The Best Paraty Tours for Any Traveler

Paraty Tours

Paraty tours are a must for travelers visiting Brazil. Paraty is a small charming colonial town that sits alongside a beautiful bay amongst the ‘Green Coast’ between Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. Characterized by cobblestone streets lined with colored colonial buildings and churches, all with a stunning lush backdrop of green valleys and bath-temperature warm green waters. Paraty is the perfect destination to spend a couple of days relaxing. It is also a great complement to the energy of Rio de Janeiro.

Recommended Paraty Tours

Schooner Boat Tour

First on our list of Paraty tours is the Schooner Boat Tour. Take a half-day cruise through the bay from Paraty to visit the nearby 65 islands. The waters are emerald green, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The islands are stunningly beautiful with rich, green tropical vegetation and soft sandy beaches. Enjoy picturesque views of Paraty aboard the Schooner boat. Spot the iconic main cathedral standing to the backdrop of rolling green hills.

Jeep Tour

A jeep tour is another fantastic Paraty tour. Take this half-day excursion through the forest and swim in tropical waterfalls. The waterfalls are epic, relaxing, and enchanting. At the end of the tour, visit a traditional “cachaça” distillery. Cachaça is used in the traditional South American drink, caipirinhas. Overall, this is just a beautiful outdoor tour!

Explore the Town by Foot

Next up is a city tour! The best thing to do in Paraty is to stroll around the town on foot and explore the quaint streets and locally-owned shops. The entire town can be easily seen in half a day. However, every time you return, you will see something new! It’s surprising how easy it is to get lost amongst the streets while exploring and café hopping. This makes for a fantastic afternoon to complement a morning tour or half-day at the beach!

Visit the Beaches

Last on our list of recommended Paraty tours, is a beach excursion. The beaches in Brazil are beautiful and make for a relaxing swim or siesta. Praia do Pontal is the beach closest to town. The beach is lined with little restaurants and outdoor tables serving seafood, fresh juices, and ice-cold beers. There are many other beaches within walking distance of the town, which are slightly more secluded and quiet. Praia do Jabaquara was my favorite in the area! Ask your guide or your hotel receptionist what beach they recommend!

Where is Paraty?

Do you know where Paraty is? This adorable town is 4-hours south of Rio de Janeiro. Roads quickly connect these destinations. You’ll see picturesque bays, deep green valleys, and small Brazilian townships along the way. The drive passes the Bay of Angra dos Reis, where boats to Ilha Grande depart.  This 4-hour trip can be easily broken up with a stop for a traditional ‘Salgado’ – a savory Brazilian pastry.

In 1667, Paraty was a gold port held by the Portuguese. Until the late 1800s, it was a stopover point for people traveling between Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. The historical center of Paraty is well preserved for tourists. The town is seemingly stuck in a time warp of Portuguese colonial architecture, and cobblestone streets lined with small stores and restaurants selling delicious foods and souvenirs.

How to get to Paraty

Get to Paraty by Bus:

Paraty is easily accessible by road. The bus departs from Rodoviaria Novo Rio, Rio’s central bus station, and takes around 4.5-hours with only one stop. Look for the Costa Verde bus company; these are modern and comfortable buses that depart every hour. Many buses even offer wifi! The terminal in Paraty is just a short 5-minute walk from the city.

Private Transfer:

We can organize private transfers with an English speaking guide from Rio de Janeiro to Paraty. This is about a 4-hour private transfer, including one-stop. It is by far the quickest and most comfortable way to get to Paraty!

Shared Transfer:

A number of companies offer group transfers from your Rio de Janeiro to Paraty for a reasonable price. Companies such as Paraty Tours or Easy Transfer run departures that leave in the morning and take around the same amount of time as the bus. If you don’t want to be bothered by arranging your tours, we can customize your own transfer and arrange it for you.

Where to Stay in Paraty

Pousada do Sandi:

This hotel is in the historic district of Paraty. It combines modern design and comfortable amenities with cultural and historical surroundings. While it is one of the only Posadas located in the historic district, Pousada do Sandi will allow you to immerse yourself in the culture and offers an authentic feel with everything at your doorstep. Request a room with a balcony overlooking the street, where you can relax and open the tall doors. Enjoy the sunlight and let the fresh sea air fill the room.

Best Time to Visit Paraty

Like Brazil, it is always a good time to visit Paraty. Brazil weather is exceptional year-round. You can expect beautiful blue skies and warm weather, often with a gentle breeze. In the summer, the days are longer and temperatures can reach up to 35 °C (95 °F) whereas, during the winter, temperatures do not drop lower than 15 °C (60 °F).

Let us include Paraty on your next trip to Rio de Janeiro – the perfect finish to an unforgettable South America adventure!