Paraty in 3 days

A perfectly preserved colonial port on Brazil's Costa Verde, ringed by rainforest, waterfalls and island-dotted bays. Best time to visit: April-October (drier season). Average daily budget: $50 to $130 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Centro Histórico, The car-free UNESCO colonial core of cobbles, churches, galleries and restaurants.

Morning: Wander the historic centre. Explore the car-free cobbled streets, churches and colourful colonial houses.

Afternoon: Explore Centro Histórico, The car-free UNESCO colonial core of cobbles, churches, galleries and restaurants.

Evening: Take a schooner boat tour. Cruise the bay stopping to swim and snorkel at islands and beaches.

Eat: Fresh seafood and grilled fish from the bay

Day 2, Go deeper

Base: Praia do Pontal, The nearest town beach across the river, with kiosks and calm water.

Morning: Chase jungle waterfalls. Visit the Tobogã and Pedra Branca falls in the surrounding rainforest.

Afternoon: Explore Praia do Pontal, The nearest town beach across the river, with kiosks and calm water.

Evening: Tour a cachaça distillery. Sample artisan cachaça at one of Paraty's traditional alambiques.

Eat: Peixe à Paraty, local fish in a rich sauce

Day 3, Hidden side

Base: Jabaquara, A long, shallow beach popular for stand-up paddle and sunset walks.

Morning: Day-trip to Trindade. Relax at the natural rock pools and beaches of this nearby village.

Afternoon: Explore Jabaquara, A long, shallow beach popular for stand-up paddle and sunset walks.

Evening: Hike part of the Gold Trail. Walk the historic stone Caminho do Ouro through Atlantic forest.

Eat: Artisan cachaça from the town's distilleries

Hidden gems

The tidal flooding of the historic streets on full-moon high tides.
Kayaking the mangroves and quiet coves at dawn.
The natural water slide at Cachoeira do Tobogã.
Sunset from the Forte Defensor Perpétuo above the town.

Getting around

Paraty's UNESCO historic centre is car-free and compact, so you'll explore it entirely on foot over its distinctive uneven cobblestones, comfortable shoes are essential. To reach the many beaches and islands of the bay you'll take schooner tours, water taxis or small boats from the pier, while more distant beaches like Trindade are served by local buses, taxis and ride-hailing. Inland waterfalls, cachaça distilleries and the Gold Trail are best reached by car, taxi or organised tour. Paraty sits on the Rio-Santos coastal highway, roughly four hours from Rio de Janeiro and five from São Paulo, both connected by regular long-distance buses.

Safety

Paraty is a relaxed, tourism-focused town that is generally very safe for visitors, including families and solo travellers, with a friendly atmosphere and low levels of serious crime. Take normal precautions against petty theft in busy areas and keep an eye on belongings on beaches and boats. The main practical concerns are natural: the historic streets flood on high tides and are slippery with uneven cobbles, so watch your footing; the ocean and waterfalls have currents, so heed local advice; and the rainforest brings mosquitoes and strong sun, so bring repellent and protection. Boat operators are generally reliable, but choose reputable ones and check life jackets. With ordinary care, most visitors find Paraty safe and charming.

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