Discover Paraty: 10 Best Things to Do & More

Paraty Attractions Map

10 Best Things to Do in Paraty

1. Explore the Historic Center ♥️ Must See

One of the best things to do in Paraty is simply wandering around and exploring its beautifully preserved historic center. The entire old town feels like an open-air museum with its white colonial buildings, colorful window frames, cobblestone streets, and charming little plazas scattered throughout the area.

Unlike many historic towns that feel overly polished or commercialized, Paraty still feels rustic, well-lived-in, and authentic. You will find local artists selling handmade crafts, musicians performing on the streets, cozy cafes tucked inside colonial buildings, and plenty of small restaurants serving fresh seafood and traditional Brazilian dishes.

One of the coolest things about Paraty is how the tides occasionally flood parts of the historic center by design. Back during colonial times, the streets were intentionally built this way so the seawater could wash away dirt and waste.

These days, it has become one of the town's unique quirks, and people love coming here to take photos when the streets are flooded, especially during high tide when reflections of the colonial buildings shimmer across the water.

I highly recommend taking your time here and allowing yourself to get a little lost wandering through the alleys and side streets. The town becomes especially magical in the evening when the streets light up with warm lanterns, live music starts playing from the bars, and the whole place feels incredibly romantic. I love it!

Be sure to check out Casa da Cultura de Paraty, a small cultural center located right in the middle of the historic center where you can browse a few lovely exhibitions and learn more about the town’s history and culture. Entry is free, and you really do not need more than 30 minutes to explore it.

Where to Stay in Paraty?

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Casa Viva Hostel

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Pousada Romã

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Pousada Valhacouto

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2. Hike to Praia do Sono 👍 Must Do

If you are looking for a more adventurous beach experience around Paraty, I highly recommend hiking to Praia do Sono, one of the most beautiful and laid-back beaches in the area. Surrounded by lush rainforest and only accessible by hiking trail or boat, the beach feels wonderfully remote compared to the more touristy beaches nearby, like Trindade.

To get there, you will first need to take a local bus from Paraty to Vila Oratório, which takes around 45 minutes. You can catch bus #24 from Rodoviária de Paraty. It leaves every hour on weekdays and every 2 hours on weekends, and the ride should cost around 5 BRL (~1 USD) per person.

You can pay the fare directly to the bus driver once you get on the bus, but YOU NEED TO PAY WITH CASH! Credit cards are generally not accepted on these local buses. The bus schedule is shown above.

Make sure you get off at the end of the line, not before. The bus will drop you off at this location right next to the trailhead and you can begin hiking to Praia do Sono.

The hike takes around 1 hour each way through the Atlantic rainforest and is not super difficult. It will get you sweating for sure, but as long as you take your time, you should get there in no more than an hour. The trail is mostly shaded and well-marked, although it can get quite muddy and slippery after rain, so make sure you wear proper footwear.

Once you arrive, you will be rewarded with a stunning crescent-shaped beach lined with palm trees, soft sand, clear water, and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. There are also a few simple beachfront restaurants and bars where you can grab fresh seafood, snacks, or cold drinks while enjoying the view.

You can also camp here for a night if you wish. There are many campsites lining the beach with tents you can rent or you can pitch your own if you have one. Alternatively, you can also take a boat from Laranjeiras Condominium to Praia do Sono beach and back. It costs 40 BRL per way (~8 USD) and takes about 10 minutes. Be sure to get off at the right bus stop if you wish to take the boat!

3. Take an Island Hopping Boat Tour

If you are looking for a more relaxing trip, you might wanna join an island-hopping boat tour around the beautiful bay surrounding the town. With dozens of tropical islands, secluded beaches, turquoise water, and lush rainforest-covered mountains, this is honestly one of the highlights of visiting Paraty.

Most boat tours depart directly from the main harbor and usually last around 4 to 6 hours. Along the way, the boats will stop at several islands and beaches where you can swim, snorkel, relax, or simply jump straight into the crystal-clear water.

You will find plenty of different tour options ranging from large traditional schooner boats with live music and drinks onboard (which I did not particularly enjoy 😅) to smaller speedboats and private charters if you prefer something quieter and more flexible.

If you are like me and do not really enjoy the overly party-focused atmosphere of some of these tours, I highly recommend finding a small island-hopping speedboat tour or simply going private instead, as Brazilian party boats can get really loud. Most tours include several swimming stops as well as time to relax onboard while cruising between islands.

Just make sure you bring sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, drinking water, and some cash if you plan to buy drinks or snacks on board.

4. Visit Trindade

If you are looking for a remote beach that is easily accessible by bus, with no hiking involved, you might want to check out Trindade, a small coastal village located about 30 km south of Paraty. It used to be quite remote but has since become quite popular among day trippers, so you might not get the same remote experience as from Praia do Sono, but it is the most accessible and great for those who prefer not to hike.

One of the highlights here is visiting Praia do Meio and Praia do Cachadaço, two gorgeous beaches connected by short walking trails through the forest. From Praia do Cachadaço, you can also continue a little further to reach Piscina Natural do Cachadaço, a natural swimming pool protected by large rocks where the water becomes incredibly calm and crystal clear.

You can easily visit Trindade independently by taking local bus #25 from Rodoviária de Paraty, which takes around 1 to 1.5 hours each way depending on traffic. The bus ride costs around 5 BRL (~1 USD), and you will need to pay the fare in cash directly to the bus driver.

The bus will take you straight to Trindade and back without any hassle. Personally, I ended up choosing Praia do Sono over Trindade simply because I enjoy hiking and prefer beaches with fewer crowds.

5. Take a Jeep Tour to Waterfalls and Local Distilleries

• 📍 Location: Cachoeira do Tobogã
• 🏄 Tour: Jeep tour to Waterfalls & Distilleries

If you have a day to spare in Paraty, you might want to join a jeep tour and visit some of the waterfalls and local distilleries around the area. These tours will often take you through Parque Nacional da Serra da Bocaina, where many of the region’s beautiful waterfalls are located, as well as Cachoeira do Tobogã, a famous waterfall where you can slide down the smooth rock into the water below.

Most tours usually end with a visit to one of the many local cachaça distilleries, where you can learn more about Brazil's famous sugarcane liquor and sample different homemade varieties. Some distilleries have been operating for generations and still use traditional production methods.

The tours are usually offered as half-day or full-day trips and often include hotel pickup as well as transportation between stops. Prices vary depending on the itinerary, but shared jeep tours are generally quite affordable and easy to arrange around town. You can also book one online here in advance if you prefer.

6. Kayak Around Paraty's Mangroves

In Paraty, you can also rent a kayak from one of the many kayak rental shops near the waterfront and explore the town's peaceful mangroves and coastline at your own pace.

You can choose between single or double kayaks, and the rental staff will usually recommend a few routes depending on how long you want to paddle. Once you get your kayak, you can explore calm mangrove channels, small rivers, and parts of the bay while enjoying beautiful views of the surrounding rainforest-covered mountains.

You do not need any prior kayaking experience for most routes as the water around the mangroves is generally very calm and beginner-friendly. Some places also offer guided kayak tours if you prefer learning more about the ecosystem and local wildlife along the way.

Rental prices start from around 50 BRL (~10 USD) per hour for a single kayak. I recommend setting aside at least 2 hours if you want enough time to properly explore the mangroves. If you are lucky, you might even spot wildlife like capybaras wandering around near the water as you paddle.

7. Enjoy a Cup of Coffee at Café Pingado 🥘 Place to Drink

If you are looking for a nice and chill cafe to relax in between exploring Paraty’s historic center, I highly recommend checking out Café Pingado, a lovely little cafe with a cozy interior and outdoor seating right along the charming cobblestone streets in the heart of town.

They serve really delicious coffee with several varieties to choose from, as well as pastries, baked goods, and sandwiches if you are feeling hungry. The cafe is open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM, except on Tuesdays.

They also serve beers, making it a great spot to return to in the evening if you want to sit back and enjoy the lively atmosphere around the historic center at night.

8. Enjoy Paraty’s Fun Nightlife

One of the things I really loved about Paraty was its lively yet relaxed nightlife. Unlike bigger cities where nightlife can feel chaotic or overwhelming, Paraty’s evenings feel much more intimate and atmospheric, with people casually wandering through the historic center, hopping between bars, restaurants, and live music venues.

As the sun goes down, the colonial streets begin to glow under warm lantern light, musicians start performing around town, and the entire historic center becomes incredibly vibrant without ever feeling too hectic.

A lot of places also set up tables right along the cobblestone streets, where you can grab drinks, listen to live music, and people-watch for hours. If you are visiting during weekends or holidays, the nightlife becomes even livelier, especially around the main squares and waterfront area.

I was there during New Year's Eve, and I had an absolute blast exploring the streets of Paraty at night. I think it was the combination of the lively atmosphere that never felt too chaotic, together with the town's beautiful colonial buildings glowing under warm yellow street lights, that made the whole experience feel incredibly romantic just walking around after dark.

9. Shop at Local Handicraft Shops

A great way to support the local community in Paraty is by shopping at the many small handicraft shops scattered throughout the historic center. As you wander through the cobblestone streets, you will come across all kinds of locally made products ranging from handmade jewelry and paintings to woven bags, ceramics, wood carvings, and colorful souvenirs.

Many of the shops are run by local artists and artisans, which makes browsing around feel much more personal and authentic compared to typical tourist souvenir stores. Even if you are not planning to buy anything, it is still fun to step inside and admire the craftsmanship and creativity on display.

You know, I have become really into home decor these days, and honestly, I wanted to buy so many things while browsing around Paraty’s handicraft shops. Unfortunately, I had to stop myself because I was only at the beginning of a 5-month trip around South and Central America, and Paraty was one of my first stops. I knew I would end up carrying everything around the continent with me all the way north 😅.

10. Celebrating New Year's Eve in Paraty (Bonus)

If you happen to be in Brazil during the holidays as I did, and you are looking to spend time in a less crowded but equally fun place that is outside of big cities like Rio or Sao Paulo, I highly recommend spending New Year’s Eve in Paraty.

I honestly had such a great time here welcoming the new year. Compared to larger cities like Rio de Janeiro, the atmosphere in Paraty felt much more relaxed, intimate, and enjoyable while still being incredibly lively. The entire town was filled with live music, street performances, packed restaurants, and bars spilling out onto the cobblestone streets.

As the evening approaches, the historic center becomes packed with both locals and tourists dressed almost entirely in white, which is a long-standing Brazilian New Year tradition believed to bring peace and good luck for the year ahead.

What I really loved about celebrating New Year's Eve here was that it never felt too chaotic or overwhelming despite how lively it was. You could easily wander between bars, sit down for a nice dinner, grab drinks on the streets, or simply walk around and soak in the atmosphere under the warm lantern-lit colonial buildings.

At midnight, fireworks light up the sky around the waterfront while crowds cheer and celebrate all across town. It might not be as massive or world-famous as the celebrations in Rio, but honestly, that is exactly why I enjoyed it so much.

If you are planning to visit Paraty during New Year’s Eve, make sure you book your accommodation well in advance as the town gets extremely busy during the holiday period.

When to Visit Paraty?

The best time to visit Paraty is during the dry season between May and September when the weather is slightly cooler, less humid, and there is a lower chance of heavy tropical rain. This is generally the most pleasant time to explore the historic center, go island hopping, hike waterfalls, and enjoy the beaches comfortably.

That said, Paraty is a year-round destination thanks to its warm tropical climate. Even during the rainy season from December to March, you will still get plenty of sunshine in between short but intense tropical downpours.

I was here in December and January, and the weather alternated between hot sunny days and cloudy days with a bit of rain. Even though I generally prefer sunny weather for photography, I definitely welcomed the cloudy days as it could get extremely hot during the daytime, especially since you will likely be spending most of your time outdoors with so many fun activities to do around Paraty.

All in all, if you can plan around the weather, I would recommend visiting during the dry season for the most comfortable experience. But even if you cannot, you are still going to love it here regardless of the weather!

How to Get to Paraty?

Getting to Paraty is relatively straightforward as the town sits along the scenic Costa Verde coastline between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Most travelers either arrive by bus, rental car, or private transfer from one of these two major cities.

From Rio de Janeiro, the journey to Paraty takes around 5 to 6 hours by road depending on traffic. Several bus companies, such as Costa Verde, operate daily routes between Rio and Paraty, with buses departing from Rodoviária do Rio several times a day.

You can book the bus online here or purchase tickets directly at the terminal. Bus tickets usually cost around 100 BRL (~20 USD) per person, and buses continue to operate even during holidays. That said, I highly recommend booking in advance if you are traveling during weekends or holiday periods. Keep in mind that if you book online, you will still need to exchange your booking for a physical ticket at the station, so make sure to arrive a bit earlier before departure.

From São Paulo, the trip is slightly longer at around 7 to 8 hours by road. Just like from Rio, there are direct buses running daily between São Paulo and Paraty, departing from Tietê Bus Terminal and it should cost a bit more at around ~22 USD.

For finding flights, I recommend browsing through Skyscanner or Expedia to compare prices and find cheap flights to Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo.

How to get Around Paraty?

By Walking: Getting around Paraty is pretty easy because the historic center is entirely walkable, and most of the main attractions within town are located close to one another.

By Organized Tours: For places outside the town center, such as waterfalls, beaches, hiking trails, and nearby distilleries, you can join organized tours instead.

By Bus: For places like Trindade and Praia do Sono (via Vila Oratório), you can easily and affordably get there by public bus. All local buses depart from Rodoviária de Paraty, where the terminal is divided into different bus lines that you can queue up for. There should be signs indicating where each bus is heading, including all the stops along the route.

The bus ride usually costs around 5 BRL (~1 USD), and YOU NEED TO PAY IN CASH. These local buses generally do not accept credit cards, so make sure you carry some cash with you before boarding.

By Boat: Another great way to explore Paraty is by boat, especially if you want to visit nearby islands and hidden beaches scattered around the bay. There are tons of island-hopping boat tours departing daily from the main harbor, ranging from large shared schooner tours to smaller private speedboats.

How many days to spend in Paraty?

I recommend spending at least 3 days in Paraty if you want enough time to properly enjoy the town and all the nature surrounding it without rushing. While the historic center itself is relatively small and can easily be explored in a day, the real beauty of Paraty lies in its beaches, islands, waterfalls, hiking trails, and laid-back atmosphere.

With 3 days, you will have enough time to do an island-hopping boat tour or explore waterfalls around the area on a jeep tour, visit nearby beaches like Trindade or Praia do Sono, and still have time to slow down and enjoy Paraty’s charming colonial streets, cafes, and nightlife.

Celebrating New Year's Eve in Paraty?

If you are like me and prefer being somewhere less crowded during festive periods like Christmas or New Year’s Eve, Paraty is a great alternative to busy cities like Rio or São Paulo. Since most locals tend to spend the holidays with their families, staying in larger cities often means ending up in places that cater mostly to foreign tourists.

That is not really the case in Paraty, though, as it is also a very popular holiday destination among Brazilians themselves. The town still feels lively and authentic during the holidays, while maintaining a much more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere compared to the bigger cities.

Accommodation, although a little limited, is generally more affordable than in the bigger cities. While Paraty does get crowded during the holidays, it never feels as overwhelming as places like Rio or São Paulo, and you will also get to enjoy a pretty decent fireworks display as the town usually organizes celebrations every year.

The nightlife in Paraty is also great, especially during the holidays, with many bars and restaurants staying open late into the night to accommodate both locals and tourists. If you happen to be there during New Year’s Eve, make sure you wear white when you go out. In Brazil, wearing white during New Year celebrations is a long-standing tradition believed to bring peace and good luck for the year ahead.

Is it Safe in Paraty?

Compared to larger cities like Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo, Paraty generally feels much safer and more relaxed. The historic center is usually lively well into the evening with both locals and tourists walking around, dining at restaurants, and enjoying live music, which creates a pretty comfortable atmosphere overall.

That said, you should still exercise normal precautions and stay aware of your surroundings at all times. Avoid walking alone on empty beaches or quiet streets late at night, especially outside the historic center. Petty theft can still happen, particularly during busy holidays and festivals when the town gets crowded.

One thing to be careful about in Paraty is actually the uneven cobblestone streets. They may look charming, but they can get extremely slippery when wet, especially during rain or high tide when parts of the historic center flood with seawater. Make sure you wear proper footwear and watch your step while walking around town.

Overall, however, I found Paraty to be one of the more laid-back and enjoyable destinations in Brazil, and I never personally felt unsafe while exploring the town.