Paraty Brazil is a popular holiday spot with Brazilians, yet they have somehow kept it a secret from the rest of us. This tropical paradise overlooks Ilha Grande Bay on Brazil’s Atlantic coast. Paraty put a smile on my face from the first moment I stepped ashore.
The vibrantly painted boats that line the coast create a foreground for the well-maintained colonial houses, which fill the nearby streets.
Still relatively unspoiled by too much tourism, it is quaint and delightful.
We arrived via a small cruise ship that holds only 700 passengers, yet it was one of the biggest that can visit this port. Our ship anchored about three nautical miles from shore, and tenders brought us to the end of the Paraty pier. An adventure in its own right, be sure to watch your step as the spacing between many of the planks is larger than one would expect.
Like stepping back in time, we walked along the cobblestone streets of the old town of Paraty. The colonial buildings were originally built by African Slaves in the 1600s. For centuries, Paraty remained relatively untouched and somewhat isolated. Its focus was on gold, coffee, and sugarcane.
In the 1970s, Brazil built a coastal road connecting Rio de Janeiro to Santos, the port city for Sao Paulo. Suddenly, Brazilians passed through Paraty, thus instantly creating a local’s paradise. If you are not arriving via cruise ship, that road is the best way to get here. You can take a bus or rent a car in Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo.
Things to do in Paraty Brazil
Paraty is ideal as a cruise port, as it’s easy to see the highlights in a day. However, with a desire for some relaxation or a passion for watersports, one could easily spend a week or more here.
Discover the historical centre of Paraty Brazil
The maze of cobblestone streets adds to the old-world charm of Paraty’s historic district, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Recognizing Paraty’s uniqueness, the Brazilian government incorporated restrictions requiring all buildings in the historic region to retain their colonial look and colours. The requirements include new construction, which also must look colonial.
Interestingly, Paraty is built just below sea level. Every full moon, the seawater rises and the streets flood 6-10 inches deep. As the water retreats back to the sea, it creates a natural filtration and cleaning of the streets. This was more important back in the days before the town had a sewage system.
The historic district is an area that you can easily walk through on your own to enjoy the architecture, but taking one of the Paraty tours really brings it all to life. Book your two-hour walking tour of Paraty’s historic district here
*Note: there is a free walking tour Paraty. It’s not really free; you tip what you think the tour is worth, and we found it excellent.
The historic town centre is pedestrian-only. Tourists can take a horse-drawn carriage ride. We opted to avoid this activity as the horses looked a bit lean. Moreover, we imagine that the cobblestone streets would make the ride rather uncomfortable.
There are plenty of trendy restaurants and shops in the old town.
Churches of Paraty Brazil
Four churches are located in the old town, each built for a different group of people.
- Our Lady of the Remedies is a church for the elite (built from 1646 to 1873). It is the largest church in Paraty.
- Our Lady of Sorrows church was for women when their men were out to sea (built in the 1800s and rebuilt in 1901). A soldier would always stand in the window, looking out to sea. If he saw any ships without flags (unknown ships), he would run to one of the forts to get help.
- The Chapel of Santa Rita was for everyone (built in 1722). It is now the Museum of Sacred Art.
- Church of Lady of the Rosary and Saint Benedict is a simpler and more rustic design built by and for the slaves.
Paraty beaches (Praias)
Surfing, swimming, or just relaxing, visiting a beach is one of the many things to do in Paraty, Brazil. There are two main beaches close to the port, but looking out from the port, we could see many secluded beaches along several of the local islands. I would love to have a kayak or small boat and really take time to explore the area.
- Cao Morto – the main beach in town
- Barra do Corumbe – a smaller beach in town with great seafood restaurants
- Praia de Sao Goncalo – known for calm waters
- Praia de Jabaquara – full of wildlife
- Cepilho – a surfing beach
- Praia Grande – a nearby village with a fish market
- Meio – a popular swimming beach
Other things to do in Paraty and nearby
Shopping Paraty
Like every town that attracts tourists, there are plenty of artisan shops in the tourist areas of town. Plus, there are market-type stands near the port.
Go out on a boat
There is a fleet of boats at the port, each offering different daily opportunities, ranging from fishing to relaxing, from water sports to sunbathing. Prices are negotiable, and if you dislike what one offers, simply move on.
Bocaina National Park
The number one off-the-beaten-path destination, Bocaina National Park, is a treasure. You will find dramatic Paraty Waterfalls, hiking, rivers, and streams here. We didn’t get here, but several people on our ship spent the day in the national park and raved about it. If you don’t have your own vehicle, the best way to get here is with a tour like this full-day jungle jeep waterfall and Cachaça Distillery tour.
Jabaquara mangroves
Jabaquara mangroves is probably the best place to kayak in Paraty and another activity we wish we had more time to do. Reserve your kayak tour here.
Saco do Mamangua
Here is a chance to explore the only tropical fjord on the Brazilian coast with a bit of excitement that comes from a fast boat. Stops include swimming and snorkelling at three different beaches. Often, sea turtles and dolphins are spotted on this adventure, but there are no guarantees. Reserve your fast boat expedition to Saco do Mamangua here.
Caminho de Ouro (The Gold Trail)
Caminho de Ouro is the road travelled by slaves (first indigenous, then African) who carried the gold from the mines to the port of Paraty. Now it is a hiking trail and adventure. You can walk the gold trail. Reserve your walking the gold trail tour here
Adventura Park
Less than two kilometres from the historic downtown, there is an opportunity to enjoy ziplining, swing bridges, and hiking through a Brazilian rainforest.
Where is Paraty Brazil?
Paraty is in a scenic coastal area of Brazil known as the Costa Verde (translated to the Green Coast). It is between Rio de Janeiro and Santos. Drive time from Rio to Paraty is 3 hours 45 minutes, while it takes four hours to drive from Paraty to Sao Paulo. Or check out one of these options for how to get to Paraty.
Where to stay in Paraty
As we arrived and left via cruise ship, we didn’t spend the night, this time. But we hope to be back. There are a collection of boutique hotels and backpackers, there are Paraty accommodation options for every budget.
Travelling between 28 March and 30 September 2025? Check out Booking.com’s Getaway Deals. Save at least 15% on selected accommodations. (T&Cs)
No codes or memberships required
Practical information and tips on visiting Paraty Brazil
- Locals pronounce the town’s name as Par a chē.
- The currency is Brazilian Reals, although some shops will take small denominations of US dollars. While major credit cards are widely accepted, there is often a discount available if paying in cash.
- The best place to get cash is from Banco de Brazil. From a safety perspective, getting it from inside the bank rather than ATMs on the streets is best. See all our South America safety travel tips here.
- Try Cachaça – a locally made alcohol. We have heard it is popular in Paraty with cinnamon or with coconut. However, we have only had it with lime and sugar or with mango (my favourite).
- Taxis are not metered. You will want to negotiate a price in advance, and the advice is to write down the price and have the driver sign it.
- Take note that the dock and the cobblestone streets are uneven pavement. I think it would be an extremely difficult area to navigate with mobility issues.
- It is customary to tip 10% in restaurants. Remember to look first to see if it was added automatically to your bill.
- The “Okay sign” made with the loop between your thumb and forefinger is considered an obscene gesture.
More from South America
Starting with our South American itinerary and our general safety tips for travelling in the region.
Clara Muzin
With a lot of influence from the Portuguese people, Paraty is a perfect city for those who want to rest from the busy daily routine!
Greg
Take a private boat trip around the islands and beaches of Paraty, and learn to samba before partying at a leading Rio nightspot. Knock back sunset cocktails on …
Rob+Ann
We have heard of Paraty, but only knew it was on the Brazilian coast. Glad to learn a little more about it! The town certainly seems like a gem, and we would love to have some time to hike and kayak in the area. And, of course, enjoy some Cachaça! We like it with lime and sugar, a Caipirinha, but mango sounds like a great option! Thanks for giving us a glimpse at this beauty!
Erin Gustafson
I have never heard of Paraty, but sounds a colorful and charming and quieter part of Brazil to explore than the beaches and chaos of Rio. Thank you for sharing. Cheers from Copenhagen, Erin
Jill
Paraty looks like a fun but unexplored place to visit – love your photos of the town and especially the boats. Thanks for taking me somewhere new that I’ve not heard of.
Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields
Parity looks like a great place to explore. I love the idea that the streets flood every full moon. I can’t decide whether it would be fun to be there during a full moon or just a whole lot of hassle.
Sharon
What fun to discover a fascinating and untouristy place like Paraty! It’s interesting that the water comes in each day and then recedes. Reminds me of the main square in Venice, when you wade through the water. The cobblestone streets and buildings in Paraty are so appealing. I love that the horses used to go into the houses!
Anda
What a cute little town. Paraty reminds me a lot about Colonia del Sacramento, a small town in Uruguay which we visited on a day trip when we stayed in Buenos Aires. The same small churches, colorful houses and narrow, poorly paved streets. I love this kind of towns where you can get lost for a day and discover cute little things on every turn.
Rhonda Albom
We also went to Colonia del Sacramento, and yes there are quite a few similarities, but they are also quite different. Paraty is more colourful with all the vivid boats around, plus it is more developed as much of the construction is new, built to look old. Plus the old town in Paraty is larger, with more churches. Great comparison though.
Gina Gao
This seems like such a beautiful place!
Rhonda Albom
It was charming.
Keith's Ramblings
Long may it remain secret and unspoiled by hoards of tourists. Beautiful.
Rhonda Albom
Very true, although there are plenty of Brazilian tourists there.
Paul Pietrangelo
This beautiful but historical place was interesting in my eyes. Rhonda have shown us very interesting educational locations. I was looking at a cruise in the New Zealand location. Everything looks good except the total price between the cruise and flight. Maybe some day we can do it but for now, the Caribbean cruise is about all that I can afford. See ya my friend.
Cruisin Paul
Rhonda Albom
One of the cool things about cruising is they sometimes take you to places you might never have discovered. As for flights, you can set up flight alerts with tools like the Skyscanner App and they will let you know when there are deals.
Deb Nance
A beautiful and unique spot. Thanks for sharing this spot with us.
Rhonda Albom
I love finding little treasures like this with so many unique features, like the planned flooding.
L. Diane Wolfe
What a beautiful and quaint place. I love small towns by the sea.
Rhonda Albom
The town is very cute. I wish I had more time to see the beaches there.
Handmade Jewelry Haven
I could definitely spend a week there! It looks beautiful!
Thank you for sharing your experience there!
– Lisa
Rhonda Albom
Yes, I could spend a week there too. One day was not enough.
stevebethere
What an interesting place quite quaint too love the churches 🙂
Have a quainttastic week Rhonda ➡
Rhonda Albom
Yes, the churches were one of the highlights.
Sandee
Sounds like a fun place to explore. I can see why they would want to keep it secret though.
I’d love to be on one of those boats. I’ve got boating in the blood.
Great shots as always.
Have a fabulous day, Rhonda. ♥
Rhonda Albom
Yes, I can see why they don’t want it overrun with tourists, and I can image you on one of those boats.
Nadalie Bardo
What a beautiful coastal town to visit! I love how vibrant everything is. Sign me up!
Rhonda Albom
Yes, it was the vibrancy that first caught my eyes. Especially the colourful boats.
Hilary
Hi Rhonda – looks a delightful place to visit … gorgeous streets, harbour and houses … such interesting history – I suppose they could have copied the idea from the Romans … lovely photos – cheers Hilary
Rhonda Albom
Hmmm, I wonder if they did get the ideas from the Romans. Good thought.
Julie
I really hope to go to Brazil one day! Great post – I love the historical sites, and walking tours are great for them. Budget friendly and so informative. I was recently in Athens and we also used walking tours to discover the city.
Rhonda Albom
I really hope to get back to Brazil someday soon. I loved it.
Alex J. Cavanaugh
It looks very inviting. Interesting they let the streets flood once a month. At least they are prepared for it.
Can you imagine a horse in your house?
Rhonda Albom
LOL – there is no way I would have a horse in my house.
Nancy
Great photos of a place I’d never heard of. Perhaps some day I will explore the area.
Rhonda Albom
Honestly, I had never heard of it either, before I saw it on the cruise itinerary.
Ryan K Biddulph
The fact that it was built below sea level is so neat Rhonda. Clever, although even though I knew few swim in the sea anyway, I figure it would be a poor idea considering run off. What a nice little tropical paradise.
Rhonda Albom
Good point, although its not really used for sewage these days (let’s hope not anyway), but it does keep the streets clean, and leaves little crabs all over the place.
KVVS MURTHY
Great place to be.Rustic but beautiful buildings.
Rhonda Albom
Very true.
Luci
Going to Brazil is a dream of mine. You captured the beautiful so well with your photography.
Rhonda Albom
I also hope to get into the interior someday and explore the amazon.
Rhonda Chavez
This looks like a super cool place to visit. I’m researching places to visit in 2019 now so this one is being put on my list
Rhonda Albom
There are several lovely spots in Brazil, all along the coast there. We went from Buzios to Itajai.
teresa
Love your pictures and your information on Paraty!
Rhonda Albom
It’s a beautiful place, making photo taking easier.
Nina
Looks like you had a fabulous time on the trip. I loved the photos of the historical area, it looks like a great place to learn about the history and culture.
Rhonda Albom
Yes, the historical district was fascinating, especially with a guide to give us some of the interesting backgrounds.