Paraty
With a gem of a historic center and easy access to an array of wonderful beaches, Paraty is an idyllic and serene destination far from the glitz and carnival atmosphere of Rio de Janeiro. Boutique hotels and hostels stand beside museums and churches on the quaint cobbled alleys of this historic fishing port. Stroll through the romantic Paraty Historic Center at dusk, when live music starts to play from the bars.
Enter the Paraty House of Culture to see fascinating exhibits that shed light on the art and culture of the area. Find out about events and activities taking place here. Relax in the tranquil park on the Bandeira Square, which overlooks the stunning Carioca Bay. Walk out on the adjacent wooden planks of the Paraty Wharf, which is lined with colorful boats whose operators offer exploration and scuba tours of the nearby islands and beaches.
Consider the colonial past of this pretty town as you admire the whitewashed façades and colorful window frames of its buildings. Examine the intricate floor tiles of the Church of Our Lady of the Remedies and look up at the lopsided one-towered frontage of the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows.
Make the most of the hot, sunny weather in Paraty with a trip to the nearby hub of beaches, Trindade, which is around 30 to 40 minutes away by car. Dine on seafood at one of the food shacks on Ranchos Beach and swim out to the rock formations of the stunning Meio Beach. Other highlights of the area include Trindade Island, Cachadaço Beach and Cepilho Beach.
Paraty is in the state of Rio de Janeiro in southeastern Brazil. Fly to either São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport or Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport, which are each roughly a 4-hour drive from Paraty. Get around the cobbled historic center on foot and take a bus to the beach area of Trindade. Paraty offers a slice of sandy paradise with its beach havens while its historic center will give you a glimpse into the past.