled with colorful fish and surrounded by volcano rocks.
If your adventurous spirit wants more, try a hike down the steep slope of Deus de Livre. Once it used to be a slippery natural barrier for the curious ones trying to reach Trindade. Today it is paved and will be easier for you to conquer it.
If you go by car, reaching Trindade will be easy. Use the BR 101 road to the small village of Patrimonio. From there, a well-signposted mountain road will take you to Trindade in less than 30 minutes.
Hike to Sono Beach
Sono beach is one of those magical and secluded places you can reach only by walking. This beach, with stunning landscape, deserted and protected by tropical forests will reward your effort upon arrival.
The water is crystal clear and the sand is powdery. A mere 300 inhabitants, and all of them fishermen, will greet you and accept you as one of their own.
To find this spectacular beach, you will have to take a 40-minute drive to the village of Laranjeiras. From there begins a well-marked mid-level track of about 4 km. It will take you to Sono beach in about an hour and a half.
During this great hike, you will pass through the preserved area of rainforest inside the AIPA of Cairuçu (Ambient Protection Area of Cairuçu). Have your camera ready and capture some stunning kinds of vegetation, animals, and birds, even rivers you can refresh yourself in.
Rent a Bike and roam around
One of the best ways we can recommend you to fully explore and enjoy Paraty is on two wheels. Go further, free your adventurous spirit. This would be a great experience and a way to explore Paraty in a fun and ecological way.
Renting a bike will give you the freedom to go wherever you wish without a hassle with the cars and traffic. You will for sure fully enjoy the town, the villages, amazing nature around the town, beaches, and waterfalls. There is no better way to get you a completely different but a great experience of Paraty and its surroundings.
Kayak to Mangroves
One of the most popular and great adventures you may try in Paraty is renting a kayak. You will paddle past the islands, and you can make stops at one of the great beaches. You will go to the deep corners where boats can not go. Paddling through the mangroves will let you experience the magical nature of Paraty in a totally different dimension.
You don’t have to be an expert to go on this amazing eco-adventure. Most kayaks are designed in such a way to let you go further with less effort, and you really don’t need any previous experience. Get a kayak, and explore all the hidden beauties in a fun and healthy way.
Get a Unique Educational Experience at Fazenda Bananal
If you are still looking for something completely different to do in Paraty, we have a great tip for you! Sustainability and taking care of our planet became more important than ever. So is the awareness about the consequences of our actions.
Fazenda Bananal is a truly inspirational organization for anybody interested in environmental issues. This great sustainable farm you will want to visit is located only about 15 minutes drive from Paraty. Here you will be able to learn a lot about the history of Paraty, as well as a project which has grown here just a few years ago.
You can watch birds there, take a walk in the Atlantic forest, and see for yourself how a human hand can change nature in a great sustainable way. You can see numerous animals, and you can visit the houses with organically grown vegetables. On the premises is a fantastic restaurant where you can try these vegetables since it operates on the farm-to-table concept.
You can use the day and explore the farm on your own. If you want to know more, you can hire their guide for a small fee who will give you a deeper explanation of their great eco-aware mission.
Don’t miss Island hopping
You are probably thinking that this is all we can give you on Paraty. There is always more.
Now when you have already explored the town and the area to its fullest with our great tips, there is one more thing – island hopping.
Paraty bay is a great location with more than 60 just as great islands with stunning beaches.
Touring these islands will allow you to find more secluded beaches, relax, and spend a great day outdoors.
Downtown Paraty there are several tour operators offering island hopping. They will help you find the best tour following your preferences. You can stroll through their pages, find your dream tour, even book it (also online), and you are ready for yet another great adventure in Paraty.
Enjoy the Nightlife
One thing that Paraty lacks is the wild nightlife. Night owls among you will be able to blend in and enjoy a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. The most popular places are those that play live music and shows from the local artists.
You will for sure have a great evening taking some drinks, mingling with the locals or chatting with other visitors.
Make sure to try the typical drink of Paraty; Jorge Amado. This unique drink is prepared with Gabriela cachaça with clove, cinnamon flavor, lemon, and passion fruit. It is a delicious taste of Paraty you will always remember.
On the other side, Pratay is the town of culture, festivities, and festivals. If it happens that you are there during the festival times,, you can expect some noise and a pure demonstration of the cheerful nature of Brazilian people. Particularly during the football World cup years.
How to get to Paraty?
Getting to Paraty from either São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro is very easy.
Paraty is connected by road to both cities via highway BR-101 and you can easily and safely drive yourself.
Using a bus is a good and also the cheapest option. Buses leave for Paraty daily from both cities. From São Paulo, the trip will take you about 6-7 hours, and from Rio about 4to 5 hours.
Should your budget allow you, there is also an option to use private transfer or the shuttle service provided by local agencies.
Where to stay in Paraty?
is a great option for your stay, especially if you are looking for a quiet, quality, and comfortable stay. Located in downtown Paraty, its historical center, this place will give you the true luxury feeling of charming colonial Brazil. They offer great food prepared with local seasonal ingredients. Amazingly enough, this place is dog-friendly, so your fur friend is welcome to come with you.
great place to stay, offering all the comfort you may need. A few years ago, it was voted as the Best New Posada (inn) by Brazil’s Michelin Guide.
Free breakfast, poolside bar, spa services, stunning architecture, and a blooming garden are just some things you can enjoy at this place.
if you are on a somewhat limited budget, we can recommend you this great and charming hostel in the vicinity of the bus station, in the very center of Paraty. It offers comfortable rooms, a sunny terrace, a continental breakfast, and even a barbecue for its guests.
We are sure you are already packing your bags with what we have recommended you for your time in Paraty. And you should be! There is no wrong time to go to Paraty. Any time of the year, or in any weather, this amazing town will give you the most memorable holiday, if not the best ever!
