Brazil's South-East Region

Paraty Travel Guide

See the historic town's colored buildings in the reflection of flooded cobblestone streets

Paraty is a colonial town on the Costa Verde of Rio de Janeiro state, known for its well-preserved architecture, cobblestone streets that flood by design, cachaca distilleries, and proximity to beautiful beaches and waterfalls. Once a major port for the export of gold from Minas Gerais, Paraty now attracts visitors for its historical charm and natural sites. The town is also famous for hosting cultural festivals, including the annual Flip literary festival, which draws authors and readers from around the world.

Top 5 Things to See & Do in Paraty

Explore the historic old town
Slide down Cachoeira do Tobogã
Go island-hopping on a boat tour
Tour the Cachaça distilleries
Relax at the beaches in Trinidade

Closest airport

The closest airport is located in Rio de Janeiro

Main bus terminal

Terminal Rodoviário de Paraty

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Main ports

How to get to Paraty

Paraty is located on the southeastern coast of Brazil, approximately halfway between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, about 250 kilometers (155 miles) from each city. Paraty can be easily reached by bus from both cities.

How to get to Paraty from Rio de Janeiro

There are regular busses running directly from the Novo Rio bus terminal to Paraty. The trip takes around 5 hours.

How to get to Paraty from Sao Paulo

There are regular busses running directly from Tietê bus terminal to Paraty. The trip takes around 6.5 hours.

How to get to Paraty from Ilha Grande

From Ilha Grande, take a speedboat (30 minutes) or ferry (1 hour 20 minutes) to Angra dos Reis. From here, you can take a bus running in the direction of Sao Paulo to Paraty (1.5 hours).

How to get around Paraty

Paraty's city centre is small and easy to explore by foot. Uber is also available for longer trips, including going to visit the waterfalls and cachaça distilleries. Ask your driver for their phone number for when you're ready to return to town so you don't find yourself stranded.

There is a public bus that runs from Paraty to the waterfalls, including Cachoeira Do Toboga. From the Rodoviário de Paraty, take a bus to Penha which goes approximately every hour. Ask the driver to let you off at "toboga". The bus stop is near the entrance to Cachoeira Do Toboga as well as the Pedra Branca Distillery.

The ride takes about 20 minutes and costs $R5. On the way back to Paraty, wait for the bus at the bus stop on the opposite side of the road.

How to get to Trinidade form Paraty

You can easily travel between Trinidade and Paraty by public bus. The bus leaves from Rodoviário de Paraty every 30 minutes. The ride takes 40 minutes and costs R$5 each way.

Things to know before you go

Paraty is a historic town located on the Costa Verde (Green Coast) of Brazil between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. It is best known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, lush natural surroundings, and rich cultural heritage.

Colonial Architecture: Paraty is one of Brazil’s best-preserved colonial towns, with cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings, and colorful doorways that transport visitors back to the 17th century. The town was once a major port for the export of gold and coffee, and its historic center has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Flooding Tradition: One of the most unique and fascinating aspects of Paraty is its intentional flooding. The town was designed to allow the sea to flood its streets during high tide, particularly during full moons. This was intended as a way to clean the streets, but today it creates a beautiful visual effect, with the water reflecting the colorful colonial buildings.
Historical Distilleries: Paraty has a deep connection to cachaça, Brazil’s national spirit made from sugarcane. The town is home to some of the country’s oldest and most respected cachaça distilleries, many of which have been producing cachaca for centuries. These distilleries offer tours where visitors can learn about the traditional methods of cachaça production. You can reach many of these distilleries by public bus or Uber. Some of the most famous distilleries include Engenho D’Ouro, Paratiana, and Coqueiro.
Beaches and Islands: The coastline around Paraty is dotted with stunning beaches and idyllic islands, accessible by boat. Popular spots include Praia do Sono, Praia de Trindade, and the Saco do Mamanguá fjord.
Hiking and Ecotourism: For those who love nature and adventure, Paraty offers numerous hiking trails through the surrounding Atlantic Forest. The trails range from easy walks to more challenging treks, leading to waterfalls, natural pools, and scenic viewpoints. The Serra da Bocaina National Park, located nearby, is a prime destination for ecotourism, with opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.
Paraty International Literary Festival (FLIP): Paraty International Literary Festival, or FLIP, is held annually and attracts writers, poets, and intellectuals from around the world.