Paraty

The alluring Green Coast of Brazil isn’t short of tourist hotspots, with Paraty being one of the most sought after destinations with its beautiful beaches, historic city center and natural waterfalls. The cool and calm waters of Paraty Bay are ideal for diving by day and fishing by night. The town’s 16th century colonial architecture, cobblestone streets and rich cultural heritage present an eclectic mix that leaves every visitor in awe.

Formerly a fishing village, the town is now bustling with tourists throughout the year. Paraty is surrounded by long stretches of beaches and the Atlantic Rainforest, waiting to welcome everyone.

Getting to Paraty

Paraty is a 4 hour drive by car from Rio along BR-101. Buses run between Paraty and other major cities throughout the day. The city has a small airstrip to handle small aircrafts and helicopters. Rio’s Carlos Jobim Airport is the nearest city that handles international as well as domestic flights. In Paraty, some of the beaches such as Pontal and Jabaquara are walking distance from the center of the town.

You can rent a bicycle, motorbike or a buggy from various agencies in the town. To travel further down to other points of interest there are daily van tours and local bus lines that ply most routes.

Best Time To Visit

If you like crowds then the high season is during the Carnival. However, make sure to book early. For a more quiet vacation, the winter months from June to August are ideal. As far as the climate goes, the best months are between May and August when the temperatures are much cooler at an average of 26° C.

Most hotels offer a package rate during the high season, so you won’t have a great deal of flexibility if you need to reschedule your itinerary. You can expect some rain between December and March with temperatures reaching up to 40° C on some days.

Finding a Comfortable Nest

Paraty has a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget. Hotels and pousadas are available at the city center and along some of the beaches. There are a few vacation homes on rent, which is an ideal option for a larger family or group.

Paraty’s Secret Beaches

Paraty is the perfect place to wander around anywhere including the beaches and the center of the town. Trindade is a popular beach that was frequented by the hippies in the 1960s and is now a haven for snorkeling. Surfers head to Antigos e Antiguinhos for some of the biggest breaks in the area.

Do Sono is an ideal camping site set against a quaint fishing village. Prainha beach has some great spots for diving, while Jabaquara is well known for its medicinal sand and calm waters.

Centro Historico – Reliving the Past

Centro Historico is one of the main attractions in Paraty. The historical monument is now a preserved tourist area with plenty of shops selling local handicrafts, churches, restaurants and sidewalk cafes. You could spend hours walking down the cobblestone streets of Paraty, admiring the old colonial buildings.

There are plenty of things to do on your vacation. Hiring a jeep is an interesting way to experience Paraty’s Atlantic rain forest, scenic waterfalls and much more. Just make sure you set aside enough time to spend on this tropical paradise.