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 passing through Paraty's port from pirate raids. The fort's small museum has rotating exhibits on local history and culture; just heed the cryptic signs warning against descending the steep slopes ('high index of accidents with oysters'!). It's 20 minutes' walk north of town on Morro da Vila Velha (the hill past Praia do Pontal).
Nearby Paraty attractions
1. Capela de NS das Dores
0.41 MILES
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…
2. Matriz NS dos Remédios
0.44 MILES
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…
3. Casa da Cultura
0.5 MILES
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…
4. Igreja NS do Rosário e São Benedito dos Homens Pretos
0.52 MILES
Built in 1725 by and for slaves, and renovated in 1857, the church has gilded wooden altars dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary, St Benedict and St John…
5. Igreja Santa Rita dos Pardos Libertos
0.61 MILES
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…
6. Maria Izabel
2.78 MILES
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…
7. Alambique Paratiana
3.37 MILES
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…
8. Fazenda Bananal
3.37 MILES
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…