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Paraty was once the port for the Gold Route from Minas Gerais to the coast, where gold was loaded on ships to transport to Portugal. Now, the centre of Paraty has well preserved colonial style architecture, pedestrian streets and cobbled stones, with stylish, hotels, shops. restaurants and bars. You can also take boat trips to isolated islands, beaches and tropical forests.

Southwest of Rio de Janeiro is the small town of Parati, virtually unchanged since its heyday as the main port on the Gold Route to Portugal. The former pirate hideout boasts a colonial centre adorned with cobbled streets, pretty houses, art galleries and craft shops, as well as restaurants serving freshly caught local fish. Traffic is forbidden here, so as to preserve the tranquil atmosphere, seemingly paused in time from centuries ago.

Tours explore the surrounding area by foot, boat and bicycle and there are some fantastic vistas on the Gold Trail over the mountains. You will also encounter isolated waterfalls and ancient ruins of Portuguese forts, resting on outcrops, both on the mainland and the islands. A wonderful boat trip can be made to explore the islands, landing on secluded beaches, or you can anchor in bays to snorkel or dive in the clear, warm waters.

Parati is comfortably reached by road from Rio and so makes a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

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Twin colonial churches and monument in Tiradentes, a historic town in Minas Gerais, Brazil, under a clear blue sky.

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Brazil History - Imperial Tour plus Olinda, Sao Luis, Belem

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Samba Tour

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Brazil Nature - City & Island Life, Birdwatching & Pantanal Wetlands Cruise - Jaguar Tour

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Coronation Of Dom Pedro II

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Brazil History - Imperial Tour

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Sao Paulo - Rio de Janeiro - Day trip to Petropolis - Paraty - Tiradentes - Ouro Preto - Salvador da Bahia

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Cosmopolitan Tour

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Small boat anchored off a secluded beach with rocky shoreline on Ilha Grande.

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Rio de Janeiro, History & Green Coast - Verde Tour

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Rio de Janeiro - Paraty History - Ilha Grande Trails & Beach

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Luana Tour

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Vistas Tour

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Frequently Asked Questions

Every journey is unique, and questions are part of the process. This FAQ covers the most common topics to help you prepare, while our advisers are always on hand for more personal guidance.

Best time to visit Paraty

When is the best time to visit Paraty?

Paraty can be enjoyed throughout the year thanks to its warm tropical climate. The drier months from May to September are paticularly pleasant for exploring the town's cobbled streets, taking boat excursions and discovering the surrounding coastline, while the warmer months bring lush scenery and a vibrant atmosphere.

Top things to do in Paraty

What are the top things to do in Paraty?

Wander through Paraty's beautifully preserved historic centre, visit its charming churches and colonial buildings, take a leisurely boat cruise to nearby islands and secluded beaches, browse local art galleries and artisan shops, and enjoy the town's excellent restaurants and cafes.

Why visit Paraty

Blending colonial heritage with spectacular coastal scenery, Paraty is one of Brazil's most enchanting destinations. Its beautiful preserved architecture, tranquil bay and relaxed atmosphere make it an ideal place to combine culture, history and natural beauty.

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