Are you thinking of knowing the charm of this historic city? Below, you will find everything you need to know for your trip – what to do, how to get there and more!
The City of Paraty
Rio de Janeiro is a really amazing place, with wonderful cities to visit like Búzios, Angra dos Reis, Arraial do Cabo, and of course, Paraty. Considered the National Historic Estonia Patrimrim, the city of Paraty reserves a lot of natural beauty and history embedded in its streets of stone and impeccable architecture kept very well preserved since the colonial period!
The city was founded in 1667 and its economic importance was due to the more than 250 sugarcane mills that existed there. In addition, the city port was an important route for gold and precious stones export in the 18th century.
The charm of the historic center is perfectly contrasted with the natural beauty of the city, which has a great diversity of options for environmental and ecological tourism.
Did you like it? Come and see a complete guide to visit Paraty!
How to go to Paraty? (and how to get around when you’re there)
If you are coming from Rio, there are several buses that can take you to Paraty in approximately 4 hours.
There are also many buses between São Paulo and Paraty (which take about 6 hours in total).
You can see which bus companies I recommend in my article with the 2 best bus tickets shopping sites in Brazil.
The city has a bus station, a little far from the historic center, for those who travel without a car the ideal is to stay close to it: in addition to the cheapest lodgings, the best beaches of Paraty are a little far away, and it is possible to easily reach by bus in all of them!
Renting a car is another great option – especially as the route will take you through beautiful views and picturesque towns along the way! A good example of this is the city of Cunha, which is close to Paraty and can be a great option for stops. There are several options of attractions and things to do, as well as great restaurants in Cunha, and the best of all, it is easily accessible by car.
Depending on where you come from, you can also fly to Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo and then rent a car to get to Paraty. If you are interested in renting a car, my article with the 5 best and cheapest sites to rent cars in Brazil can help you.
Once in Paraty, a car is not needed. The city is quite flat, making it the perfect place for long walks. Walking is often the best way to get to know a new place! But don’t rush: the “moleque foot” pavement is very famous for breaking the slippers!
In addition, you should know that cars are NOT allowed in the historic center (which certainly increases the feeling of having returned to centuries ago while you walk the streets). However, a rental car is still a great option to take you there and explore the area.
If you are interested in something more in the adventure style, it is possible to take a 4/4 Tour in Paraty. You can check on the Chicas Lokas blog, who walked through waterfalls and stills using the jeep.
When is the best time to visit Paraty?
Just like all the tourist cities in the world, depending on the time you visit, it is possible to know different sides of the city in the same place. But one thing is certain: at all times you will find many gringos!
If you are the type who enjoys a lot of warmth and hype, the perfect moment is between December and March. During high season the city gets full and there are also options of parties and ballads. Although summer is a rainy season, just plan yourself and keep an eye on the weather forecast to choose the best week. But, of course, it will be necessary to disburse a larger money to travel at that time because most hostels and hotels are crowded.
Therefore, if you decide to come during this period, you probably need to start planning your trip in advance. And since summer can be quite rainy, keep an eye on the weather forecast to choose the best week for your trip.
For those who are closer in the calm and tranquility, but do not give up a little heat, the ideal is to visit Paraty between September and October. At this time the city is more empty and it is possible to enjoy much spending less!
Those who are interested in cultural activities, a good choice is to go to Paraty between April and June. During this period there are three typical events of the city: FLIP (International Literary Festival of Paraty), Holy Week and Bourbon (Jazz Festival). One disadvantage is that at this time the temperatures are already lower. On the other hand, the riot is not so much.
Things to Do in Paraty: 8 things to do
Visit Paraty is interesting because there are several options of activities to do, of all audiences. Besides the beautiful beaches, which I will talk more about, knowing the culture and local activities is also a super pleasant experience.
Historic Center of Paraty
1. Walk through the Historical Center
The historic center is path to several locations and is also where most bars and restaurants are concentrated, so you will surely pass by it. But I recommend dedicating a special moment to admire the beautiful Masonic architecture and get lost by the charming wine shops.
One of the most sought-after points is the Church of Santa Rita, where the Museum of Sacred Art currently operates. The oldest church in the city was built in 1722 and inside the elements of the Baroque make up the characteristic scenery.
The Museum of Sacred Art is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. I suggest the visit on Tuesday, as admission is free, and it is not possible to take pictures inside. But I already say that there you will find pieces of clay, wood, metal and silver from the seventeenth centuries to the beginning of the 20th century.
2. 2. Dance to the sound of the Wheel of Samba da Blessing
Every Monday at 8 p.m., in front of the Mother Church – in the same region of the Church of Santa Rita – takes place the wonderful Wheel of Samba da Blessing. The meeting is very full with all kinds of people, families, young people, elderly, couples, tourists, etc. It is an incredible experience to enjoy our Brazilian music and enjoy the talent of the incredible members of the group. This is an indispensable attraction for those who want to visit Paraty !
3. Enjoy a night in the city bars
Still in the same region, you can find some great bars with lots of quality music! There are several options of musical styles, depending on the day of the week. There are forró, MPB, rock, samba… and do not think that the guys are enjoying the sound at the tables. You are in Rio de Janeiro! The guys really dance and enjoy the night!
Two famous bars for those who enjoy dancing or even just to have a beer and talk at the outside tables: Sarau Bar and Paraty 33. Be sure to try the typical drink of the city, the famous Jorge Amado made with Cachaça Gabriela.
4. 4. Go to sea on a pass and boat in Paraty
The beaches of Jabaquara and Pontal are located in the city itself, but despite having their natural charm and having kiosks and bars, they are not ideal for bathing. This is because the sand is very thick and forms a kind of mud under the sea. It’s bizarre!
The Port of Paraty
An amazing option is to enjoy a boat trip with the family to some island. Passing through the historic center you arrive at the port of the city, where there are a multitude of boats and boats for you to choose the best tour according to your tastes. I recommend that you search the beaches you like the beaches you like best before going to the port.
The Lula Beach, Saco da Velha Beach and Praia Vermelha are well known. If you don’t know any of them, you can bet you won’t regret it! Besides the boat ride being a delight, it’s amazing to be able to feel within the wild nature.
The Bag of Mamanguá is another famous area to consider a visit. As a species of tropical “fiorde”, the area is known for its pristine nature and clear waters.
Bag of the Mamanguá – Paraty
If you visit Paraty during high season, get smart! Boat prices are often super high, an average of $100 per person kicking low. One tip is to talk to the sailors and haggle! Everything in Paraty is settled on the basis of conversation.
5. . 5. Visit the best beaches of Paraty
In addition to the beaches that can only be accessed by the sea, Paraty also does not leave to be slacker as the beaches accessible by land. By car or even being by bus, visiting Paraty and walking along its roads is a delicious trip.
For the economic ones, the Paraty bus station has several lines that lead to different places in the region.
Even in high season, travel usually takes no more than 40 minutes on transit days.
6. . 6. Explore the open air in the village of Trindade
Knowing the village of Trindade, is something that you can not fail to do! An ecological and alternative community with beautiful beaches, waterfalls and trails. For after the tour, the village also has several restaurants and bars with very affordable price.
Going down at the last bus stop, you come across a vegetation and a marked trail. Following this trail for about 10 minutes, you arrive at Praia do Meio, well known for its atypical rock formations.
Praia do Meio, Trindade – Paraty
At the end of Praia do Meio you will find another trail, which in about 15 minutes you cross and arrive at the beach of Caixa D’aço. An easy trail, though, a little steep. The exercise is worth it, because when you arrive you meet with a wide beach and more empty.
At the end of this beach, overtaking the stones, it is possible to do another trail. It has a slightly greater degree of complexity, but nothing impossible. I guarantee that the adventure is worth it: an incredible immersion in the Atlantic forest! At the end of the strictest trail, you arrive at the natural pool of Caixa D’aço.
Swimming towards the larger stones, you find a path of stones that leads you to a pier, where the crew descend who go by boat to the natural pool.
7. 7. Enjoy the sun at Praia do Sono and Laranjeiras
Access to Praia do Sono can be done in several ways. By boat is the easiest of them, but also the most expensive. Leaving Paraty the route is not that close, so the value can be exorbitant.
To go by car or bus, the route to the beach begins within the luxurious condominium of Laranjeiras. It is a good walk because you can know the beautiful beach of Laranjeiras before or after, a tip that is super worth! The beach, besides being very beautiful, is frequented by the high society of Rio de Janeiro and elite of São Paulo, so it is possible to find many artists.
The trail to Laranjeiras Beach is a delightful walk in the woods, with the necessary infrastructure and without perrengues. There are up to two waterfalls on the way.
Returning to Praia do Sono, you stop the car in a parking lot inside the condominium, and the condominium van itself takes you free of charge to the pier from where the boats leave – about R$ 50 in high season – or even the trail. The route to Praia do Sono by boat is very fast, and takes about 10 to 15 minutes. By trail, it depends on your speed. It can take between 1 and 3 hours.
Praia do Sono is a small community, with a certain of 200 inhabitants, who basically lives from tourism. As access is made only by hours of trail or boat, they live really isolated from the rest of society, unlike the residents of Trindade, for example.
It is a paradise that only knowing to understand. It is impressive to see the local community, its children and animals living completely in peace and harmony with nature. For families, the ideal is to look for a walk a week before or after the eve of the new year, because in this period the tranquility is replaced by many young people and parties.
8. Experience the area’s abundant ecotourism (treeism, rafting, kayaking and more!)
The city of Paraty is in a very privileged geographical point for ecotourism due to the large amount of ecological preservation parks in its region. You will be close to 5 parks: Serra da Bocaína National Park, Joatinga Ecological Reserve, APA do Cairuçú, Leisure Area Paraty-Mirim and Environmental Preservation Area of Paraty Bay.
They are all already open to the public, so that you and your family can enjoy delicious moments in the midst of nature and animals (you can find many animals in their natural habitat within the ecological parks).
Canoeing Ill with it
In the midst of so many parks, it is clear that there are several options of activities and extreme sports to do when visiting Paraty. But remember: for extreme sports or tougher trails, it’s important to hire a guide or a tour agency…. and be covered by travel insurance for adventure sports like this one here.
There are several options of adventure activity agencies in Paraty:
Below are more details on some of the adventure activities you can undertake during your trip to Paraty.
Trees in Paraty
Paraty Spot Aventura is the largest tree garden in Brazil! How about exploring the Atlantic Forest of the heights, amidst 10 hectares of preserved vegetation?
Rafting in Paraty
This is a sport where you go down rivers in inflatable boats along with a group. A lot of excitement and adrenaline will accompany you in this amazing experience! Remember: to perform Rafting, it takes firm time.
Casa de Aventura de Paraty offers this activity.
Rafting
Kayaking or Canoe in Paraty
Kayaking or canoeing are a great option for families (especially for small children) … and anyone who just wants to spend some time outdoors!
It is a quieter and more relaxing activity, although it takes a little physical exercise of arm.
Almost all of the agencies above offer this sport, with emphasis on Paraty Explorer that offers more than one day kayak tours!
In addition to the above, there are still many options for ecotourism in Paraty that is worth researching and finding a group, such as bike mountain, Jeep ride, diving, bird watching etc!
Conclusion…
And that’s it! Hopefully, this article gave you an idea of what you can expect during your trip to Paraty.
And that there, did you enjoy?
Leave here in the comments of this guide to visit Paraty that you have most interested in or have any questions.
