English 
German Paraty is an enchanting place that you shouldn't miss on a trip to Brazil.
Paraty is located between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, nestled in the thick foliage of the Mata Atlântica: a small tropical paradise with a rich historical charm! Quite a few travelers to Brazil simply end up staying in Paraty. The surrounding area offers everything from stunning beaches to jungle adventures among waterfalls and mountain streams—and Paraty’s historic district is magically beautiful!
Paraty: Relaxation with an Exotic Colonial Flair
Despite the tourism, the Old Town has retained its laid-back character. Time seems to stand still. In the picturesque Old Town, you feel as if you’ve been transported back a hundred years to old Brazil under Portuguese colonial rule.
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Horse-drawn carriages rattle leisurely over the huge cobblestones (you can leave your high heels at home!) and now take tourists on sightseeing tours. Nearly the entire historic center of Paraty is very well preserved; Paraty has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since the mid-1950s.
Hi, I’m Tatiana, the blogger behind The Happy Jetlagger. I love sharing honest, passionate, and authentic stories about my travels. All tips are carefully researched by me.
Many of the once-neglected houses have been purchased and restored by wealthy Brazilian businesspeople and public figures. One of these houses is even home to a descendant of Brazil’s last emperor, Dom Pedro II, who lives there right in the heart of the neighborhood, without any pomp or ceremony.
Tip: Every morning, a free walking tour departs from Praça da Matriz and takes you to all the major sights in the Old Town. (Portuguese & English)
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Nightlife & Shopping in Paraty
In the evening, the otherwise tranquil old town comes to life: shops showcase truly beautiful souvenirs; no two stores are alike, and there are so many handmade, original items—from plates to hammocks—that you can’t get enough of them. Paraty has style—no question about it.
Livraria das Marés – A small bookstore with a curated selection, featuring many coffee-table books about Paraty and Rio, as well as English-language literature and a cozy café in the backyard. An insider’s tip!
Food & Drink in Paraty
A good meal and a little cervejinha (beer) are a must in Brazil in the evening! Around Praça da Matriz, the central market square in the Old Town, you’ll find many bars and restaurants, but there are also plenty of interesting spots in the cozy side streets. Most venues feature live music every evening; the atmosphere is cheerfully Brazilian and infectious—you can really let loose almost anywhere here.
Café Paraty | Very popular—you’ll have to wait during peak hours, but the tropical atmosphere with laid-back live music makes it worth it! Brazilian cuisine. Recommendation: Picanha (beef steak cut in a special way).
Frida y Diego | A small taqueria with live music in the evening, away from the hustle and bustle of the Old Town, serving Mexican cuisine.
Sabor da Terra | A down-to-earth self-service restaurant serving delicious Brazilian cuisine. Self-service restaurants are very popular in Brazil and offer visitors a great opportunity to sample a variety of typical Brazilian dishes.
Manuê Sucos | It’s technically a juice bar, but it’s open until the evening and offers plenty of fresh snacks like açaí or pão na chapa (toasted rolls with cheese). Good and affordable. It could be the perfect place to work for digital nomads who want to get some work done while on the go—though laptops aren’t allowed.
The following applies to all venues: When there is live music, it is customary to charge a cover charge of 10 to 15 R$ (3–4€) per person.
If you’re feeling a little hungry, there are plenty of street stalls offering a wide variety of dishes, from tapioca (pancakes made from cassava flour) to pasteis (fried pastries). Be sure to stop by one of the many cake carts scattered throughout the old town: Brazilians are true masters of sweets! Try a cocada (fresh, sugared shredded coconut) or a bolo de tapioca: this snow-white, sticky mixture made from cassava flour tastes more like pudding at first, but the sugared condensed milk poured fresh over it makes the dessert perfect.
There’s one name you need to remember: Jorge Amado!
You absolutely have to try a Jorge Amado here—you’ll find it in every bar! Paraty’s signature cocktail tastes like a sweet caipirinha: instead of cachaça, the sugarcane spirit, it uses Gabriela liqueur, which is infused with cloves and cinnamon (cravo e canela). It’s no coincidence: Jorge Amado is one of Brazil’s most famous authors, and his novel *Gabriela, Cloves and Cinnamon* was adapted into a film right here in Paraty. You don’t have to like his books—but after five days in Paraty, I was hooked on Jorge Amado!
Here’s the recipe for Jorge Amado
Day Trips Around Paraty
But Paraty is so much more than just culture and history: there are so many different places to explore around the town, from the deepest jungle to secluded islands! That’s why most tourists spend their days exploring the area around Paraty. I’ve put together a list of the most beautiful spots for you here!
Trindade
There is a beach in Paraty itself, but the beaches in Trindade are even more beautiful! You can easily get there on your own: A bus leaves for Trindade every hour from the central bus station (Rodoviária). (One-way fare: 5 R$, approx. 1.20€, pay on the bus, get off at the last stop).
Whether you’re looking for peace and quiet or a party atmosphere, Trindade has something for everyone. At Praia dos Ranchos, you’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants. There, you can use the umbrellas and chairs if you order something at one of the nearby establishments. It’s a typically lively Brazilian spot with lots of music.
Follow a small path to reach Praia do Meio. Restaurants and beach vendors are not allowed here, as this beach is part of the surrounding nature reserve. The beach is relatively spacious, and the huge rocks are very impressive.
Waterfalls Around Paraty
There are plenty of waterfalls in the densely forested mountains around Paraty. One of them is particularly impressive and is simply called Tobogã . In Portuguese, that means “water slide,” and once you’re there, it becomes clear why: on a huge, slippery rock, you can plunge down the waterfall like a killer slide. If that’s too dangerous for you (accidents aren’t uncommon here), it’s best to just watch the local kids, who’ve already perfected their daring stunts—my jaw dropped.
At Poço do Tarzan (Tarzan’s Pond) further up, you can safely wade into the water and feel a little like Tarzan taking a dip. Just remember, though, that you’re in the middle of the jungle: don’t forget your bug spray!
Right next to the Vila Verde restaurant, guests will find one of the most beautiful swimming spots: Here, you can take a dip in a cool mountain stream, far away from the hustle and bustle! The water may be cold, but it’s crystal clear—pure nature! If you’re visiting the restaurant as part of an outing, you don’t have to eat there—you can just relax and enjoy nature!
The best way to visit these places is on a guided jeep tour! I recommend Paraty Tours—the organization was great, and their Land Rover jeeps were nicer than the competition’s, whose passengers had to sit in stuffy cars :)
➜ Book the waterfall tour here*
(Don’t let the reviews get to you—during our long lunch break, we just relaxed, floating down the mountain stream and enjoying our picnic!)
By Boat Around Paraty
You definitely shouldn’t miss a boat trip either! For one thing, you’ll get to meet Brazilians on vacation (spoiler: they’re even more exuberant than usual!), and for another, you’ll get to see the beautiful islands around Paraty. If you choose a “Passeio de escuna,” it’s a larger boat, usually with a full kitchen and bar on board.
➜ You can book the boat tour in Paraty here*
If you get there early, you’ll get the best spots. You’re welcome to bring your own food, but it’s not absolutely necessary. The trip lasts about 4–5 hours; we’ll stop at beaches, there will be opportunities to swim (I love jumping right into the water from the boat), and plenty of music. And, of course, Jorge Amado!
The swimming spots are great for snorkeling. However, equipment is only available on board for a fee, and it’s not that great, so it’s better to bring your own if you want to snorkel!
Where to Stay in Paraty
Location is everything in Paraty! The best spots are actually near the historic center! There, you’ll enjoy an idyllic stay right in the heart of it all. Praia do Pontal, just a few minutes’ walk from the center, is also a great place to stay—and it comes with that laid-back beach vibe to boot.
Geko Hostel & Pousada | on Praia do Pontal, with the beach right outside the door
Che Lagarto | Popular hostel chain in South America, friendly atmosphere, private rooms also available
Pousada do Principe | Small pousada, great location, lovely atmosphere
➜ Compare all accommodations in Paraty here
It’s often cheaper to stay outside the city, but everything interesting is farther away, and the newer neighborhoods aren’t necessarily that pretty either. So it’s worth spending a little more!
How do you get to Paraty?
Traveling by Bus
Paraty is located between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo; you can reach both cities by intercity bus. Paraty does not have a commercial airport. The trip takes about 4 hours in either direction, and a one-way ticket costs around 80 R$ (approx. 20 €). The buses are comfortable, but they often don’t have Wi-Fi or USB charging ports.
Bus Station in Paraty
The bus station in Paraty is located relatively centrally in the city, and you can reach many accommodations on foot from there. If you have a lot of luggage or need to go farther away, just take a taxi from the taxi stand—it won’t cost an arm and a leg. Uber isn’t available in Paraty (yet).
Buying Bus Tickets in Brazil
In Brazil, you can always buy tickets directly at the bus stations. It’s best to take care of your tickets a little in advance. Intercity buses are a popular mode of transportation in Brazil, and especially for destinations like Paraty, they can get quite crowded during peak travel season or on weekends.
But so you don’t have to make a special trip to the station (in Rio, for example, the Rodoviária/bus station is relatively far from downtown), I recommend buying your tickets online at Clickbus*. You can often get an additional discount there.
Clickbus* is the largest ticket platform in Brazil, and most bus companies are listed there. (Note: With some bus companies, you have to exchange your online tickets at the ticket counter.)
Where to go next from Paraty?
Paraty, for example, is a popular destination from Rio de Janeiro. On the way there, you can also stop at the beach resort of Angra dos Reis or take a ferry to Ilha Grande —a paradise for nature lovers.
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Helpful Tips
- Avoid the peak travel season between Christmas and Carnival: Prices go up and accommodation options become scarce!
- On the topic of safety: While it’s generally a good idea to be cautious here as well, Paraty is actually a very laid-back place. I never felt unsafe at any point—quite the opposite, in fact.
- Don’t forget mosquito repellent—the strong kind with DEET—if mosquitoes love you as much as they love me! You can find good repellents at any local pharmacy.
- In Brazilian Portuguese, “Paraty” is pronounced “Pa-ra-tschie” ;)
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Are you looking for more inspiration for your trip to Brazil?
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Santa Teresa, Rio’s artists’ quarter
Búzios: Dream beaches near Rio
*Links marked with an asterisk (*) are affiliate links. If you book or buy something through them, I will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!
