Fresh Air › Instead of Rio de Janeiro
Paraty
Paraty is a colonial port town on the Costa Verde between Rio and Sao Paulo, preserved almost intact from the 18th century when it was the main port for gold shipments from Minas Gerais. The historic centre is cobblestoned, white-washed, and car-free. Guanabara Bay here is studded with Atlantic Forest-covered islands, reachable by traditional wooden schooners. The surrounding Serra da Bocaina is one of the best-preserved sections of Atlantic Forest remaining in Brazil.
Why visit
A UNESCO-listed colonial town on a bay with dozens of Atlantic Forest-covered islands accessible by schooner. Excellent cachaca distilleries in the surrounding hills. The historic centre's stone streets are car-free.
Crowd level
Popular at weekends with Sao Paulo and Rio residents. Quieter midweek.
Best time
May to October (dry season) — the historic centre floods at high tide in wet season
Getting there
Bus from Rio de Janeiro (4.5hrs) or Sao Paulo (5hrs). On the Costa Verde highway.
Tradeoffs
Can feel slightly twee — the colonial preservation can make it feel like a museum town. Some island beaches are now over-visited by schooner tours.
Direct comparisons
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Region
At a glance
- Country
- Brazil
- Region
- Rio de Janeiro State
- Fresh Air Score
- 77/100
- Cost level
- $$
- Distance from Rio de Janeiro
- 260 km