Paraty

Paraty grew in the 18th century as a strategically important port for exporting the gold mined in Minas Gerais. When shipments in nearby Rio began to attract the attention and ambition of pirates and privateers from rival European powers, the Portuguese began using Paraty as their safe port for getting their gold to Lisbon. Together with Ouro Preto, the town was part of the Estrada Real (Caminho Real or Caminho do Ouro, Gold Road), a route used to export gold in colonial times. It was also an obligatory sleep-over stop for travelers between Rio and São Paulo until the late 1800s, when the inner road was opened. This caused Paraty to be forgotten, stalled in time, away from "progress" and disfiguration and helped it preserve its old city as it was in the past. In the 1970s, it was rediscovered as a popular tourist destination.

By plane

Paraty can be reached by air from Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo, but only by chartered helicopter or small commercial and private aircraft because it only has a very small airstrip.

By boat

Another possibility of transport is to arrive by sea by way of a sailboat or cruise ship from Rio de Janeiro, Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande. Fast boat transfers from Safari Transfers from Angra dos Reis are also available.

By car

Paraty is connected by road to Rio de Janeiro (236 km) or São Paulo (330 km), via road BR-101.

By bus

Air-conditioned buses go back and forth from Rio to Paraty and Paraty to Rio. Buses to and from Rio depart about nine times a day for R$49.00. The trip takes about four hours. The trip to and from São Paulo takes about six hours and costs about R$37.00. From São Paulo try Reunidas Paulista; from Rio de Janeiro, Costa Verde Transportes

• Bus Station

  address: Rua Jango Pádua
  Checkout the time table for buses in(to) the region around Paraty: https://www.facebook.com/pg/oficialcolitur/photos/?tab=albums

The historic town is compact and can be covered on foot; cars, save for taxis picking up or dropping passengers, are not allowed into the historic city center. The rough boulders of the old city streets would quickly destroy the shocks of most cars anyway.
Buses to the beautiful village and beaches at Trindade (30km south of Paraty) and outlying beaches leave from the Bus Station. Buy tickets onboard approximately R$3 to Trindade.

Historic Center

Something of a time capsule, the historic center looks much as it did back in the 1800s. Once a month, at high tide when the moon is full, seawater rises from its normal levels and comes in through special openings in the seawalls that separate the city from the bay, to wash the Historic Center streets — a marvel of ancient city planning. The streets are only flooded for a short time, until the tide recedes. The water is usually only six to ten inches deep and a few merchants near the seawall put out small bridges to span the flooded streets for the benefit of pedestrians.

• Igreja Matriz

  address: Matriz Square
  Built from 1787 to 1873. Houses a museum of sacred art. Its square can be considered the town center.

• Casa da Cultura

  phone: +55 24 3371-2325
  address: Rua Dona Geralda, 177
  Built in 1754 as a jail and reopened in the present state in 1990. According to UNESCO, the most beautiful representative of 18th century local architecture. Temporary and permanent exhibitions, bookstore, cafe and small theater.

• Espaço Theatre

  phone: +55 24 3371-1575
  address: Rua Dona Geralda, 327
  Cultural space. Has a twice weekly presentation of a famous puppet group.

• Santa Rita church

  address: Largo Santa Rita
  The oldest church of Paraty, inaugurated in 1722, regarded by Lúcio Costa (urban planner of Brasília) as the most beautiful church inside Brazil.

• Forte Defensor Perpétuo

  phone: +55 24 3371-2289
  address: R. São Pedro de Alcântara, s/nº, Morro do Forte
  18th-century stronghold built with British cannons to defend the gold against British privateers. Built in 1703, reformed in 1822 (when it received the present name, a homage to D. Pedro I) and restored in 1985. Technically it's not a fort but a battery, as its walls don't completely encircle its perimeter. Inside there's a museum of popular arts and crafts, a few remaining cannons and very nice views of the bay.

Waterfalls

Around the waterfall, many trails for shorter or longer hikes can be found, checkout OpenStreetMap.

• Iriri

  address: Rio-Santos highway km 158
  Beautiful low waterfall ending in a shallow refreshing pool.

• Cachoeira do TobogãBeautiful waterfall with a slide if you bring towel and swimsuit. There is also a nice hike from here to Cachoeira da Pedra Branca.

• Pedra Branca

  address: Paraty-Cunha Rd
  Low fall with a pool. Along with the waterfall, there are the ruins of the town´s first power plant. A trail from here goes northwest until it hits the road from where you can take a bus back to Paraty.

• Poço do Inglês

  address: Downstream from Pedra Branca. No fall, just a pool. Very relaxing.

• A boat trip through the bay. You can even find your own private beach on one of more than 300 islands. Small boats are available for charter near the river mouth. Negotiate a price before leaving.
• Diving
• Snorkeling in the bay. When you rent a small boat (and hire the driver for the afternoon) you can ask about getting a mask and snorkel. They'll also supply you with fish food. You just jump off in the middle of the bay and float around feeding fish.
• Kayaking and Stand Up Paddle (SUP) boarding in the bay to islands, beaches and mangrove.
• Trekking the Caminho do Ouro/ Gold Trail. Access located in the Paraty-Cunha road. Lots of trails through the Atlantic Rainforest to tropical beaches, like Praia do Sono.

• Shambhala Asian Day SpaA day spa with a stunning view on the bay, at 10 minutes walk from the historical center. The Asian way of getting pampered and looked after...with natural body treatments and traditional massage techniques.

• Palombeta Speedboat

  phone: +55 24 999757859
  Speedboat trip will get you to more uncrowded and remote beaches. As many stops as you want, snorkeling, photos, stop and a restaurant at the end then back to town. English speaking guide.

Beaches

• Jabaquara

  address: Next to the fort
  Very calm sea with almost no waves. Beach kiosks sell snacks and refreshments.

• Lula BeachClear water and calm sea.

• Paraty MirimA long beach cut in half by a river.

• Praia das LaranjeirasThe best beach near Paraty with crystal clear water. There are housing estates, but no issue getting to the beach. In off season it is the best.

Events

• Bloco da Lama

  address: End of Jabaquara Beach
  Crowds of people go to the end of Jabaquara beach on the Saturday afternoon before Carnaval, cover themselves in mud and chant. Sounds crazy but it's a lot of fun.

• FLIPHeld in large tents next to the sea, this literature festival gathers some of the best national writers and guest international authors. There are shows, exhibitions, workshops and film screenings. Hotels can get pretty crowded, book well in advance for this period.

• Festival da Pinga

  address: Matriz Square
  A town well-known for its sugarcane liquor, it's no surprise that there's a dedicated festival to celebrate pinga. Regional versions of cachaça can be tasted at stands set up in Matriz Square. There's also live music and plenty of food stands.

Paraty is one of the famous producers of cachaça, a strong spirit distilled from sugarcane juice. In fact, a century ago cachaça was known as parati. Dozens of excellent brands are available, and there are shops with shelves of cachaça filled from top to bottom. The town is also home to many artists inspired by the scenic surroundings, and there are quite a few gallery and handicraft shops. Miniatures of the colorful boats that dot Paraty's harbor are commonly found souvenirs.

• Cachaçaria Cana Caiana

  phone: +55 24 3371-7366
  address: Rua do Comércio, 100
  Gives out free samples to try before you buy, and also sells plenty of homemade sweets.

• Paraty & Mediterrani

  phone: +55 24 3371-2155
  address: Praça da Matriz, 6
  Fabulous local fresh foods with a touch from Barcelona.

• Porto Entreposto Cultural

  phone: +55 24 3371-1058
  address: Rua do Comercio #14
  Amazing Brazilian/European menu. Good selection of wines.

• Sereia do Mar

  phone: +55 24 337111930 (delivery and reservations)
  address: Av Praia do Jabaquara 33
  With 24 varieties of pizza and over 10 other main dishes this restaurant has a mouthwatering menu to satisfy all tastes not to mention an excellent wine list. With live music on weekends and both helpful and friendly staff a visit to this restaurant is a must.

• Casa do Fogo bistrô

  phone: +55 24 3371-3163 (resavations)
  address: Rua Comendador José Luiz 390
  Casa do Fogo serves flambées specialities, all flambée with cachaça - seafood, vegetables and fruits, on the menu you also find meat, chicken, vegetarian, pastas and moquecas.

• Merlin o Mago

  phone: +55 24 3371-2157
  address: Rua do Comércio 376
  Fantastic French restaurant; very small but excellent food and drink. A German head chef settled in Paraty to run a French restaurant, and succeeded marvelously. The seafood is caught mere meters from the restaurant, as fresh as can be!

Dance with the locals at bar/clubs in the main square, Lado B da Praça or Dinho's Bar, or in Paraty 33.

• Cervejaria Caborê

  phone: +55 24 3371-2248
  address: Av. Otávio Gama, 100
  Bar-restaurant of local brewery. Home of the Caborê draft.

The Historic Center suits visitors wanting to be where the action is, and it has plenty of charming hotels and pousadas. It can however be busy and noisy particularly at night so its worth considering staying outside and walking or cycling in. Cheaper options can be found at the newer neighborhoods, outside the tourist area. There are over 200 pousadas in the area. Watch out for the busy periods of FLIP (see Do above) in July, Carnaval and New Year's.

Historical center

• Pousada Arte Urquijo

  phone: +55 24 3371-1362
  address: Rua Dona Geralda, 79
  One of the coziest and most charming accommodations in the city. You get your own (to keep) handmade slippers to use inside on the clean floors. A/C, safe

• Pousada do Cais

  phone: +55 24 3371-1200
  address: R. Travessa Santa Rita nº 20
  A restored lord's house from the XVII century. Made with rich materials, this hotel preserved the colonial architecture and style. Has the luxurious apartment with the best view of the harbor and bay.

• Pousada Porto Imperial

  phone: +55 24 3371-2323
  address: R. Ten. Francisco Antonio s/n
  This hotel is set in a colonial house next to the Matriz church. Many of the air-conditioned rooms are located at the internal patio and garden.

Outside the historical center

• Principe

  phone: +55 24 3371-2266
  address: Av. Roberto Silveira, 289
  Pousada with rooms around an internal garden.

• Pousada do Corsario

  address: Rua Joao do Prado 26, Bairro da Chácara
  An excellent pousada at a good location, along the canal, near the bus station.

• Pousada Bromelias

  phone: +55 24 3371-2791
  Bungalows, waterfall, natural swimming pool, gastronomy, massages and body treatments, ofuro bath, sauna beside waterfall, tennis.

• The Eco-farm

  phone: +55 24 9952-4496
  address: Rod Rio-Santos km 552
  Family-run organic farm, only accessible by trail through the rainforest. Experience life on the farm, learn about organic farming, natural medicines and rainforest preservation. Private rooms, dorm accommodations or camping options. Recommended by National Geographic in their South American Staylist, 2011.

• Pousada Guarana

  phone: +55 24 3371-6362
  address: Rua: 5, 13 Portal 23970 000
  Quiet and tranquil B&B located in a residential neighborhood, 20-minute walk from the city center and away from loud streets. Owned by Brazilian wife and American husband. The inn is full of artistic touches, the rooms are huge and comfy, and the daily poolside breakfast is fantastic.

• Pousada Bambubamboo

  phone: +55 24 3371-8629
  address: R. Glauber Rocha
  Tranquil pousada in a beautiful riverfront location. Six split level rooms and six standard garden rooms overlooking landscaped gardens and pool. Sauna, steam room, outdoor hot tub and spa with resident masseur. English and Brazilian owners live on the property and provide genuine and generous hospitality. Spacious guest lounge and free wi-fi. All rooms come with silent aircon, coffee machines and original artworks. Buffet breakfast overlooking the river.

• Che Lagarto Hostel Paraty

  phone: +55 24 3371-1564
  address: Rua Benina Toledo do Prado, 22
  Swimming pool and bar inside the hostel. WIFI, public kitchen and breakfast included in the fee.

On the beach

• Sereia do mar

  phone: +55 24 3371-1930
  address: Av. Praia do Jabaquara 33
  Hostel is situated in front of and only ten metres from Jabaquara beech and 800 metres from town centre. The hostel offers an excellent complimentary buffet breakfast, internet access, pool and ping pong tables, along with a wide variety of tours including kayak, jeep and boat excursions. The hostel also has a full bar and an excellent restaurant.

• Chill Inn Hostel & Pousada

  phone: +55 24 3371-2545
  address: Rua Orlando Carpinelli, 3
  Free pick-up and breakfast, right on the beach with view. Touts its "cool atmosphere".

• Geko Hostel & Pousada

  phone: +55 24 3371-2507
  address: Rua Orlando Carpinelli, 5, Praia Pontal
  This hostel in front of the sea has a quiet and relaxed environment where you can enjoy a caipirinha and meet people from all over Brazil and the world.

• Casa do SUP

  phone: +55 24 3371494
  address: Avenida Jabaquara, 26
  Guesthouse located directly in front of Jabaquara beach, a good location for Stand Up Paddle boarding (SUP). Discounts for board rentals and tours.

• Corumbe Beach Villas

  phone: +55 24 9999-8834
  address: Rod Rio-Santos km 179, Praia do Corumbe,
  Beautiful and charming villas with 4 and 6 ensuite bedrooms with private pool and jacuzzi, right on the beach. Stunning views.

• Eliconial Paraty Pousada

  phone: +55 24 3371-2486
  address: Rua Sete de Setembro, 5 - Jabaquara Beach -
  In a quiet environment 165 ft from Jabaquara Beach, this small hotel provides charming rooms with balcony and kitchenette. Free Wi-Fi, pool and parking are available. Guests can take a dip in the jacuzzi, chill out on the tropical grounds or enjoy a varied breakfast by the swimming pool. For additional relaxation, there is also a spa unit in the hotel.

If you need additional options of budget accommodations (Bed and Breakfast):
http://www.pousada.com.br

There are plenty of internet cafes just outside the historical centre. You can't avoid seeing one while walking a few blocks along the main street.

• Angra dos Reis
• Cunha - following the remains of old Estrada Real coming from Ouro Preto.
• Trindade - Popular beach in an old village. Buses once per hour at around 45 after.
• Penha from where you can walk to the distillery. Around 30 minutes by bus.
• Ubatuba - just one hour from the city, by car, it is a famous beach town in the state of São Paulo. There you will find more than 90 beaches, nice restaurants and hotels.