PARATY & THE COSTA VERDE
Paraty and the Costa Verde are the emerald jewels of Brazil, where jungle-covered mountains plunge into the turquoise Atlantic. This region blends colonial history with stunning natural beauty.
It is a land of preserved colonial charm, lush Atlantic rainforest, and island-dotted seas. It offers a perfect escape for history lovers, nature enthusiasts, and beachgoers alike.
Most Popular Attractions
Paraty Historic Center:
Historic Centre of Paraty: A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its cobblestone streets, colourful colonial houses, and no-car policy.
Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário e São Benedito: A charming church historically associated with slaves and freedmen.
Igreja Matriz Nossa Senhora dos Remédios: The main church of Paraty, a striking white structure that dominates the main square.
Casa da Cultura de Paraty: The town’s cultural center, hosting exhibitions on local history, art, and traditions.
Rua do Comércio: The main street in the historic center, famous for its picturesque colonial facades.
Forte Defensor Perpétuo: A small, 18th-century fort offering excellent views of the town and bay.
Caminho do Ouro (Gold Trail): The starting point for the historic trail used to transport gold from Minas Gerais to the port of Paraty.
Islands, Beaches & Coves:
Saco do Mamanguá: A tropical fjord (the only one in Brazil) known for its pristine waters, mangrove forests, and excellent kayaking.
Praia do Sono: A beautiful, rustic beach surrounded by Atlantic Forest, accessible by boat or a challenging hike.
Ilha Comprida: A popular stop for boat tours, ideal for snorkeling among colourful fish.
Praia de Trindade: A charming coastal village with several stunning beaches, including Praia do Meio and the natural swimming pool of Caixadaço.
Praia da Lula: A picturesque beach with calm, clear waters, often included in boat trip itineraries.
Ilha do Pelado: A small, popular island offering beach shacks and shallow, inviting water.
Natural & Inland Attractions:
Parque Nacional da Serra da Bocaina: A national park protecting a large area of Atlantic Forest, with trails, waterfalls, and high-altitude views.
Cachoeira do Tobogã (Tobogã Waterfall): A famous flat rock waterfall where visitors can slide down into the pool below.
Cachoeira Poço do Tarzan (Tarzan’s Well Waterfall): A scenic waterfall and natural pool in the forest, perfect for a refreshing dip.
Alambiques de Paraty (Cachaça Distilleries): Visit local farms (like Engenho D’Ouro or Paratiana) to learn about the production of cachaça, the local sugarcane spirit, and enjoy tastings.
Picinguaba: A tranquil fishing village and gateway to the most preserved areas of the Serra do Mar coast.
Praia Vermelha: A beautiful beach with reddish sand and calm waters, surrounded by lush greenery.
Sítio Forte on Ilha Grande: While part of a different municipality, it is geographically and logistically linked, offering pristine beaches and hiking trails (specifically Praia Lopes Mendes).
Corumbê: An area outside the historic center with a strong cultural identity, known for its small port and views of the bay.
Cairuçu Environmental Protection Area: A significant protected area that includes islands, beaches, and a large chunk of the mainland’s Atlantic Forest.
Activities & Experiences
Explore the Historic Center of Paraty: Walk the cobblestone streets of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, admiring the colonial architecture, colorful doors, and historic churches (Matriz, Rosário, Santa Rita).
Take a Schooner or Speedboat Tour of the Bays: Visit the numerous islands and secluded beaches around Paraty, stopping for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing in pristine waters.
Hike to Waterfalls in the Atlantic Forest: Trek through the lush jungle to discover natural pools and waterfalls, such as Cachoeira do Tobogã (where you can slide down the rock face) or Poço do Tarzan.
Visit the Engenhos (Cachaça Distilleries): Tour a traditional distillery like Maria Izabel or Paratiana to learn about the production of Cachaça de Paraty, a famous local spirit, and enjoy a tasting.
Go Scuba Diving or Snorkeling in Ilha Grande: Travel to the nearby island for some of the best visibility and marine life in the region, exploring shipwrecks and vibrant coral reefs.
Paddle a Kayak through the Mangroves: Take a guided tour to silently navigate the dense mangrove ecosystem, a crucial habitat for local wildlife, especially near Paraty Mirim.
Trek a Section of the Gold Trail (Caminho do Ouro): Hike a historic, stone-paved section of the trail used by Portuguese colonists to transport gold from Minas Gerais to the coast.
Take a Jeep Tour of the Serra da Bocaina: Explore the mountains, waterfalls, and high-altitude forest of the national park by 4×4, often combined with Cachaça tasting stops.
Attend a Festival: Immerse yourself in local culture by attending major events like FLIP (Paraty International Literary Festival) or the Bourbon Paraty Jazz Festival.
Learn to Cook Brazilian & Caiçara Cuisine: Take a cooking class to prepare local dishes, focusing on seafood, manioc (cassava), and ingredients from the Atlantic Forest.
Visit Trindade Beaches: Take a local bus or drive to this nearby coastal village to explore its stunning, more rustic beaches like Praia do Meio and the Piscina Natural do Cachadaço.
Explore Saco do Mamanguá: Hike or kayak through this unique tropical fiord (a tropical inlet), visiting secluded beaches and local Caiçara fishing communities.
Local Tips & Transport
Walking is Mandatory in the Center: The historic center of Paraty is paved with uneven, large cobblestones (pé de moleque—”kid’s foot”), which are beautiful but challenging to walk on, especially in the rain. The area is pedestrian-only. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are essential.
Intercity Bus: The bus station (Rodoviária) is located just outside the historic center. Long-distance buses connect Paraty reliably to major cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Use companies like Costa Verde or Reunidas Paulista.
Getting to Beaches/Waterfalls: To access the more remote beaches (like Trindade) and the inland waterfalls, you have a few options: Local Buses (cheap and frequent to places like Trindade), Taxi/Uber (less common but available), or specialized Jeep Tours (best for waterfalls).
Boat Travel is Key: For island exploration, you will need to book a boat. Schooners (Escunas) offer a more social, fixed route experience, while hiring a private Speedboat (Lancha) is faster and allows you to customize your itinerary.
Mind the Tides: Paraty’s historic center experiences high tides that occasionally flood the cobblestone streets, sometimes knee-deep, especially during a full moon or heavy rain. Locals embrace it—wear waterproof shoes or sandals and enjoy the reflection on the water.
Rainforest Etiquette: You are in the heart of the Atlantic Rainforest (Mata Atlântica). Be prepared for sudden, heavy downpours, even in the dry season. Always carry repellent for mosquitoes and yellow fever vaccination is recommended before traveling to rural areas.
Cachaça Culture: The region is famous for its artisanal cachaça (sugar cane spirit). When visiting an alambique, try the Gabriela flavor (cachaça infused with cinnamon and cloves), a local specialty. Remember that cachaça is strong; treat it like a fine spirit, not a shot.
Dining Times: Brazilian dinner is typically eaten between 7 PM and 9 PM. Lunch is the main meal of the day, often featuring Prato Feito (P.F.), a classic, affordable plate with rice, beans, meat, and salad.
Hidden Gems:
- Casa da Cultura: A beautiful cultural center with rotating exhibitions that provide insight into the region’s history, art, and indigenous culture.
- Forte Defensor Perpétuo: A short uphill walk from the town, this 18th-century fort offers the best panoramic views of the entire bay and the historic center.
- Paraty Gastronomy: Look beyond the tourist traps and seek out local spots that serve simple, fresh seafood or Açaí na Tigela (Açaí in a bowl), which is excellent in this tropical climate.
Language: The official language is Portuguese. While some people in the tourist industry will speak English, learning basic Portuguese phrases like Obrigado/Obrigada (Thank you – masc/fem) and Bom Dia (Good morning/day) will be greatly appreciated. Tipping is not mandatory but common for good service, especially guides.
Top Restaurants
Casa Coupê [$20-$35] – One of the most traditional restaurants in the Paraty Historic Center, offering a mix of Brazilian dishes and, unexpectedly, very well-regarded homemade burgers, often with live music at night.
Bendita’s Restaurante [$25-$45] – Located right on the riverside area of Paraty, it offers a great atmosphere, especially at sunset, and a versatile menu of Brazilian classics, seafood, and pasta with generous portions.
Restaurante Caminho do Ouro [$20-$35] – A true gem nestled in the heart of Paraty’s Historic Center, celebrated for its charming ambiance, warm service, and focus on classic regional cuisine.
Restaurante São Francisco [$15-$25] – A laid-back, beachfront kiosk located near Praia do Jabaquara in Paraty, providing a pleasant environment and fresh, unpretentious Brazilian seaside food.
Refúgio Restaurante [$25-$45] – A charming and rustic dining spot in the Paraty Historic Center, known for its mouth-watering seafood dishes, including robust shrimp and diverse cheese platters.
Restaurante Dona Ondina Paraty [$20-$35] – Offers a great dining experience with a stunning view of the river from its popular balcony, located close to the historic center in Paraty.
Sancho Pança [$25-$40] – A top dining choice in the Paraty Historic Center, offering a rustic and pleasant atmosphere while specializing in Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with a Portuguese soul, featuring codfish and seafood rice.
Cervejaria Cabore [$15-$30] – A microbrewery overlooking the river on the way to Café do Canal in Paraty, known for its very good craft beer (dark and clear) and solid pub food to pair with it.
Café do Canal [$20-$35] – Located inland along the river canal in Paraty’s Cabôre neighborhood, this Italian-Brazilian restaurant is popular with locals for its excellent wood-oven pizzas and other traditional dishes.
Restaurante Sabor da Terra [$15-$25] – Located in the center of Paraty, this restaurant offers a variety of affordable buffet-style (by weight/kilo) Brazilian dishes, including salads, vegetables, meats, and fish.
Gato No Muro Pizza Bar [$20-$35] – A popular spot in Paraty that serves a mix of pizza and local Brazilian appetizers (petiscos) in a lively, casual setting.
Armazém Mar [$25-$45] – This restaurant in the Paraty Historic Center is known for highlighting caiçara (coastal Atlantic Forest) cuisine with ingredients sourced from the sea and the Atlantic Forest.
Margarida Café [$25-$45] – Located at the beginning of the Paraty Historic Center, this vibrant venue is known for its hearty Brazilian food and a diverse menu, often featuring live music.
Pizzaria da Cidade [$15-$30] – A relaxed Italian eatery with a great location in the Paraty Historic Center, known for serving top-notch, wood-fired Brazilian-style pizzas.
Restaurante e Pizzaria Punto Divino [$20-$40] – Located in the heart of old Paraty, this popular Italian-inspired restaurant offers a traditional trattoria experience with high-quality Italian pasta and pizzas.
Arte e Sabor [$15-$25] – A casual spot in the Paraty Historic Center that serves a mix of Brazilian favorites and international dishes with generous portions and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
Prosa Restaurante [$30-$50] – A stylish option in the Paraty Historic Center where tradition meets modernity, known for inventive dishes that blend local flavors with contemporary techniques and playful plating.
Quintal das Letras [$35-$60] – Located at Pousada Literária in the Paraty Old Town Centre, this acclaimed restaurant follows a farm-to-table concept, offering a refined, creative take on caiçara cuisine using native and organic ingredients.
Thai Brasil [$25-$45] – A vibrant and relaxed restaurant in the Paraty Historic Center, famous for serving classic Thai dishes like pad thai and curries, often with a Brazilian twist, and live music in the summer.
Sarau Paraty [$25-$45] – A charming gem nestled in the heart of the Paraty Historic Center, where colonial architecture meets a vibrant atmosphere and a menu of creative Brazilian-international fusion dishes.
Istanbul Paraty [$15-$25] – A colorfully-decorated little Turkish spot located conveniently near the bus station in Paraty’s ‘new town,’ serving delicious, inexpensive small plates like falafel and baba ghanoush.
Quintal Verde [$15-$25] – A charming spot in the Paraty Historic Center that blends simplicity with taste, focusing on fresh, healthy dishes like colorful salads and tropical juices with a Brazilian twist.
Casa do Fogo [$30-$50] – Located in Paraty, this restaurant specializes in flambéed or grilled dishes, often using local spirits like cachaça for a dramatic and flavorful effect.
Bistro Voila [$35-$60] – Situated on the road to Cunha, a bit outside of Paraty, this French-influenced bistro offers a refined menu that often incorporates local Brazilian ingredients for an elegant dining experience.
Manuê Sucos [$10-$20] – Known for its casual vibe and delicious juices and light meals in Paraty, offering healthy, freshly made options that often incorporate local tropical fruits.
Doce Paraty [$15-$25] – A popular spot in Paraty that has evolved to offer more than just sweets, featuring light meals and creative takes on Brazilian pastries and desserts.
Restaurante Ilha [$30-$50] – Located in a secluded spot on one of the smaller, nearby islands in the Costa Verde, this restaurant serves high-quality seafood with an innovative flair, emphasizing presentation and fresh ingredients.
BalacoBacco Beach Bar [$15-$30] – A charming and colorful beach bar near Praia do Jabaquara in Paraty, offering a relaxed atmosphere, comfy sofas, and creative cocktails and snacks.
Restaurante Banana da Terra [$60-$90] – Paraty’s most acclaimed fine-dining restaurant, located in an elegant colonial villa in the Historic Center, celebrated for its creative use of locally-sourced ingredients and refined Brazilian coastal cuisine.
Quintal das Letras (Dinner Service) [$50-$80] – The dinner service at this Paraty Old Town Centre restaurant elevates the farm-to-table concept to haute cuisine, blending refined techniques with authentic, native flavors from the region.
Marga Gourmet [$40-$70] – An upscale dining option in the Paraty Historic Center, known for its sophisticated international and Brazilian menu and a more formal, elegant atmosphere.
Casa do Turismo Gastronômico [$40-$70] – Located in Paraty, this establishment focuses on a high-end gastronomic experience, often incorporating tasting menus that highlight the best of local and Brazilian cuisine.
Restaurante do Bosque [$35-$60] – Set in a lush, forested area near Paraty, this restaurant offers a refined, nature-immersed dining experience with a menu focused on fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Maré Alta [$50-$80] – A fine dining spot in Paraty with a focus on expertly prepared, high-end seafood, often sourcing premium catches from the nearby bay.
Restaurante do Forte [$60-$90] – Located slightly outside the main town area, this restaurant provides a high-end dining experience with spectacular coastal views and a sophisticated, innovative Brazilian menu.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Atlantic Bar (Pousada Literária Paraty): Recognized as one of Brazil’s best bars, this chic venue in the heart of Paraty’s Old Town (within Pousada Literária) offers a menu of signature cocktails curated by renowned Brazilian bartenders, blending Brazilian roots with fresh, tropical flavors, often featuring local cachaça.
Apothekario: Located in Paraty’s Historic Center, this stylish bar has a vibrant atmosphere and serves innovative cocktails that highlight local ingredients and artisanal spirits, perfect for a modern bar experience.
Paraty 33: A popular spot on Rua Maria Jacome de Mello, known for its creative house cocktails made with high-quality cachaça, often featuring local fruits like mango and passion fruit, making it a lively pre-party option.
Geko Beach Bar: Found just outside the historic center on Pontal Beach, this casual, tropical bar offers delicious grilled food and refreshing cocktails with a stunning ocean view, ideal for a sunset drink.
Sarau Restaurante: Situated on the main square (Praça Matriz) of Paraty’s historic center, this popular restaurant-bar is famous for serving the typical Paraty drink, the Jorge Amado (made with Gabriela cachaça, lemon, and passion fruit), often accompanied by live Brazilian music.
Casa Coupé Restaurante: A traditional restaurant and bar in the historic center with a vibrant atmosphere. It’s known for serving classic cocktails and local drinks, often featuring live music on weekends.
Bar do Pátio: An enchanting spot in the historic center of Paraty, it specializes in an exquisite wine selection alongside its bar offerings, providing an elegant and intimate ambiance.
Assu Paraty: A well-regarded restaurant and cocktail bar located in the heart of Paraty’s Historic Center, offering a vibrant blend of Brazilian cuisine and expertly crafted mixed drinks.
Celeiro Armazem Tropical: Located near the main square in the historic center of Paraty, this spot offers a mix of Brazilian and international delights, including a range of tropical cocktails.
La Finca Vermuteria: Found in the historic center of Paraty, this tapas bar provides a taste of Spanish flavors, offering refreshing ciders and a selection of drinks in a lively setting.
Bendita’s Restaurante: Situated in historic Paraty, this venue offers live music along with its seafood focus, making it a great place to enjoy a cocktail or a classic caipirinha with dinner.
Bar do Tarzan: A rustic, fun bar located near the Cachoeira Toboga waterfall (just outside Paraty), famous for cold beer and caipirinhas for visitors enjoying the natural waterslide.
Buteco dos Reis: A popular, unpretentious local bar in Angra dos Reis, known for its cold beer, bar snacks, and being a great spot to socialize and experience local life in the larger Costa Verde town.
Ponto Neutro Lounge & Bar: A more sophisticated lounge and bar located in Angra dos Reis, offering a trendy ambiance and crafted cocktails for those looking for an upscale evening experience.
Laranja’s Bar e Restaurante: A popular spot in Trindade (a village near Paraty) known for its colorful decor, friendly service, delicious food, and great drinks, including a complimentary cachaça tasting.
The Secret Club: A popular nightclub in Paraty, located slightly outside the historic center (Av. Roberto Silveira), renowned for its eclectic mix of music, ranging from local Brazilian samba to international dance hits, creating a lively party atmosphere.
Águia Majestosa Choperia: Located near the historic center of Paraty, this spot is known for its vibrant nightlife, serving local drinks (especially draft beer) and often featuring live music, creating a lively, club-like feel late at night.
Matriz Cultural: Found in the historic heart of Paraty, this venue blends art, coffee, and culture, often hosting events and late-night gatherings with music that transforms the space into a unique social hub.
Cervejaria Caborê: While a brewpub on the river near Paraty’s historic center, this spot often features live music and a lively, spacious outdoor patio that takes on a festive, club-like energy on weekends.
Samba da Benção: Not a formal club, but a beloved, traditional street party that has become a staple of Paraty’s informal calendar, happening every Monday at Praça Matriz (the main square) and featuring local artists playing samba and partido alto, offering an authentic cultural dance experience.
Paraty 33 (Club Vibe): While listed as a bar, this venue often transitions into a vibrant, late-night dancing spot with DJs and a high-energy atmosphere as the evening progresses, making it one of the closest things to a traditional club in Paraty’s center.
Van Gogh Hamburgueria (Late Night): Primarily a burger joint, this popular spot in Paraty sometimes features live music and a vibrant atmosphere late into the night, attracting a crowd that makes it a casual, late-night social hub.
Pizzaria da Cidade (Late Night): Located on Rua do Comércio in the historic center, this pizza spot stays open late, especially on weekends, and its lively ambiance and central location make it a final stop for many to socialize and enjoy drinks.
Istanbul (Late Night): A colorful and centrally located Turkish-inspired spot in Paraty’s ‘new town,’ popular for late-night small plates and its welcoming, lively atmosphere.
Clandestino Street Food: A trendy riverside food truck and bar near Pontal, offering a chilled-out, party vibe with live music after dark, making it an excellent late-night option outside the historic center.