{"id":30838,"date":"2020-03-31T22:18:40","date_gmt":"2020-03-31T20:18:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thehappyjetlagger.com\/?p=30838"},"modified":"2026-09-21T12:54:24","modified_gmt":"2026-09-21T10:54:24","slug":"paraty-brazil","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/neu.thehappyjetlagger.com\/en\/paraty-brazil\/","title":{"rendered":"Paraty, Brazil: An Exotic Paradise and Jungle Adventure"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Paraty is located between Rio de Janeiro and S\u00e3o Paulo, nestled in the thick foliage of the Mata Atl\u00e2ntica: 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\u2014and Paraty\u2019s historic district is magically beautiful! <\/p>\n\n

\"Paraty
Romantic and steeped in history: Paraty’s Old Town <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

Paraty: Relaxation with an Exotic Colonial Flair<\/h2>\n\n

Despite the tourism, the Old Town has retained its laid-back character. Time seems to stand still. In the picturesque Old Town<\/strong>, you feel as if you\u2019ve been transported back a hundred years to old Brazil under Portuguese colonial rule. <\/p>\n\n

\"Colorful<\/figure>\n\n

Are you looking for more information about Brazil<\/strong>? As someone who is half-Brazilian, I’m sure I have a few special tips for you: All articles about Brazil<\/a><\/p>\n\n

\"Praça
Pra\u00e7a da Matriz is the heart of the Old Town.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n
\"Horse-drawn
Today, horse-drawn carriages carry tourists along the cobblestone streets.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

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<\/strong> since the mid-1950s. <\/p>\n\n

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\u2019s last emperor, Dom Pedro II, who lives there right in the heart of the neighborhood, without any pomp or ceremony. <\/p>\n\n

Tip<\/strong>: Every morning, a free walking tour<\/strong> departs from Pra\u00e7a da Matriz and takes you to all the major sights in the Old Town. (Portuguese & English) <\/p>\n\n

\"Small
There are small bars and restaurants on every corner.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

Advertising \/ *affiliate link<\/em><\/p>\n\n

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Nightlife & Shopping in Paraty<\/h2>\n\n

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\u2014from plates to hammocks\u2014that you can\u2019t get enough of them. Paraty has style\u2014no question about it. <\/p>\n\n

Livraria das Mar\u00e9s<\/a> – 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 caf\u00e9 in the backyard. An insider’s tip! <\/p>\n\n

\"Hammocks
Shopping: Handmade hammocks.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

Food & Drink in Paraty<\/h2>\n\n

A good meal and a little cervejinha (beer) are a must in Brazil in the evening! Around Pra\u00e7a da Matriz<\/strong>, the central market square in the Old Town, you\u2019ll 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\u2014you can really let loose almost anywhere here. <\/p>\n\n

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\"Nightlife<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Caf\u00e9 Paraty<\/a> | Very popular\u2014you’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). <\/p>\n\n

Frida y Diego<\/a> | A<\/strong> small taqueria<\/strong> with live music in the evening, away from the hustle and bustle of the Old Town, serving Mexican cuisine. <\/p>\n\n

Sabor da Terra<\/a> | A<\/strong> down-to-earth self-service restaurant<\/strong> 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. <\/p>\n\n

Manu\u00ea Sucos<\/a> | It\u2019s technically a juice bar, but it\u2019s open until the evening and offers plenty of fresh snacks like a\u00e7a\u00ed<\/strong> or p\u00e3o na chapa<\/strong> (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\u2014though laptops aren\u2019t allowed. <\/p>\n\n

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\u20134\u20ac) per person.<\/p>\n\n

\"Blue
The historic district of Paraty is full of colorful details.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

If you\u2019re feeling a little hungry, there are plenty of street stalls<\/strong> offering a wide variety of dishes, from tapioca<\/strong> (pancakes made from cassava flour) to pasteis<\/strong> (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<\/strong> (fresh, sugared shredded coconut) or a bolo de tapioca<\/strong>: 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. <\/p>\n\n

There’s one name you need to remember: Jorge Amado!<\/h2>\n\n

You absolutely have to try a Jorge Amado<\/strong> here\u2014you\u2019ll find it in every bar! Paraty\u2019s signature cocktail tastes like a sweet caipirinha: instead of cacha\u00e7a, the sugarcane spirit, it uses Gabriela<\/strong> liqueur, which is infused with cloves and cinnamon (cravo e canela). It\u2019s no coincidence: Jorge Amado is one of Brazil\u2019s most famous authors, and his novel *Gabriela, Cloves and Cinnamon* was adapted into a film right here in Paraty. You don\u2019t have to like his books\u2014but after five days in Paraty, I was hooked on Jorge Amado! <\/p>\n\n

Here’s the recipe for Jorge Amado<\/a><\/p>\n\n

\"Jorge
Favorite Drink: Jorge Amado with Gabriela.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

Day Trips Around Paraty <\/h2>\n\n

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\u2019s why most tourists spend their days exploring the area around Paraty. I\u2019ve put together a list of the most beautiful spots for you here! <\/p>\n\n

Trindade<\/h3>\n\n

There is a beach in Paraty itself, but the beaches in Trindade<\/strong> are even more beautiful! You can easily get there on your own: A bus leaves for Trindade every hour from the central bus station (Rodovi\u00e1ria). (One-way fare: 5 R$, approx. 1.20\u20ac, pay on the bus, get off at the last stop). <\/p>\n\n

Whether you’re looking for peace and quiet or a party atmosphere, Trindade has something for everyone. At Praia dos Ranchos<\/strong>, 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. <\/p>\n\n

\"Praia
There are also livelier beaches in Trindade.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n
\"Fresh
Fresh fish: It’s never as delicious as it is by the sea.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

Follow a small path to reach Praia do Meio<\/strong>. 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. <\/p>\n\n

\"Sunset
Nature Reserve: Praia do Meio in Trindade.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

Waterfalls Around Paraty<\/h3>\n\n

There are plenty of waterfalls in the densely forested mountains around Paraty. One of them is particularly impressive and is simply called Tobog\u00e3 <\/strong>. In Portuguese, that means \u201cwater slide,\u201d and once you\u2019re there, it becomes clear why: on a huge, slippery rock, you can plunge down the waterfall like a killer slide. If that\u2019s too dangerous for you (accidents aren\u2019t uncommon here), it\u2019s best to just watch the local kids, who\u2019ve already perfected their daring stunts\u2014my jaw dropped. <\/p>\n\n

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At Po\u00e7o do Tarzan<\/strong> (Tarzan\u2019s Pond) further up, you can safely wade into the water and feel a little like Tarzan taking a dip. Just remember, though, that you\u2019re in the middle of the jungle: don\u2019t forget your bug spray! <\/p>\n\n

\"Suspension<\/figure>\n\n
\"Swimmers
Swimming like Tarzan: The waterfalls around Paraty are breathtaking.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n
\"Poço<\/figure>\n\n

Right next to the Vila Verde restaurant<\/a>, 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\u2019s crystal clear\u2014pure nature! If you\u2019re visiting the restaurant as part of an outing, you don\u2019t have to eat there\u2014you can just relax and enjoy nature! <\/p>\n\n

\"Exotic
All kinds of exotic plants grow in the Vila Verde garden.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n
\"Woman<\/figure>\n\n
\"Roaring<\/figure>\n\n
\"Swimming
Perfect for a cool refreshment during the hot temperatures of the Brazilian high summer.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n
\"Flowing<\/figure>\n\n

The best way to visit these places is on a guided jeep tour<\/strong>! I recommend Paraty Tours\u2014the organization was great, and their Land Rover jeeps were nicer than the competition\u2019s, whose passengers had to sit in stuffy cars \ud83d\ude42 <\/p>\n\n

\u279c Book the waterfall tour here*<\/a><\/p>\n\n

(Don’t let the reviews get to you\u2014during our long lunch break, we just relaxed, floating down the mountain stream and enjoying our picnic!)<\/p>\n\n

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By Boat Around Paraty<\/h3>\n\n

You definitely shouldn’t miss a boat trip<\/strong> 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 \u201cPasseio de escuna,\u201d<\/strong> it\u2019s a larger boat, usually with a full kitchen and bar on board. <\/p>\n\n

\u279c You can book the boat tour in Paraty here*<\/a><\/p>\n\n

\"Swimming
Turquoise-blue water & sunshine: You can reach the islands in Paraty Bay by taking a boat tour.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

If you get there early, you\u2019ll get the best spots. You\u2019re welcome to bring your own food, but it\u2019s not absolutely necessary. The trip lasts about 4\u20135 hours; we\u2019ll 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<\/a>! <\/p>\n\n

\"Sailboat<\/figure>\n\n
\"Boat<\/figure>\n\n
\"Island<\/figure>\n\n

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! <\/p>\n\n

\"Hand<\/figure>\n\n

Where to Stay in Paraty <\/h2>\n\n

Location is everything in Paraty! The best spots are actually near the historic center<\/strong>! There, you\u2019ll enjoy an idyllic stay right in the heart of it all. Praia do Pontal<\/strong>, just a few minutes\u2019 walk from the center, is also a great place to stay\u2014and it comes with that laid-back beach vibe to boot. <\/p>\n\n

Geko Hostel & Pousada<\/a> | on Praia do Pontal, with the beach right outside the door<\/p>\n\n

Che Lagarto<\/a> | Popular hostel chain in South America, friendly atmosphere, private rooms also available<\/p>\n\n

Pousada do Principe<\/a> | Small pousada, great location, lovely atmosphere<\/p>\n\n

\u279c Compare all accommodations in Paraty here<\/a><\/p>\n\n

\"Praia
A hippie vibe: Head to Praia do Pontal at sunset.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

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! <\/p>\n\n

How do you get to Paraty?<\/h2>\n\n

Traveling by Bus<\/h3>\n\n

Paraty is located between Rio de Janeiro<\/a> and S\u00e3o Paulo; you can reach both cities by intercity bus<\/strong>. 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 \u20ac). The buses are comfortable, but they often don\u2019t have Wi-Fi or USB charging ports. <\/p>\n\n

Bus Station in Paraty<\/h3>\n\n

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<\/strong> from the taxi stand\u2014it won’t cost an arm and a leg. Uber<\/strong> isn’t available in Paraty (yet). <\/p>\n\n

Buying Bus Tickets in Brazil<\/h3>\n\n

In Brazil, you can always buy tickets directly at the bus stations. It\u2019s best to take care of your tickets a little in advance. Intercity buses are a popular mode of transportation<\/strong> in Brazil, and especially for destinations like Paraty, they can get quite crowded during peak travel season or on weekends. <\/p>\n\n

But so you don’t have to make a special trip to the station (in Rio, for example, the Rodovi\u00e1ria\/bus station is relatively far from downtown), I recommend buying your tickets online<\/strong> at Clickbus<\/a>*. You can often get an additional discount there. <\/p>\n\n

Clickbus*<\/a> 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.) <\/p>\n\n

\"Bus
The bus station is centrally located in Paraty, near the Old Town.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

Where to go next from Paraty? <\/h2>\n\n

Paraty, for example, is a popular destination from Rio de Janeiro<\/a>. On the way there, you can also stop at the beach resort of Angra dos Reis<\/strong> or take a ferry to Ilha Grande<\/strong> \u2014a paradise for nature lovers. <\/p>\n\n

Advertising \/ *affiliate link<\/em><\/p>\n\n

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Helpful Tips<\/h2>\n\n