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Paraty

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32 hand-picked places in 9 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.

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Tips

10 places on the map

Top 10

  1. 1

    UNESCO colonial town of cobbled streets that flood with high tides

    • Tip: Go early
    2 tips
    • Wear flat shoes, stones are uneven
    • Cars are banned in the core
    📷 Photos
  2. 2

    Parish church from 1787 with a large square in front

    • Tip: At night
    3 tips
    • Open on specific hours, check locally
    • Good point for the town square
    • Evening mass is atmospheric
    📷 Photos
  3. 3

    Yellow and white 1722 church that houses the sacred art museum

    • Must know: Closed Mondays
    2 tips
    • Small entry fee
    • Iconic photo spot
    📷 Photos
  4. 4

    1725 church built for the enslaved and freed Black community

    • Tip: Late afternoon
    2 tips
    • Limited visiting hours
    • Respect services
    📷 Photos
  5. 5

    Hilltop fort from 1703 with a small history museum

    3 tips
    • Short uphill walk from the center
    • Wonderful views of the bay
    • Closed some Mondays
    📷 Photos
  6. 6

    Old harbor where schooner trips depart

    • Tip: Sunset
    3 tips
    • Book schooner trips here
    • Sunsets are great
    • Compare prices at the booths
    📷 Photos
  7. 7

    Closest beach to town with boats and food stalls

    • Tip: Sunset
    3 tips
    • Water is calm but not very clear
    • Good for sunset
    • Not ideal for swimming
    📷 Photos
  8. 8

    Remote beach reached by trail or boat

    3 tips
    • Check boat or hike times
    • Few services, bring water
    • Great for a day trip
    📷 Photos
  9. 9

    Beach village with natural pools and good surf

    • Tip: Weekdays
    2 tips
    • Reachable by road
    • Visit the Piscina Natural
    📷 Photos
  10. 10

    Natural rock slide waterfall near town

    3 tips
    • Go in the dry season
    • Wear sturdy sandals
    • Bring a change of clothes
    📷 Photos

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Before you go: Paraty tips

Transportation

  • Take the bus from Rio or Sao Paulo: Long-distance buses connect Paraty with Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo along the scenic coastal highway.
  • Explore by boat: Boat trips from the harbour visit nearby islands and beaches, the best way to see the bay.
  • Walk the centre: The historic centre is closed to cars, so park outside and explore the cobbled streets on foot.

Security

  • Watch your step: The large irregular stones in the old town are uneven and slippery, so wear sturdy shoes and watch each step.
  • Stay aware at night: Paraty is generally calm, but keep valuables discreet and avoid deserted areas after dark.
  • Choose licensed boat operators: Make sure boats carry life jackets and are run by registered operators, especially in rough weather.

Saving

  • Eat por quilo: Pay-by-weight restaurants outside the historic core offer good-value lunches with plenty of variety.
  • Take shared boat tours: Group schooner trips are much cheaper than private boats and still visit several beaches.
  • Visit outside holidays: Prices rise during Carnival, New Year and festivals, so midweek or off-season visits are cheaper.

Weather/Clothing

  • Pack for humid heat: Summers are hot, humid and rainy, so bring light clothing, a rain jacket and swimwear.
  • Bring insect repellent: Mosquitoes and tiny biting sand flies are common, especially near the water at dusk.
  • Expect cooler winters: Winter months are drier and milder; a light sweater is enough for cooler evenings.

Cultural

  • Taste cachaca: The Paraty region is famous for cachaca; visit a local distillery to learn about it and sample the spirit.
  • Try caicara cooking: Local caicara cuisine features fresh fish, banana and cassava; look for dishes like fish with banana.
  • Join the festivals: Paraty hosts lively events, including the FLIP literary festival, with talks, music and street life.

Local Hacks

  • Watch the high tide: At certain high tides seawater floods some old town streets, a unique sight built into the colonial design.
  • Day trip to Trindade: The village of Trindade has beautiful beaches and natural pools, reachable by local bus.
  • Explore Saco do Mamangua: This fjord-like inlet is best reached by boat and offers calm waters and hiking trails.

1-day itineraries in Paraty

Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.

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