Ready to chase waterfalls? How about beach hop on a boat excursion? Or maybe you'd like to hike and see some stunning views? Whatever your travel style is, you'll find that there are so many things to do in Paraty, Brazil.
We originally came for a couple of days, and just kept extending our time because we loved it so much. Just a short ride from some of the most popular cities in Brazil, Paraty makes the perfect getaway for adventure lovers and beach bums alike.
Visiting Paraty can be quite overwhelming, which is why we've created this guide to break down everything you need to know. Here are all of the best things to do in Paraty, Brazil, as well as any other info you may need.
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Where is Paraty in Brazil?
Paraty is located on the southern tip of the state of Rio de Janeiro. It is part of the Costa Verde, which is a region on the shores of the Atlantic in the south of Brazil.
Paraty is just a few hours south of Rio de Janeiro.
How to Get to Paraty, Brazil
Paraty is 3 1/2- 4 hours south of the city of Rio de Janeiro, and 4 hours north east of Sao Paulo. We rented a car from Rio and drove, but you can also take a local bus from either city, which goes right into the center of Paraty.
Here are some local buses that you can book:
Here is a site you can use for car rentals:
Entry Requirements for Brazil
Before traveling anywhere new it's important to put into consideration any requirements you may need to enter the country. Here are both the visa and Covid requirements to keep in mind when traveling to Paraty, Brazil.
Visa Entry Requirements For Brazil
The first time that I traveled to Brazil I actually needed a visa to visit. The last time I went though, I brought my visa, only to find out that US nationals no longer need one.
The nationalities that are exempt from tourist visas in Brazil include Andorra. Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bermuda, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Japan, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Morocco, Namibia, The Netherlands, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, San Marino, South Africa, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, United States, United Kingdom, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
Nationalities that are part of the Mercosur region don't have to enter Brazil with their passport, as they can simply just bring their ID card. The countries that are included in Mercosur are Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay.
Covid Entry Requirements For Brazil
All travelers over the age of 12 need to present either a Covid vaccination, or a negative RT-PCR test in order to visit Brazil. If you are not vaccinated, you 'll need to take a test within one day of traveling, and the results must be in English, Spanish, or Portuguese.
It's also important to note that inside the airport they are still requiring masks to be worn inside the security area. Make sure to have one on you so that you don't have to purchase one inside the airport.
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Local Adjustments for Traveling to Paraty, Brazil
Whenever traveling somewhere new, there are things that may be different from the place you are coming from. These are what we like to call "local adjustments", and are something we include in every destination guide that we write. Here are a few of the local adjustments to keep in mind while traveling to Paraty, Brazil.
Language in Paraty
The official language in Brazil is Portuguese. We speak both English and Spanish, and found that there were a decent amount of people that spoke either one of the two (particularly Spanish due to the number of tourists from Argentina and Uruguay). We do suggest learning some of the basics of Portuguese to get by, as in some circumstances you may be able to haggle better.
Currency in Paraty
The currency used in Brazil is the Real. Currently, (April 2024) the exchange rate is 5.29 Brazilian Real for every 1 USD or Euro, and 6.57 Brazilian Real for every British pound. We found many places in Paraty only accepted either cash or PIX (a Brazilian bank transfer system). The ATMs are limited, so make sure to take out enough cash in advance.
Plugs Used in Brazil
Brazil has outlets for plug types C & N, which are the ones that have two round prongs and a grounding pin. Brazil operates on a 127/220 V supply voltage and 60 Hz.
Can You Drink Tap Water in Paraty?
Generally speaking, the water isn't really safe or advised to be consumed throughout the country. We suggest buying big jugs of water, and refilling an insulated water bottle so that you can always stay hydrated (ps: it gets super hot in Paraty!)
Tipping Culture in Paraty, Brazil
The tipping culture in Brazil is pretty similar to many other countries around the world. We suggest tipping an extra 10% while in restaurants, and to do so in cash.
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Things to Do in Paraty, Brazil
Now that you know almost everything you need to know about visiting, here are the best things to do in Paraty, Brazil.
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1. Explore the Old Town
Paraty was settled by the Portuguese in 1667, and you can notice a particular style in the architecture around the old town.
The cobblestone streets and colorfully accented buildings make this one of the most picturesque cities in Brazil, and we highly suggest giving yourself a few hours to get lost in the streets, browse the local shops, and just soak up the great energy of Paraty.
Paraty is super colorful and colonial looking.
2. Discover the Hidden Beaches of Paraty
When we arrived to Paraty we didn't realize just how much there was to see and do. There are 65 islands and over 200 beaches to explore! Some can only be reached by boat, while some can only be reached by hiking.
One of our favorite beaches was Ilha dos Cocos, which can only reached on certain boat excursions, or by renting a boat from one of the locals.
Paraty has some of the most beautiful beaches in the south of Brazil.
3. Take a Boat Trip
Speaking of boat trips, this is truly number one on our list of things to do in Paraty. As we said, there are so many beaches and islands to explore, and the best way to experience as many as possible is by doing a boat excursion.
One of the best ways to explore Paraty is by boat.
Just head over to the pier in the old town, and you'll see countless boats lined up- some of them bigger tours, some of them shared with smaller groups, and others that you can rent our for your group.
You can easily find a boat by going to the pier in the old town.
The perk of the bigger ones is that they are more affordable (ours was 70 Real/person), and some of them have amenities like slides, or small boats to personally take you onto each beach. The perk about having your own is that you have more flexibility with your schedule, and you can reach certain pockets that the bigger beaches may not be able to reach.
Some of the best spots to visit in Paraty can only be seen on a boat trip.
4. Go Waterfall Chasing
Paraty is so unique because it has both jungle and beach, meaning there is also a ton of waterfalls to experience, just minutes away from the beach!
There are a bunch of waterfalls around Paraty.
Some of the popular ones to visit are Pit of the Englishman waterfall and Cachoeira da Pedra Branca. One of the most unique ones is Cachoeira Sacos Bravo, which forms a natural rock pool along the coast.
It can only be accessed by a two hour hike, so make sure to ask a local about the details before attempting it on your own. (We unfortunately didn't have time to do this one, but the pictures were stunning).
Here are some fun waterfall tours that you can sign up for:
5. Go Down a Natural Waterslide
Speaking of waterfalls, we saved this one for after, as it was one of our favorite things to do in Paraty, and it is quite special that the other waterfalls in the area.
Cachoeira do Toboga is actually a giant natural waterslide! It has small falls at the top, a suspension bridge across it, a secret cave, and even a restaurant on site. It looks pretty intimidating, but is super fun and safe to go down.
Cachoeira do Tarzan is a natural waterslide that you can go down.
There was actually a guide there when we went, and it truly made our experience so amazing. He helped choose the safest positions, pushed us down for momentum, took videos for us, and even helped us access the secret cave under the falls.
Make sure to look for Jaquisson- he does everything for completely free so make sure to tip him for providing such amazing experiences!
6. Visit a Cachacaria
One of the most authentic things to do in Paraty is to visit a cachacaria. These are where they distill the famous Brazilian liquor. We personally recommend Alambique Paratiana, as they do half hour tours of the cachacaria so you can learn all about how it's made, and do an extensive tasting afterwards.
One of the most fun things to do in Paraty is to visit a Cachacaria.
7. Hike Up to the Best Viewpoint in Paraty
Paraty is seriously stunning, and every place we went took our breath away. But there was one place that took our breath away even more, which was Mamangua Sugarloaf Peak.
This is the best view of Paraty, and definitely a must for things to do in Paraty. It's no easy feat, but surely worth it! That's why we dedicated an entire guide to help you get there step by step.
Hiking Mamangua Sugarloaf Peak is one of the best things to in Paraty, Brazil.
8. Relax at the Beaches of Trinidade
There is so much adventure and exploring to do in Paraty, but it's also a great place to relax and enjoy the stunning beaches that it offers without hopping non-stop from one to the other.
Head a bit further down the coast, and you'll find the beautiful area of Trinidade. This is where you'll find some of the most beautiful beaches, with blue waters, white sands, and giant boulders. This area is a bit far from the center, so you'll definitely want to dedicate at least a half a day for visiting this area of Paraty.
Don't have a car? Here are few tours to Trinidade that you can take:
Things to Do in Paraty, Brazil for Food & Drink
Brazil tends to have a heavier cuisine, with a lot of meat, fried foods, and sugary desserts. However, being located along the coast, you'll also find that there is plenty of seafood, and some lighter dishes.
Paraty has dessert carts that you find along the pier in the old town.
Here are some of the typical foods and drinks that you should try in Paraty:
- Acai: a frozen blend of berries from the Amazon which you can add toppings to
- Cocos: cold coconuts are sold everywhere, especially along the beaches
- Brigadeiro: a small round traditional Brazilian dessert, normally made with chocolate. There is also a brigadeiro do coco which is similar in consistency, but made out of coconut.
- Pastel: a fried savory pastry similar to an empanada
- Jorge Amado: the signature drink of Paraty, which is made from Cachaca, lime, and passionfruit
Jorge Amado is the typical drink found in Paraty.
Now that you know some of the local specialities, here are a couple of our favorite places to at and drink in Paraty, Brazil:
Restaurante Banana da Terra
This is one of the highest end restaurants in town. Run by the former mayor, it has traditional recipes with a modern twist.
There are many types of fresh seafood dishes, and interesting ingredients used in the dishes that you wouldn't find in any ordinary restaurant in Paraty. We highly suggest getting a reservation in advance, as wait times can be extremely long for this popular restaurant.
Banana da Terra is one of the best restaurants in Paraty.
Refugio Restaurante
Located right near the pier, this restaurant was highly recommended by several locals to us. With chic decor, this place is beautiful both inside and out. It has indoor and outdoor seating, and reservations are highly recommended. We tried going two different nights, and both times we couldn't get in. We will definitely be back to try their suggested seafood dishes.
Gelatoria Miracolo
While walking through the streets of the Old Town an intioxicating smell fills the air. The hand made ice cream, fresh espresso, and homemade desserts are what make Gelatoria Miracolo so special. Not only that, they have a big chocolate fountain to dip your ice cream in!
The smell lured us in, and we were so happy we got chance to try their delicious ice cream and a few of their desserts.
Gelatoria Miracolo has handcrafted ice cream and homemade desserts.
Cafe Pingado
Looking for a cute cafe to hang out in the center of Paraty? Well, we love Cafe Pingado for it's fresh brews, bright and lively atmosphere, and great service. Something we also loved is that they sell coffee art, which was the perfect alternative to a souvenir.
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Getting Around Paraty, Brazil
We had a car when we visited Paraty, and found it to be super helpful. While the highlights such as a boat trip and exploring the old town can be done on foot, we found that some of the other best things to do in Paraty were most easily accessed by car.
Is the Drive from Rio to Paraty Safe?
The drive from Rio to Paraty was very easy, with safe and well-paved roads. We highly recommend it to anyone who wants to visit Paraty from Rio, as it's so helpful having a car while in Paraty.
Some of our favorite spot in Paraty were most easily reached by car.
Rent a car in Paraty:
If you don't have a car, you can catch local buses between the center of Paraty and other popular areas such as Paraty Mirim and Trinidade for super cheap, or you can download the app 99 to get around, which is an app used in Brazil that is similar to Uber.
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Where to Stay in Paraty, Brazil
Paraty is quite big, and has a variety of areas to stay in. Here are some of the different options, so you can choose which place is right for you.
Paraty Town
If you're looking for the best area in regards to being well connected, then you'll want to stay in the Old Town. The adorable cobble stone streets are full with local vendors, boutique shops, and a variety of great restaurants and bars to choose from.
The Old Town is also where you can find the pier with all of the boat trips going out, making it perfect for those that don't want to move around a ton, and have a lot of things to do in Paraty nearby.
The Old Town of Paraty is the best connected area to stay in.
Look for a place to stay in the Old Town:
Jabaquara Beach
This is where we decided to stay in Paraty, and found that it was a great happy medium. Jabaquara has super affordable accommodation located right on the beach.
The vibe is super chill, and there are also quite a few dining options. Jabaquara is also just a 10-15 minute walk to the old town, making it also accessible enough.
Jabaquara beach is a short walk from the old town and has great vibes.
Check out the other accommodation options in Jabaquara:
Trinidade
If you're looking for a relaxing stay, and want to just chill at the beach, this is where you'll find the best ones. About 45 minutes from Paraty Old Town, you can get here with public bus, in case you want to spend the majority of your time at the beach, but still go visit the city center or take a boat excursion.
Trinidade is the prefect place to stay for a relaxing beach getaway.
Book a stay in Trinidade:
Is Paraty Safe?
Overall, Brazil has a mix of safe and super danger areas. We truly felt that Paraty was one of the safer areas though, and didn't have any issues walking around alone or at night. It's even a great place for solo travelers, as it has a fun backpacker vibe with all it's hostels along the beaches.
We do suggest being careful with your belongings wherever you go though, and not to leave your things alone on the beaches just in case.
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Other Things to Know About Visiting Paraty, Brazil
Now you know all the best things to do in Paraty, how to get around, and some of our other personal recommendations. But don't go anywhere just yet! We have a few more things about Paraty to share with you.
Souvenirs to Get in Paraty
Want to take something home? Here are some of our top recommendations for souvenirs in Paraty.
There are some really great souvenirs to buy in Paraty.
Hot Air Balloons
Right of the side of the road on the way to Tarzan waterfall there is the cutest shop that has paper mache hot air balloons. They make cute and colorful decorations, and we saw quite a few people selling them in the old town as well. We ended up by two of them, and were contemplating buying more!
Local Art by Giulia Luuka
Whenever we travel we try to find local artists to support. We happened to walk into one shop where there was the sweetest and most talented girl.
Giulia uses all recycled objects and paints with white, brown, and black to demonstrate the diversity and unity of Brazil as a country. Make sure to pop into her shop and check out her beautiful work!
Giulia uses recycled pieces to create her art.
Jewelry by Seth
Another great local artist is a man we met by the name of Seth, and American who has been living in Paraty for years. usually posts up right in the middle of town, and has handmade jewelry. The thing we loved was his passion, as well as a unique stone he uses to keep you balanced. It truly was amazing, and something worth stopping by to check out while in Paraty.
Cachaca
This liquor isn't just great to purchase because it's from the area, but the cachacarias have more flavors and styles than you could possibly imagine! Make sure to try all of the variations, and take a bottle home to share with your family and friends.
Cachaca is one of the best things to bring home to family and friends.
Weather in Paraty, Brazil
The summer months in Paraty are from December to March, and are extremely humid and hot, while the "winters" are drier, sunnier, and more mild. It never gets that cold in Paraty, and the most you'd ever need to wear is a light sweater in the cooler months.
While it rained a ton when we were there, but we also had plenty of sunshine. We'd say the weather is pretty similar to the Caribbean, just not quite as hot in the winter months.
Paraty is tropical, and has a mix of jungle and beaches.
The Best Time to Visit Paraty, Brazil
We visited Paraty in the summer, and found it to be super fun, but the weather was too humid for us. If you're looking for milder weather, then we definitely suggest you to go in the months of October, November, April, or May.
Packing For a Trip to Paraty, Brazil
Here are a few things that we suggest bringing on your trip to Paraty, Brazil:
- Sunscreen (the sun is super strong)
- Reusable Water Bottle (we use 17oz Double Wall Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle" rel="nofollow" style="outline: none;" target="_blank" class="">this water bottle from Cafago because it holds the temperature)
- Umbrella (it also rains a lot)
- Flip Flops (we personally always get Havaiana flip flops, as they are comfy and long lasting)
- Water Shoes
- Sneakers (for the hikes)
- Zippered Bag or Backpack (to secure your belongings) - take a look at these backpacks for travelers!
- Power Bank (we use Anker power banks, as they are super long lasting and sturdy)
- Bug Spray
- Bathing Suits (FYI Brazilians pretty much all wear thongs)
- Drone (We use the Mavic Mini Pro 3 because it's super light and doesn't sacrifice quality)
- Action Camera (we use the Insta 360 X3 because it's small & waterproof)
- Waterproof Phone Pouch (we use the Waterproof Underwater Pouch Dry Bag Case Cover" rel="nofollow" style="outline: none;" target="_blank">Cafago Waterproof Phone Pouch)
- Dry Bag (for the boat excursions)
- Travel Adapter (we use Tessan travel adapters as they are affordable and reliable)
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We hope you're as excited to explore all of the great things to do in Paraty like we were! Being just a few hours from Rio de Janeiro, Paraty is the perfect place to visit for 3-5 days.
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