Paraty Travelers Recommend

With its cobblestoned colonial-era center and backdrop of thick jungle, Paraty is one of Brazil’s most charming destinations. The secluded beaches and pristine island-studded bay that surround the small town are equally appealing. Here are a few of the best beaches around Paraty.

Trindade Beach

Occupying a long stretch of coastline 15 miles (25 kilometers) south of Paraty, Trindade exudes a laid-back island character that makes it popular with surfers and hikers. Hiking trails lead through dense rainforest toward a natural swimming pool that’s perfect for a chilled-out post-hike dip. Guided tours typically include round-trip transfers from Paraty hotels and snorkeling in the pool.

Paraty Mirim Beach

The tranquil Paraty Mirim beach is located 10 miles (17 kilometers) southeast of Paraty. It is adjacent to a chapel, which was constructed by the Portuguese in 1686. The beach is known for food stalls serving up such simple but delicious meals as fried dough pockets filled with shrimp, or pasteis de camarão.

Sono Beach

Around 15 miles (25 kilometers) southeast of Paraty, the tiny Sono beach is accessible only by boat or foot from Laranjeiras. Most travelers opt to hike an hour through lush rainforest to arrive at this stunning stretch of sand—guided tours can help you spot toucans and monkeys along the way and typically include round-trip transfers from Paraty hotels.

Barra do Corumbe

Popular with families, Barra do Corumbe also attracts hungry visitors due to the presence of popular seafood restaurants tucked into its shore. It’s four miles (seven kilometers) north of Paraty’s center.

Jabaquara Beach

Jabaquara beach on Ilhabela island can only be reached by water, which gives it a secluded vibe. Kayaking tours from Paraty take you through the mangroves and also to Rosa Beach and Sapeca Island for swimming and snorkeling.

A visit to Paraty, nestled on the Costa Verde in the state of Rio de Janeiro, offers travelers a taste of Brazil’s natural beauty, colonial history, and bold flavor. Whether it’s relaxing on a pristine beach or wandering the historic center’s cobblestone streets, here are some suggestions for how to spend three days in Paraty.

Day 1: Beaches and Jungles

The region surrounding Paraty is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground, no matter your interest or adventure level. Get up early for an excursion into the jungle, where you can traverse the rugged trails by Jeep, stopping to swim in stunning natural waterfalls. In the afternoon, head to the coast, where aquatic adventures abound. Kayak past uninhabited islands and through mangrove forests; snorkel above colorful coral reefs; test your balance on a stand-up paddleboard; or, if you prefer to go out on your own, hop on a bus for a beach-hopping tour along the Paraty coast. Sono Beach, Antigos Beach, and Ponta Negros all offer beautiful and remote stretches of sand where you can relax in the Brazilian sun.

Day 2: Explore History

After soaking up some sun, spend your second day soaking up some history. Start the morning sipping strong coffee and people watching on the grassy lawns of Martiz Square in Paraty’s historic center. Then wander the streets and take in the town’s impressive colonial architecture on a guided tour of the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop by the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary (Igreja Matriz Nossa Senhora do Rosário), the largest church in town, before heading to the Paraty House of Culture to learn more about the former Portuguese colony’s role and significance as part of the Gold Trail (Caminho do Ouro). After you’ve seen the town by day, return after dark for a traditional dinner of Brazilian seafood served at one of the many local restaurants. If you still have energy to burn, follow the sounds of live music to one of Paraty’s bars for some cachaça and dancing.

Day 3: Ilha Grande Day Trip

This morning, get an early start for a day on one of Brazil’s most beautiful islands, Ilha Grande. Speed boats ferry passengers to the island, known for its spectacular beaches, such as Palmas, Pouso, and Lopes Mendes. Take a guided walking tour of the island, or spend the day exploring on your own. Aside from the beaches, popular activities include hiking through the jungle to an old aqueduct deep within the forest, exploring the ruins of Candido Mendez Jail, and climbing to the highest point on the island, Papagaio Peak. Water sports enthusiasts can go snorkeling, kayaking, or scuba diving in the waters just offshore. Day trips to Ilha Grande take up the better part of a day, so plan for a quiet dinner at your hotel upon return.

Set between jungle-covered mountains and a scenic bay, Paraty is one of Brazil’s best-preserved colonial centers. With 24 hours to spend in town, you’ll have time to walk the cobbled streets and enjoy some outdoor adventure. Here are some tips for how to best spend your time.

Morning: Colonial Paraty

Start your day in Paraty with a guided walk through the pedestrianized city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn about the town’s Portuguese history as a point along the Gold Trail (Caminho do Ouro) as you visit colonial homes, churches, and museums. If you’d rather explore at your own pace, be sure to check out the Cultural Center (Casa da Cultura) and Santa Rita Church, built by freed slaves in 1722.

Afternoon: Great Outdoors

Paraty is a popular base for outdoor adventures of all sorts, so dedicate this afternoon to exploring the great outdoors. Grab a paddle for a kayaking tour past uninhabited islands and through mangrove swamps; learn how to stand-up paddleboard; or go for a snorkel in Caixa d’Aço. If you’d rather stay on dry land, you can opt for a horseback ride through the rugged Brazilian countryside or a Jeep safari into the jungles of Bocaina Mountains National Park in search of waterfalls.

Night: Out on the Town

While Paraty isn’t a party town, you will find a few local venues for live Brazilian music and dancing. This evening, follow the music into the old town for a Brazilian dinner, followed by an evening out with the locals. Be sure to sample some cachaça, the local spirit of choice in Brazil, made from sugarcane.

Situated in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s island-dotted Paraty Bay is known for its bountiful marine life, with large schools of tropical fish skirting its coral reefs. With warm blue waters and high visibility, underwater exploration in Paraty is a joy. Here are just a few of the best places to take the plunge. 

Ilha Comprida

Though it has no beaches, Ilha Comprida remains a favorite snorkel and scuba diving spot because of its rich marine life. Dive off the boat and explore the rocky coast of this island, which serves as a hideout for sea bass, grouper, and batfish. 

Ilha dos Meros

Numerous diving and snorkeling tours venture to the shores of this small Brazilian island, where the waters are alive with an amazing range of aquatic life. Look for butterfly rays hiding on the sandy ocean floors and schools of brightly colored fish, such as neon parrotfish.

Trinidade

Surrounded by Serra da Bocaina National Park, the Trinidade region is a popular day-trip destination from Paraty, just 18 miles (30 kilometers) away. Here, near beautiful beaches such as Caixa d’Aço (Steel Box) and Cachadaco, you’ll find secluded natural pools where you can snorkel in calm waters. 

Ilha Grande

Though it’s about a 1.5-hour speedboat ride away from Paraty—and even longer by ferry—the tropical island of Ilha Grande is worth the journey for snorkelers and scuba divers. Good snorkeling is right off the shore at many of the island’s beaches, or you can take a boat tour out to dive near Ilha Jorge Grego, an even smaller island off Ilha Grande’s south shore. Other popular snorkeling spots on Ilha Grande include Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon) and Lagoa Verde (Green Lagoon).

Paraty’s the type of town that makes you want to linger, but if you only have two days to spend, you still have plenty of time to learn about its history and get out into the surrounding natural beauty for a taste of adventure. Read on for tips on how to plan the ultimate 2-day trip to Paraty.

Day 1: History and Heritage

**Morning:**Step back in time this morning with a hike along a restored portion of the Gold Trail to learn more about how African slaves paved the trail in order to transport precious metals to Portuguese ships waiting in the bay. This forested area also makes an excellent spot for bird-watching.

**Afternoon:**This afternoon, explore Paraty’s picture-perfect old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn about the town’s Portuguese colonial history on a guided walking tour of its cobbled streets, passing whitewashed buildings with colorfully painted doors and windows and stopping at notable churches, museums, and historic homes.

**Night:**After a long day of sightseeing, head back into the historical center of Paraty to treat yourself to a hearty Brazilian meal. Many of the restaurants here specialize in locally caught seafood; pair it with a cold cachaça cocktail.

Day 2: Outdoor Exploration

**Morning:**This morning, venture deep into the jungles of Bocaino Mountains National Park on a Jeep safari. Navigate rugged roads while driving between gorgeous waterfalls, some with swimming holes and natural rock slides perfect for cooling off. Many jungle tours include a stop at a local cachaça distillery for a tasting.

**Afternoon:**Cool off this afternoon with some time on the water. Hop aboard a schooner for a tour of the nearby islands, or grab a paddle to propel yourself through the scenic waters by kayak or stand-up paddleboard. 

**Night:**On your last night in Paraty, put on your dancing shoes for a night of live music in the old town. Several bars offer live Brazilian music well into the night. For something a bit more low-key, head to a local beach bar for sunset cocktails to toast a good trip with your toes in the sand.

Brazil is a nation with deep roots in the Atlantic slave trade, having imported nearly four million slaves from Africa. To learn more about the connection between gold, slavery, and Portuguese colonization, a visit to Paraty’s infamous Gold Trail, or Caminho do Ouro, is an essential stop. Here are some options.

Gold Trail History

Built by Brazilian slaves brought from Africa during the 17th and 18th centuries, this 745-mile (1,200-kilometer) trail winds through the Atlantic Rain Forest. The route was cleared and cobblestones were laid to easily transport gold and precious stones from the mountainous jungle landscapes to Portuguese ships waiting to set sail. Due to its strategic location, Paraty was an important seaport during the Brazilian gold rush. 

Ways to Experience Paraty's Gold Trail

• Visitors to this historical destination can wander the moderately difficult (and exceptionally scenic) Gold Trail located in Serra da Bocaina National Park. 

• A guided walk or Jeep exploration introduces you to a wide variety of rare and indigenous flora and fauna, while the Gold Trail Exposition features exhibits.

• Nearby Toboga Waterfall and Tarzan’s Pool offer the perfect places for tourists to cool off on hot days, and the local cachaça distillery offers a taste of the fermented sugarcane juice.

• Discover how gold—in addition to sugar and coffee—shaped Paraty during a tour of the Historic Center (Centro Historico) UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring some of the best examples of Portuguese colonial architecture.