Image by wsfurlan / Getty Images

Paraty

Backed by steep, jungled mountains plunging into an island-studded bay, Paraty enjoys one of Brazil’s most spectacular settings and an exquisitely preserved colonial center, recognized as a National Historic Site since 1966. The town's pedestrianized streets are lined with elegant white buildings adorned with fanciful multihued borders and latticed windows that blend harmoniously with the natural beauty that envelops the town – it's a joy to explore (despite the ankle-twisting irregular cobblestones!)

The area surrounding Paraty is a nature-lover's paradise, offering some of southeastern Brazil's prettiest coastal and mountain scenery. Dozens of pristine beaches are easily accessible by boat or bus, while inland, the Parque Nacional da Serra da Bocaina protects a lush remnant of mata atlântica (Atlantic rainforest).

Throughout the year, Paraty brims with Brazilian and international vacationers. The town’s cosmopolitan flavor is further enhanced by the multitude of artists, writers and chefs, both Brazilian and foreign, who have settled here.

Explore Paraty

0

Latest Stories from Paraty

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Paraty.

  • Beach

    Praia da Trindade

    About 25km south of Paraty, Trindade occupies a long sweep of stunningly beautiful coastline. Here you can lounge or hike along four of Brazil’s most…

  • Bay

    Saco de Mamanguá

    This gorgeous fjord-shaped inlet cuts a narrow 7km channel into the mountains southeast of Paraty. Various Paraty-based tour companies offer boat trips…

  • Historic Site

    Fazenda Bananal

    Opened in 2017, this unique park is part nature reserve, part historic site. The grounds shelter 260 species of birds, walking trails, a mini-farm where…

  • Beach

    Praia de Paraty-Mirim

    For accessibility, cost and beauty, this tranquil beach 17km southeast of Paraty is hard to beat. The adjacent chapel, dating to 1686, was the first…

  • Fort

    Forte Defensor Perpétuo

    For sweeping bay views, climb to this historic Portuguese fort. First built in 1703 and rebuilt in 1822, its original purpose was to defend the gold…

  • Distillery

    Alambique Paratiana

    Set beside the rushing Rio da Pedra Branca, Paratiana offers free tours of its cachaça distillery, where gleaming stills share space with giant casks of…

  • Beach

    Praia do Sono

    This stunning beach, about 35km southeast of Paraty, is accessible only by foot or boat. Catch a Colitur bus to Laranjeiras (R$4.25, 40 minutes) and then…

  • Distillery

    Maria Izabel

    This acclaimed cachaça distillery, 10km north of Paraty, often places within the top 10 or 20 in nationwide competitions. Call at least a day ahead to…

  • Church

    Igreja Santa Rita dos Pardos Libertos

    Built in 1722, this was the church for freed persons of mixed black and white ancestry. Nowadays it houses a tiny museum of sacred art and has some fine…

  • Church

    Matriz NS dos Remédios

    Built in 1787 on the site of two previous 17th-century churches, this 'mother' church on Paraty's main square legendarily got financing for its…

  • Church

    Capela de NS das Dores

    This church of the colonial white elite was built in 1800 and renovated in 1901. It's generally off-limits to the public, though you can occasionally…

  • Museum

    Casa da Cultura

    In a beautiful colonial mansion, Paraty’s Casa da Cultura hosts rotating exhibitions and events, with a focus on local culture. There are nice views of…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Paraty.

  • Activities