Why Visit Paraty?
Located 155 miles (250km) south of Rio on the Costa Verde, Paraty is one of Brazil's best-preserved colonial towns. Founded in 1667, its historic center features whitewashed buildings with colorful trim, car-free cobblestone streets, and churches dating back centuries. The town sits between lush mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by protected national parkland.
Beyond the colonial center, Paraty offers incredible natural beauty: over 60 islands for boat tours, pristine beaches accessible only by water, jungle waterfalls, and some of the best cachaça distilleries in Brazil. The combination of culture and nature makes it unique among Brazilian destinations.
Getting There
Distance: 155 miles (250km) from Rio de Janeiro
Drive Time: 4-4.5 hours via BR-101 (Rio-Santos Highway)
Road Conditions: Good paved highway with stunning coastal views
By Car: Most flexible option. Take BR-101 south through Angra dos Reis. Beautiful scenic drive with ocean views. Some winding mountain sections. Parking in historic center is limited but hotels usually provide parking or nearby options.
By Bus: Costa Verde buses from Rio's Novo Rio terminal (R$100-140, ~4.5 hours). Comfortable, frequent departures. Drops you at bus station, 15-minute walk or R$20 taxi to historic center.
By Transfer: Private transfers cost $200-300 for up to 4 people. Most comfortable option, door-to-door service.
Best Hotels in Paraty
Accommodation ranges from boutique pousadas in colonial buildings to beachfront resorts. The historic center is car-free, so consider whether you want to be in the center (atmospheric but requires walking) or outside (easier parking, often beach access).
🏨 Pousada do Sandi
Best for: Luxury seekers & couples
Paraty's most sophisticated pousada inside a restored colonial mansion in the historic center.
Pool, spa, gourmet breakfast, and impeccable service. Rooms feature antique furniture mixed with
modern amenities. Some rooms have private plunge pools. Walking distance to everything but staff
help with luggage from parking area.
Why we love it: Perfect blend of colonial charm and modern luxury. The courtyard
pool is magical at night with ambient lighting.
🏡 Pousada Arte Colonial
Best for: Mid-range comfort in historic center
Charming colonial house with pool, excellent breakfast, and friendly staff. Right in the heart of
the historic center but on a quiet street. Rooms are individually decorated with period furniture.
Some rooms have balconies overlooking internal courtyard.
Why we love it: Authentic colonial experience without breaking the bank. The breakfast
includes fresh tropical fruits and homemade cakes.
🏖️ Pousada do Corsário
Best for: Beach lovers & families
Beachfront location at Pontal beach, 2km from historic center. Pool overlooking ocean, kayaks available
for guests, easy parking. More resort-style than colonial charm. Rooms are simple but clean with balconies.
Restaurant on-site serves fresh seafood.
Why we love it: Perfect if you want beach access and easier parking. Kids can play safely
while adults relax with caipirinha and ocean views.
Historic Center Highlights
🏛️ Walking the Cobblestone Streets
The entire historic center is pedestrian-only and beautifully preserved. Spend hours wandering the streets, admiring colonial architecture, browsing art galleries and craft shops. Don't miss: Rua do Comércio (main street), Matriz Square with Igreja Santa Rita church, and waterfront promenade at sunset.
🍹 Cachaça Distillery Tours
Paraty is the cachaça capital of Brazil. Visit distilleries like Engenho D'Ouro or Cachaça Paratiana to learn how Brazil's national spirit is made and taste different varieties. Tours cost R$50-80 including tastings. Book morning tours—cachaça goes down easier before the afternoon heat!
🎨 Art Galleries & Studios
Paraty has a thriving arts scene with dozens of galleries. Most are free to browse. Look for work by local artists depicting colonial scenes and coastal life. Many galleries stay open until 10pm.
Island & Beach Boat Tours
🚤 Classic Island Hopping Tour
The most popular activity in Paraty. Schooner boats depart from the pier around 10am, visit 4-5 islands/beaches, and return around 5pm. Stops typically include: Ilha Comprida, Praia Vermelha, Praia da Lula, and snorkeling spots. Cost: R$100-150 per person including lunch. Book at agencies on waterfront or through your pousada.
- Bring biodegradable sunscreen, hat, and towel
- Water and caipirinhas sold on boat (bring cash)
- Tour gets crowded—arrive early for shaded seats
- Skip if you get seasick—open water can be choppy
🛥️ Private Speedboat Tours
For smaller groups wanting flexibility, private speedboats hold 6-10 people and let you customize the itinerary. Visit less crowded beaches, spend more time snorkeling, or explore hidden coves. Cost: R$800-1,200 for full day (split among group). Worth it for privacy and personalized experience.
Nearby Beaches
🏖️ Praia do Pontal
Closest beach to historic center (2km walk or R$15 taxi). Calm waters, beachfront restaurants, good for families. Not pristine but convenient and pleasant for a quick swim.
🏝️ Trindade Beaches
30-minute drive south. Three stunning beaches: Praia de Fora (surfer beach), Praia do Meio (family-friendly), and Caixadaço (natural pool—absolutely spectacular!). Trindade is a small hippie village worth exploring. Can get crowded on weekends. Natural pool is 15-minute hike from parking.
🌊 Saco do Mamanguá
Brazil's only tropical fjord—a stunning bay surrounded by mountains. 40 minutes north of Paraty. Requires boat access. Several tour operators offer full-day trips including kayaking and lunch at waterfront communities. Incredibly scenic and less touristy than island tours.
Waterfalls
💧 Cachoeira do Tobogã
Natural waterslide! 12km from Paraty on the road to Cunha. Water-smoothed rock creates a perfect slide into a pool below. R$10 entry. Can get crowded weekends but so much fun. Bring water shoes—rock is slippery.
💧 Poço do Tarzan
Deep swimming hole with rope swing. Part of Cachoeira da Pedra Branca complex. 20-minute easy hike from parking. R$20 entry. Refreshing cold water perfect after beach time.
Where to Eat
Banana da Terra
Historic center. Upscale Brazilian cuisine in colonial setting. Try moqueca (fish stew) or slow-cooked ribs. R$120-180 per person. Reserve ahead for dinner. Beautiful courtyard seating.
Thai Brasil
Fusion of Thai and Brazilian flavors. Surprisingly excellent in colonial Paraty! Fresh seafood with Asian spices. R$80-120 per person. Casual atmosphere, no reservations needed.
Punto DiVino
Italian restaurant with wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta. Great wine selection. R$70-100 per person. Popular with locals—always a good sign.
Café Pingado
Perfect for breakfast or afternoon coffee. Traditional Brazilian breakfast with fresh bread, cheese, and strong coffee. R$25-40 per person. Locals' favorite.
Sample 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Historic Center
- Morning: Drive to Paraty, check in, lunch
- 2pm: Walk historic center, visit churches and museums
- 4pm: Browse art galleries and craft shops
- 6pm: Sunset at waterfront promenade
- 8pm: Dinner at Banana da Terra
- 9:30pm: Evening stroll—center is beautifully lit at night
Day 2: Island Hopping
- 9am: Early breakfast, pack beach bag
- 10am: Board schooner for island tour
- 10am-5pm: Visit islands, swim, snorkel, lunch on boat
- 5:30pm: Return to hotel, rest
- 7pm: Casual dinner at Thai Brasil
Day 3: Waterfalls & Beaches
- 9am: Drive to Cachoeira do Tobogã
- 10am-12pm: Waterslide fun!
- 12:30pm: Drive to Trindade
- 1pm: Lunch in Trindade village
- 2pm: Hike to Caixadaço natural pool
- 5pm: Drive back to Paraty
- 7pm: Farewell dinner at Punto DiVino
Budget Breakdown
Weekend for 2 People (Fri-Sun, 2 nights):
- Hotel (2 nights, mid-range): $300 ($150/night)
- Transportation (gas + tolls or bus): $80
- Boat tour for 2: $60
- Meals (6 meals × 2 people): $300
- Waterfall/beach entries: $30
- Incidentals: $50
- Total: ~$820 ($410 per person)
When to Visit
- Best months: April-June, August-November (dry season, fewer crowds, pleasant temperatures)
- Avoid: January (Brazilian summer vacation—very crowded and expensive), Carnival (unless you love street parties), and heavy rain season (Dec-Mar can have downpours)
- Special events: FLIP literary festival (July) brings international authors—book way ahead
- Weather: Tropical climate, hot and humid year-round. Even "winter" (Jun-Aug) is warm (20-25°C)
Essential Tips
- Cash: Bring reais. Many small shops and restaurants don't accept cards
- Mosquitoes: Bring repellent, especially for evening
- Cobblestones: Wear comfortable walking shoes—flip-flops get stuck in cobblestones!
- Parking: If driving, confirm parking with your hotel. Center is pedestrian-only
- Language: English is limited. Download Google Translate offline
- Tides: Check tide schedule if concerned about flooding—it's part of the experience!
Why Paraty Over Other Colonial Towns?
vs. Ouro Preto: Paraty has beaches and islands—not just history
vs. São Luís: Much easier to reach from Rio, better tourist infrastructure
vs. Olinda: More compact and walkable, less touristy
vs. Salvador's Pelourinho: Safer, better preserved, more intimate atmosphere
Paraty is unique because it combines UNESCO-level colonial preservation with world-class natural beauty. You get culture and beach vacation in one destination.
Ready to Experience Paraty's Magic?
Don't wait—the best pousadas in the historic center book up fast, especially for weekends. Secure your colonial getaway now!