Paraty is a destination that goes beyond the usual, with its historical architecture, museums, books, cachaça, and numerous beaches.
Paraty is a historic and cultural hub on the Costa Verde in Rio de Janeiro. Cobblestone streets lined with elegant mansions, stunning beaches, and waterfalls enhance the charming scenery.
The location is perfect for couples, families, and solo travelers who want to relax by the sea and in the Atlantic Forest. The town offers a lively atmosphere that pleases both the eyes and the taste buds.
Discover more about this city that captures the hearts of all visitors, whether you’re looking to enjoy the holidays or cultural events.
In this article you will find:
- Things to do in Paraty?
- Accommodation options in Paraty.
- Where can you dine in Paraty?
- When is the best time to visit Paraty?
- How long should I stay in Paraty?
- How can I reach Paraty?
- Transport in Paraty
- National travel insurance
- Tickets for tours in Paraty
- Paraty flight options
- FAQ
Things to do in Paraty?
Paraty offers numerous exciting activities such as exploring beaches, waterfalls, and hiking trails, enjoying the diverse cuisine, discovering its historic architecture, and engaging in year-round cultural events.
The initial required visit is to the Historic Centre, which features colonial-style mansions in bright colors, numerous dining establishments, and a variety of shops selling gifts and souvenirs. Lapa Street and Commerce Street are the primary streets with the most choices.
The House of Culture regularly provides exhibitions for visitors to enjoy. It is also interesting to visit the Museum of Sacred Art located in the Church of Santa Rita, offering a view of the port and its colorful boats.
Escuna tours include various beaches and their surroundings. Pontal Beach and Jabaquara Beach offer stunning ocean views near the city center, although they may not be suitable for swimming. Located between the two beaches is Fort Perpetual Defender, where visitors can explore a museum.
The waterfalls are a must-see and many are near the Golden Path, connecting the trails with history. Another highlight is the Toboggan Waterfall, where you can slide over the rocks.
The city is well-known for holding different cultural events like the FLIP International Literary Festival and the Cachaça, Culture, and Flavors Festival. Explore Quilombo do Campinho for a unique experience. See our list.
- Old town
- Street in Lapa
- Commercial Street
- Cultural center
- Art Museum of Religious Art
- Santa Rita Church
- Beach at Pontal
- Jabaquara Beach
- Fort Defensor Museum Eternal
- Golden Route
- FLIP
- Cachaça Festival, Culture, and Flavors
- Campinho Quilombo
Explore additional incredible tours for a complete Paraty travel experience.
Top beaches in Paraty
Paraty boasts more than 120 beaches ready for exploration, where you can swim alongside fish, turtles, dolphins, and, if fortunate, even spot orcas close to the shore.
Trindade Village is located 25 km to the south and boasts some of the most stunning beaches in the area. Noteworthy beaches include Cachadaço Beach, Meio Beach, Cepilho Beach, and Ranchos Beach. Sono Beach, accessible via a trail, offers a breathtaking view.
Between the city and Angra dos Reis lie São Gonçalo and São Gonçalinho Beaches, providing access to the Island of Pelado with its clear waters. Tarituba Beach was a filming location for the soap opera Women of Areia. Prainha, a bit further, has its own unique charm.
To conclude our list of suggestions, the city boasts the sole fjord in Brazil. The Mamanguá Bag, with its unspoiled beauty, is highly recommended for a visit. Explore all the beaches mentioned:
- Cachadaço Beach
- Middle Beach
- Beach at Cepilho
- Beach Ranch
- Beach of Sleep
- São Gonçalo and São Gonçalinho beaches
- Naked Island
- Tarituba Beach
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- Bag Mamanguá
Accommodation options in Paraty.
The majority of lodgings in Paraty are situated in the Historical Center and near Pontal and Jabaquara Beaches. These areas are also the most crowded and provide good access to other parts of the city.
Accommodation choices include hotels, inns, seasonal rentals, and Airbnbs. We have selected the top-rated options to display next.
Paraty accommodations
Hotels in Paraty are not abundant, but there are intriguing and cozy options that are worth exploring.
- House Mar Paraty – Per day starting from R$ 1,300 – Rating 9.5
- Sandi Hotel offers rooms starting at R$ 1,100 per day, with a rating of 9.1.
- Casa Luz is available daily starting at R$ 476 with a rating of 8.8.
- Villa da Mata Landing – R$ 446 per day – Score 9.8
Explore all available hotel choices in Paraty.
Paraty’s accommodations for budget travelers
When it comes to lodging in Paraty, the situation transforms. There are numerous options available, from basic to upscale, near the beaches or the historic downtown area. One suggestion is to always verify if there are available parking spots at the lodgings if you are driving, to prevent needing to pay for parking in the city. Here are the top-rated choices:
- Pousada do Ouro – Available daily starting at R$ 841 with a rating of 9.3
- Príncipe Inn – R$ 450 per day – Rating of 8.5
- Morro do Forte Inn – Price per day is R$ 416 – Rated 9.1
- Pousada Pomar Paraty offers daily rates starting at R$ 274 and has a rating of 9.3.
Explore all available bed and breakfast choices in Paraty.
Airbnb accommodations in Paraty
The airbnbs in Paraty are delightful and cozy, all well-furnished and well-arranged. You can select your favorite by matching location and prices. Below are the top-rated options we have chosen.
- Calamar Flats Paraty is available daily starting at R$ 638 with a rating of 9.8.
- Greenhouse located in downtown Paraty – Available daily starting from R$ 400 – Rated 9.9
- Shelter by the ocean on Araujo Island – Available every day starting at R$ 801 – Rated 10
- House with ocean views available for daily rental starting at R$ 1,300 with a rating of 9.5.
Explore all vacation rental choices available in Paraty.
Where can you dine in Paraty?
Paraty offers numerous delightful dining establishments located primarily in the Historic Center. There is a wide variety of gastronomic choices available at different price points. Among the most renowned is Banana da Terra, which specializes in seafood.
Margarida Café is a great choice offering live music and delicious food. If you enjoy international dishes, Thai Brasil offers Thai cuisine, while La Dolce Vita Trattoria Pizzeria serves Italian food.
Another well-known option is Benedita’s, located directly across from the Center. If you’re looking for a quick meal, Emirates serves Middle Eastern cuisine and craft beers, while Van Gogh Hamburgueria provides affordable prices.
Leaving the city center opens up more options, such as Casa Coupê known for its tasty small bites. For dessert, Ice Paraty is a popular ice cream shop, while Café Pingado serves up traditional sweets. Explore our recommendations:
- Banana on the Earth
- Daisy Café
- Brazilian Thai
- The Sweet Life Trattoria Pizzeria
- Benedita’s
- UK
- Hamburg by Van Gogh
- Textile for the home
- Paraty Ice
- Coffee with a dash of milk
When is the best time to visit Paraty?
The peak period in Paraty happens during the summer and school breaks, with traffic picking up during extended holidays. The summer also brings rainy weather that may impede some activities.
During the winter, the dry weather might be bothersome for some travelers. It is recommended to visit the city during the transitional seasons of spring and autumn, like the months of April, May, September, October, and November, if possible.
The Festival of Cachaça, Cultura and Sabores impresses visitors in August with cultural events, while the FLIP enhances the experience in November.
How long should I stay in Paraty?
To make the most of the Historical Center and explore Paraty’s key attractions, it is recommended to allocate 3 to 4 entire days. If you have additional time, extending this period is easily achievable.
Travelers visiting Ubatuba can create a unique experience by exploring the downtown area and enjoying the picturesque city views.
How can I reach Paraty?
Paraty is located midway between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, at the southern tip of Rio de Janeiro state, adjacent to the Costa Verde region.
The primary method to reach the destination is through highways. Check the specifics of the routes provided below.
Traveling by automobile
Leaving São Paulo takes about 4 hours by taking the BR-116 and BR-459 to your destination. In Ubatuba, a shorter route is available for those looking to change direction, which involves following the BR-101 for approximately 1 hour and covering nearly 73 km.
Cunha is a nearby city, just 47 km from the destination, and can serve as a rest stop for travelers from São Paulo. Hiking the trail of Stone of Marcela in Cunha offers a stunning panoramic view of Paraty under clear skies.
Traveling from Rio de Janeiro to Paraty also involves a 4-hour journey along Highway Governor Mário Covas and BR-101.
The bus routes are identical, and there is a wide variety of schedules.
Transportation in Paraty
Driving is prohibited in the Historic Center of Paraty, but transportation can be utilized in the surrounding areas and for tours. Limited parking is available in the city, with daily fees for many locations.
If you plan to stay in the Center and nearby areas, it’s best to walk and hire jeeps and transfers from companies offering packages for other tours.
To access many of the beaches, you will need to use a boat or schooner. These boats typically do not take credit cards, so it’s a good idea to bring cash to avoid any issues.
National travel insurance
Unexpected events can occur! If you lack health insurance or if your medical coverage is not accepted in the area, opting for a domestic travel insurance can be a wise choice. It is highly affordable – starting from R $ 4 per day – and provides peace of mind during your travels, helping you steer clear of unexpected costs. – LEARN MORE HERE.
Paraty tour tickets
When organizing your trip and selecting tours in Paraty, think about arranging and purchasing tickets through Civitatis. This way, you can head out with everything planned and avoid waiting in ticket lines, plus have the option to pay in up to 12 installments without IOF.
View the prices of tours or explore our selection of top choices:
- Tour of Paraty’s historic center at no cost.
- Trinity Tour – R$ 130
- Mamanguá Bag Tour priced at R$ 200
- Paraty Islands Tour costs R$ 120.
- Serra da Bocaina Jeep Tour – R$ 130
Explore additional fantastic tours for a complete Paraty getaway.
Paraty flights
Looking for a surefire way to secure affordable tickets to Paraty? Utilize the Promo Go platform to discover the most reliable flight options available. Browse daily offers and be on the lookout for discounts when purchasing your airfare. – VIEW PRICES
Also refer to:
- Angra dos Reis
- Accommodations in Paraty
- Paraty accommodations
- Airbnb accommodations in Paraty
- Hostels in Paraty that welcome pets
- Rio de Janeiro
- Airbnb accommodations in Spain
Commonly Asked Questions
Still unsure about something? Consult the frequently asked questions from our readers about Paraty below.
Paraty offers numerous exciting activities such as exploring beaches, waterfalls, and trails, enjoying the diverse cuisine, discovering historical architecture, and taking part in year-round cultural events.
The primary activities in Paraty include exploring the beaches by boat, strolling around the Historic Center, trekking to waterfalls, visiting museums, savoring local cuisine, and attending cultural events held throughout the year.
Paraty is situated in the Costa Verde area, in the southern part of Rio de Janeiro, approximately a 4-hour drive from the capital and a similar distance from São Paulo.
In Paraty, it is important to be cautious due to the high number of robberies during the peak season. Avoid displaying valuable items in public, be cautious at night, and refrain from wandering alone.
