Paraty Brazil Tourism & Travel Information Hotels Tours Airport Transfers

Paraty					Brazil

Paraty Travel Information

Paraty

Paraty is a town located 235 kilometers south of the coast of the state of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, 300 kilometers from Sao Paulo and 95 kilometers from Angra dos Reis. The region is part continental and part insular (see Paraty map).

Paraty is situated between the Sierra del Mar (mountainous area inhabited by native flora, rivers and waterfalls) and the bay of Paraty, an extension of the bay of Angra dos Reis in the Atlantic Ocean. The aforementioned sites protect Paraty from inclement weather.

Paraty is an ancient city; it is considered Historic Patrimony due to the fact that its edifications preserve Brazil’s colonial architecture. Charming houses and narrow cobblestone streets are to be found in the city’s Historic Center which is also home to the colonial jail, a fort, several museums, artisan shops and numerous churches (see pictures).

Paraty is also the home to several beaches, some of which are still virgin. Ponta Negra, Sao Gongalo, do Sono, La Brava, Dos Ranchos, and Cachadaco are several of the beaches in Paraty which are characterized by their tranquil waters and deep blue color. Araujo and Algodao are two of the dozens of islands found in Paraty that possess unparalleled beauty.

Paraty has strict legislation that prohibits tourism for predatory purposes and very rigorous urban planning statutes that limit the construction of buildings and prohibits vehicular traffic in the Historic Center. The rules in place allow visitors to bask in a relaxed environment with 3 star inns, excellent bars and restaurants that regularly have live shows in which traditional music is played.

Paraty celebrates its Carnival for 4 days in which parades and allegoric cars, floats and masquerades are the toast of the town. Boat and sailing trips around the bay are organized on the beach.

Hotels in Paraty

Hotels in Paraty are sparse and of mid level quality but they offer comfortable rooms, pools, rest areas and optional services such as guided walking tours and guided sea tours.

Inns are the best option for tourists in Paraty due to their abundance and diversity; there are inns for all tastes and budgets (see Paraty prices). Most inns maintain a colonial style look to them, showcasing brick colored tiles and colorful windows, while others are reconditioned antique mansions.

Paraty’s innkeepers are able to offer a more personalized service due to the relatively small size of the inns. Several of the inns offer pools, saunas, lush gardens, game rooms and optional services such as marine trips.

Paraty’s hotels and inns are located in the city’s historic center, along the coastline, within several islands, between the sierras with waterfalls and nearby rivers, always surrounded by the exuberant and colorful vegetation that serves as the main backdrop for the area.

Reservations for Paraty’s hotels and inns should be made as early as possible if you plan on visiting during Carnival (end of February beginning of March)

Tours in Paraty

Tours in Paraty are geared towards enjoying the waters of the tranquil beaches and neighboring islands, navigating the trails of the sierra, discovering rivers, waterfalls and observing the native flora and fauna, and practicing aquatic sports such as diving, snorkeling, surfing, water skiing and navigation.

The tour of the Historic Center includes the old Municipal City Hall, the Patitiba Precinct (18th century prison), the Matriz de Nossa Senhora dos Remedios (Our Lady of Remedies) Church, the Santa Rita dos Pardos Libertos Church, the Arte Sacra Museum and the Nossa Senhora do Rosario Church and Sao Benedito Church.

Reservations for Paraty’s hotels and inns should be made as early as possible if you plan on visiting during Carnival (end of February beginning of March)

The Municipal Market and the House of Culture proudly display local products and a variety of artistic creations. Walking through the cobblestone streets among the colonial style homes, tourists can observe a small opening within the many paths that allows ocean water to seep through during full moon tides.

The Camino del Oro (Golden Path) is Paraty’s newest attraction. Constructed by 17th century slaves, the path was used to transport gold from Minas Gerais to the sea. This recently discovered stone path gives an insight into Paraty’s history, the tropical Atlantic jungle and several ancient sugar cane fields where cachaca and/or aguardiente is produced to this day.

The proximity to the Sierra del Mar makes it inevitable to pass by some of the waterfalls or rivers such as Cascada da Pedra Branca, the Pozo dos Ingleses, the Pozo das Andorinhas, the Tobogan waterfall and SHECO waterfall. A guide and supplies are necessary for some day long excursions.

There are hundreds of breathtaking beaches along the Bay of Paraty’s coastline that can be reached via the Rio-Santos highway. Among the hundreds of beaches some standouts include Paraty Mirim, Corumbe, Grande, Sao Goncalo and Tarituba. The beaches of Pontal and Jabaquara are located in the center and are famous for their medicinal mud.

Trinidade is a villa located half an hour away from Paraty that is home to beautiful and highly visited beaches. It was a stomping ground for hippies in the 60’s. Some of its most famous beaches include Playa del Chachadaco, dos Ranchos and Brava.

Several of Paraty’s beaches (such as Sono beach) are accessible only via long pedestrian pathways but all the walking is worth it once you see the beauty they possess. Beaches such as Ponta Negra, Martins de Sa and Verhelha can only be reached via ferry.

The best way to see all of the bay of Paraty and its neighboring islands is onboard a cruise. Araujo island is the most densely populated island and is located approximately 30-40 minutes from the port. Algodao and do Pico islands are home to heavenly beaches. Some of the islands have restaurants right at their piers where succulent local fare can be had.

Lots of these islands (dos Cocos, da Cotia, dos Cedros) are the preferred location for diving enthusiasts and rookies alike due to the tranquility and clarity of the water and the considerable amount of colorful fish. The island dos Meros is home to a submerged statue of Christ the Redeemer.

Car Rentals in Paraty

Car rentals in Paraty are offered by most of the main international car rental companies, with offices located downtown, at the airports and in the major cities of the country. Bike, buggy and motorcycle rentals are also available for those who prefer to do their sightseeing aboard one of these vehicles.

Paraty can be reached by air via Galeao International Airport in Rio De Janeiro located 235 kms away. Transfers are available to and from Galeao International Airport.

Inter-city buses offer a cheap, modern and comfortable means of transportation for those who want to travel between cities. The duration of a bus trip from Paraty to Rio de Janeiro is about 4 hours long with frequent departures and arrivals.

The Cais do Porto is the pier in Paraty from which several embarkations can be rented for touring the bay, visiting neighboring islands and purchasing an excursion to Angra dos Reis.

Paraty Tourist Information

Tourist information in Paraty can be obtained at the Tourist Information Center located on Roberto Silveira Ave. across from the Historic Center. Tel: 3371-1222.

The Real is Brazil’s currency and the exchange rate is in constant fluctuation. It is best to use local currency and exchange U.S. Dollars at banks or exchange houses or at the major hotels although the last option offers poorer exchange rates.

Major credit cards (Visa, Amex, MasterCard) are generally widely used and accepted in major hotels, restaurants and large stores.

Some hotels and inns charge a 10% service fee. It is reasonable to ask if this service fee is included on your final bill during check out.

Tipping is optional but is a very common practice considered by most as a show of appreciation for the service that was offered. Most hotels and restaurants charge a gratuity fee but we recommend tipping an additional 10-15% of the total bill.

For health reasons, you should only drink bottled water and fruits and vegetables that have been properly washed and sanitized.

Paraty’s proximity to the sea makes the presence of mosquitoes inevitable. We recommend you bring plenty of insect repellent and use shoes with socks when walking through the woods.