Are you the type of person who likes the beach and also historical and cultural rolls? Paraty is the perfect place for you! If you don’t believe me, I lived there for a few months and prepared this super complete article with the information you need to go there and make the most of the city.
Paraty: a travel destination that exceeds expectations
Have you ever seen yourself in doubt where to travel? Want beaches and mountains, nature and historical city, gastronomy and boat trips, not know what to choose?
Now think if it were possible to gather all your travel desires in one: beaches, waterfalls, historical walks, different cachaças, Brazilian cuisine, cultural events, shops for all tastes, renowned designers, street artists…
Paraty is a city full of multiplicity, and it’s the right place if you’re looking for a unique, special, transformative experience.
That was my first choice as I began my solo traveler journey. I can remember now the feeling of getting off the bus near 11 a.m., a warmth of frying eggs on the sidewalk and my heart jumping out by the mouth. The bus station crowded with tourists coming and going, the uncle’s cafe that has the best palm heart tie… what a souvenir!
To this day I look for that moment in memory whenever I need to do something new and, especially, alone.
Also for this reason Paraty is one of the places I most indicate to start traveling. Besides being a beautiful city, full of history, culture, lush landscapes and special people, it is a very easy place to locate and learn to turn around.
So whether it’s to spend a weekend, the entire vacation or go without forecast back, I’m sure you’ll fall in love!
So it connects in the article I wrote with a little bit of what I kept after spending a few months in this city, on a trip that would be to last only three weeks… But this story I tell you later. “Ill with you to the “a “Ill with a’Ill of the “Ill of the “Ill of the “Ill of the “Ill of the… “
A little bit of history
National Historical Heritage and also a UNESCO Mixed Heritage of Humanity, the history of Paraty goes far beyond the famous Golden Path. Formed by original communities, quilombolas and caiçaras, being completely wrapped in the Atlantic Forest, Paraty reminds us that before in it forming ports and mills, there were and still other peoples and beings.
So the first advice I give you is to remember that. Mainly to escape the obvious and not fall into the traps of predatory tourism that today invades the city in some seasons of the year.
But it is clear that a place with the story of Paraty is remembered, in short, for what happened after 1500. The colonizers arrived, the region became a sugarcane production pole and an important port for the flow of gold and precious stones that came from Minas Gerais.
When the port passed to Rio de Janeiro and a new route was formed on the Royal Road, Paraty came out of focus, preserving the history in the buildings, pavement and in the heart of those who lived there. Thus, around the 60s of 70, when the roads Paraty-Cunha and Rio-Santos were built, it regained recognition.
It thus becomes a major national and international tourist destination.
In addition, Paraty is one of the cities that most conquers travelers in Brazil. It is not difficult to find someone through the Center who went on the trip and ended up being, quite the opposite. I did it and met hundreds of people who did the same.
Currently, most of the shops, workshops, inns and restaurants are from people outside Paraty. Therefore, reinforce the search for a tourism that escapes the conventional, to connect with the local population and the strengthening of these peoples.
Is there a right time to go to Paraty?
I read on several travel blogs tips from “certain” times to travel to Paraty, and I can tell you that this is a big bullshit. Of course, just like all the places in the world, the weather and the options of walking change according to the time of year, but the only determinant for saying what is right is your will and mood for that moment.
Want a beach, waterfalls, sun, warmth and meet many different people? The months of December and January are for that. But do not expect rest from even the beaches that are usually quieter, such as Paraty Mirim. Paraty’s high season is really “high.”
This is also true for the month of July, in the winter, and for any holiday of the year.
If you prefer more quiet, but still look for a warm and pleasant climate, I recommend the months of February, March, October and November. Running away from the holidays, of course.
April and September are months of transition and, with temperatures varying so much today, you can not have a very assertive forecast, but are quieter times. May, June and August are colder, and maybe you won’t want to get into the water, but take long walks through nature. Oh, I love it!
It is also important that you know that the city is very wet! At any time of the year it rains a lot due to the presence of Serra Cunha-Paraty, but the winters are drier.
In addition, Paraty vibrates art and culture, you can expect events throughout the year! Let’s talk about them further.
How to get to Paraty and get around the city?
The two most common routes to reach Paraty is from Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.
From Rio, take the Rio-Santos towards Angra dos Reis and move on without error. After Angra is Paraty. The road is beautiful and you have a beautiful view of the Costa Verde.
From São Paulo, it is possible to go along the Ayrton Senna Highway, Dutra, Tamoios via Rio-Santos and the Cunha road to Paraty. I personally recommend one of the last two! Despite being a little more time consuming, the landscapes are indescribable and make the way an important part of the destination.
If you are going by plane, a good request is to stop in one of these two capitals and rent a car to go to Paraty and circulate there. But taking the bus is not a bad option! Despite not having the best public transport in the world, the city has daily bus lines with a fixed value of R$5 that circulate in all the regions they can reach.
Some communities that are difficult to access, such as Paraty Mirim, have smaller vans, and others, as we speak of Praia do Sono, it is possible to access only by trail or boat, but the bus goes as far as possible.
What is it to do in Paraty?
Historic Center
The Historic Center of Paraty is the classic when you think of the city, except in situations that you already know some community in the region, such as Praia do Sono or Trindade – which are unique destinations in itself and we will talk later. Thus, of course, I could not fail to recommend a calm and attentive walk through the place.
The streets are closed for cars and the pavement is the famous “little foot”, inviting to slow down the steps and enjoy the walk (with comfortable shoes). Exhibitions, museums, theaters, galleries, workshops, cafes, restaurants and artists making music and art on every corner. Astrologers with predictions, indigenous families with their songs, a step of considerable height at the door of each house.
The latter, so as not to let the establishments be taken by the water when the tide rises. For yes, Paraty is considered Brazilian Venice is not for nothing. When the water rises, the center is taken by seawater and you can see some canoes going around the place. You can do it too, if you want – I personally wouldn’t pay for it.
The fire street, the bars of the square, the cinema and the events that take place there are also an experience apart. The churches, the Portuguese architecture, the cinematic scene. Go open and find out what Paraty can teach, listen to what people and buildings have to tell you.
Boat trips
In a coastal city, the population’s relationship with the sea is something very interesting to know. In Paraty it is no different. Boat trips are common to bring the tourist closer to this place, know distant destinations, see how the daily life works of those who live on those practically deserted beaches and only transport by boat.
Of course there are the most touristic tours, such as the schooners who take hundreds of people daily to spend the day at sea and can be even very fun. But there are also more intimate tours, which can show you unspeakable beauties away from the coast.
For this, you just need to meet someone and ask for a good indication. Whether it’s in your hosting or with some friendship you’ve made along the way, if you’re looking for an experience unlike anything you’ve ever seen, this is an opportunity.
My most striking boat tour was with the staff of the hostel where I volunteered, a sailor friend of the hosts took us. We paid $20 for gasoline and food, and stayed until after sunset. In addition to knowing wonderful beaches, I realized one of those dreams that you don’t even know you could have, you know?
We put the glasses to see and breathe under the water and entered the sea when it was dark, and the full moon hid behind a mountain. When I opened my eyes, the fear of diving at night turned into pure ecstasy. In front of me, thousands of fluorescent balls shone in tune as we moved in the water. They were plankton! A true spectacle of nature.
Trails and waterfalls
In my second trip to Paraty, I decided to leave the obvious and live in a neighborhood further away from the Center and the most famous beaches of the city. I approached the nature, the trails and the experiences closest to the local population.
At that time, I lived in a neighborhood that calls Pedra Branca, near the famous Pedra Branca Waterfall. There is the waterfalls and the freshwater “prainhas” that form on the riverbank.
There are tourism services that tour these places and also pass through the stills, which are in the region and are a great attraction in the city. Despite this, if you really like nature and discover new things like me, my recommendation is that you take two days to get to know the region.
In the first, go to the Tobogã Waterfall and the Jamaican Well by bus in the morning and then go down the road knowing the entrances to the river. The secret trails are the most beautiful! The path is in a straight line and full of bus stops, when you get tired just stop and wait for it to pass.
On the second day, go up to the waterfall of the 7 falls and go down through the White Stone and the English Well. For this route, it would be better to have a car or transfer, but if it is really in order to walk it is also possible.
In addition, Trindade, Praia do Sono, Paraty Mirim, Pouso do Cajaíba and other communities of Paraty less central also has hundreds of trails, waterfalls and wonderful beaches to know. I speak of them on.
Communities far from the center
You have probably heard of Sleep Beach or Trindade, communities of Paraty that are unique destinations in their own right. There are dozens of other groups and beaches around the region that are worth the tour and it is not advisable to list all here, but my biggest recommendations are these two and the village of Paraty Mirim, where I lived for more than three months.
In Trindade and Paraty Mirim, I recommend spending a day or two. You can stay there or go early, by bus or van, and return to the center at the end of the day. If you have more time, go deep! What is not lacking are paths to know, water to cool off and lush views to enjoy.
In Trindade, walk along the main beach to the end, follow the signs to the natural pool and climb the Stone that Engole. In Paraty Mirim, my favorites are Praia do Furado and the Sword Old, which are super quiet and deserted, connected with nature.
Already in Praia do Sono, I would indicate at least three days if you are on the trail. The route takes almost 2 hours walking quietly, but it is too much hill to go down and climb, in addition to having to take food items.
If you are in a group, it is interesting that a person goes by boat with the luggage and the rest of the trail. Thus, two days are enough to know the beaches of the region and the Poço do Jacaré, a delicious waterfall.
Also, if you are driving, going to any of these places you pass in front of the Quilombo do Campinho, another very cool place to know! There they work with community-based tourism, strengthening the community, and have a super tasty restaurant.
Bag of Mamanguá and Pico do pão de pão de emá
If you like nature, hiking and sports, you’ll love knowing that Paraty also has a peak called Sugar Loaf, right in the Mamanguá Bag. The same, who appeared in a report of Globo Reporter.
To access, you must go to Paraty Mirim and take a boat or make a trail to the Mamamanguá Bag. The trail takes about 1h and the boat usually has a reasonable price, if many people are together. From there, you can climb the trail of Sugar Loaf and have a panoramic view of the world’s only tropical fjord.
Gastronomy and the famous cachaça
In addition to all the titles Paraty carries, the city is still part of the Network of Creative Cities for Gastronomy (UNESCO). And it’s not for nothing! Any restaurant you go in town, other than branches, of course, bring a unique and significant personality in their dishes.
The main cuisine is the basis of seafood, with fresh items from the region. I assume that my favorite food was the banana moqueca of the land of the restaurant Quintal Verde, in Rua Domingos Gonçalves de Abreu, 198 – just before entering the Historic Center, but already with its particular characteristic.
A tradition of the city are the delicacies sold in the Historic Center in carts through the streets, loaded with comca, brigadeiros, cakes and other sweets traditionally Brazilian and ENT. The main dessert choice in the city.
In addition, with all these culinary delights, the greatest symbol of paratiense gastronomy is cachaça. That’s right! And more specifically a clove and cinnamon cachaça called Gabriela, the main ingredient of the drink Jorge Amado, a native of the region. Be sure to try it!
The stills were already a landmark in the city since the time of Brazil Colony, and the Paraty cachaça was once one of the most expensive delicacies in the country in antiquity. Today, there are only 6 stills left and there are several walks to know them. Also scattered throughout the Center are several beverage stores where you can do tastings and delight in one of the most traditional cachaças in Brazil in a totally free way.
But if you enjoy a good cachaça, I assure you that you will want to take one home.
Events and festivals
At any time of year you go to Paraty, it is possible that traditional and very fun events and festivals are taking place. The most famous are the Flip, International Literary Fair of Paraty – one of the largest literary events in Latin America – and the Bourbon Festival, one of the most anticipated Jazz festivals of the year.
In addition to these, the city also has festivals of summer, winter, celebration of Orixás, gastronomic parties, sporting events and much more! The schedule usually comes close to the turn of the year, and is constantly updated.
To check, go to the city site and click on the Events part.
Stays in Paraty
There is no shortage of Paraty accommodation to receive all kinds of likes. Next, I made a small selection of places that I met and liked very much – some could not stay but I really want to! By clicking here you can also access other options.
Pousada Literária, Old Town
Although I did not stay at Pousada Literária, I was in love with the place only in listening to what people say, the photos on the internet and the impeccable entrance in the Historic Center. This is one of the most famous and traditional inns in the city and, inspired by Flip, it has books everywhere! If you love to read, just like me, you will surely fall in love.
In addition to the excellent and super central location, the car being totally expendable (despite having a free parking lot) and serving people who like to be close to everything, the Literary Inn still offers breakfast without time limitation. Too much, right?
Aracy, near the Historic Center
A more accessible and still central option is the Aracy Hostel & Pousada, a super familiar, pleasant, quiet and history-laden environment. The owner, Paulo da Luz, is a well-known musician in the region and the house is the old village where his mother and uncles lived, with items from that time.
I’ve lived in Aracy for two months and I liked it too much! The breakfast is a delight, the rooms clean and organized, the volunteers always very friendly and the music stories of Paulo… a treat.
International, White Bridge
Another place that I was not staying, but visited and met the responsible person, Rafael. What attracts me most in the International Lodges, in addition to the excellent evaluations and praise, is the beautiful waterfall that has well behind the lodging.
If you like peace, tranquility and fresh water, this may be the best option. If you’re in a car, even more. The accommodation is close to the Ponte Branca neighborhood, a little far from the center, but close to the most beautiful waterfalls in the region. You can go by bus.
Remo Hostel, Paraty Mirim
My first home in Paraty and the first reason for my great passion for this special place. As I said before, I went to the city for a 3-week trip and ended up staying months, leaving and coming back again. The first trip was to volunteer at Remo Hostel, in Paraty Mirim. How to explain Remo Hostel?
A tree house unlike anything you may have seen in life. Bamboo walls, doors and windows always open, rooms with cloths like doors and decoration. Many cats and animals in the forest. Home-made food, delicious breakfast – that’s where I learned how to make bread, special cakes, burgers and everything in between – lots of leisure and art options for rainy days.
Caiçara, Praia do Sono
In Praia do Sono, if you are not willing to camp and want a little more comfort, I highly recommend the huts at the beginning of the beach. I stayed there on my birthday and I can be suspicious to talk because it was the height of winter and there was no one on the beach but we really liked it.
The communal kitchen is well equipped and pleasant, the spacious and comfortable chalets, they offer many blankets, the bathroom is very clean and the hot water. In addition, the hosts are very dear and pass the password of the internet, if it is a matter of life or death. In general, Praia do Sono is a place where people decide to disconnect literally – for better or for bad.
So, ready to meet Paraty?
If you have any further questions or need help with your trip, leave it in the comments and we will be more than happy to help! In addition, fill out the briefing for a free review of your next trip, as well as suggestions for tours and itineraries.
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