An unmissable destination to discover Brazil is to visit Paraty, a coastal city known for its colonial architecture and lush subtropical vegetation. Surrounded by a green wall that encloses almost 2 miles of beaches, it is the perfect place to relax in the sun and enjoy nature.
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The Historical Center
It is one of the most charming and picturesque areas of the city with its characteristic cobblestone streets, well-preserved colonial houses and historic atmosphere. The historic center of Paraty is a pedestrian area, making it a quiet and pleasant place to walk and explore.
It was founded in the 17th century and the houses and buildings are well preserved and show us the Portuguese colonial style, which gives the area a historical charm and a feeling of having gone back in time. Let’s add that the historic center of Paraty has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Handicrafts
There are a large number of craft shops, restaurants and bars. It is also possible to visit several colonial churches and picturesque squares that invite you to sit and enjoy the beauty of the place. Cultural events in its various art galleries, museums take place throughout the year.
Paraty Port
Another distinctive feature of the historic center of Paraty is the port, which is the place where ships used to dock to load and unload goods. Today, the port is a popular tourist spot where you can find boat tours and a wide variety of water activities.
The Pontal
It is a charming and picturesque area of Paraty that is located in the westernmost part of the historic center of Paraty, on the other side of the Perequê-Açu river that crosses the city. It is accessible on foot from the historic center by crossing the famous “pontal”, a small bridge that connects both banks of the river.
The Pontal preserves much of the city’s colonial architecture. In this area, you will find brightly colored houses with ornate balconies and Portuguese colonial style facades, giving the area a quaint and charming atmosphere.
The streets of Pontal are cobbled and it is pleasant to walk through its narrow streets and admire the old buildings.
From Pontal, you can enjoy panoramic views of the sea and the ships anchored in Paraty Bay. This makes it a popular place to go for a relaxing walk and enjoy the views. This area is known for its lively nightlife, especially on Rua do Comércio, where you will find a wide variety of bars, restaurants and shops. It is an ideal place to enjoy local cuisine, including fresh seafood and typical dishes of the region. The riverside location and proximity to the sea make Pontal a perfect place to enjoy water activities such as kayaking and boat trips.
Sono Beach
This secluded beach is one of the most beautiful in Paraty. It is surrounded by mountains and rainforest, and is a perfect place for hiking, camping and water sports.
To access the beach, you must walk along a path in the tropical forest for approximately 1.3 miles. The trail is not very difficult, but it does require some level of physical effort as there are some steep and rocky parts.
Another way to get to the beach is by boat, from the city of Paraty or from Praia de Laranjeiras. This option is more convenient, but also more expensive.
Praia do Sono is a fairly large beach, surrounded by mountains and tropical forests. The beach is very quiet and peaceful, and does not have many tourist services, which makes it ideal for those looking for a place to relax and enjoy nature. It is also a popular place for camping and hiking on the nearby trails.
The Serra da Bocaina National Park
It was created in 1971, covers an area of more than 100,000 hectares and is known for its stunning natural beauty, including mountains, waterfalls, rivers and tropical forests. It is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including endangered species such as the muriqui (howler monkey) and the jaguar.
Within the park, visitors can engage in activities such as hiking, camping, hiking, bird watching, and enjoying the panoramic views. One of the main trails is the “Trilha do Ouro” (Golden Route), which follows the ancient route used by slaves to transport gold from Minas Gerais to Paraty in the 18th century.
Cachadaço Beach (Praia do Cachadaço)
It is a beautiful beach located in the Trindade region of Paraty, Brazil. It is a secluded and hidden beach, surrounded by a lush tropical forest and with fine white sand. The water is crystal clear and a beautiful shade of blue-green, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
On the beach, you will find some umbrellas and loungers to relax and enjoy the sun and views. There are also some kiosks and restaurants where you can buy food and drinks. Additionally, there are nearby trails that lead to other beaches and places to explore.
Since Praia do Cachadaço is an isolated beach, it can be difficult to get there. We didn’t go but it is possible to walk or take a boat from Trindade to get to the beach. However, many people consider the beach’s natural beauty to be worth the trip.
Araújo Island
This small island is located in Paraty Bay and is a perfect place for snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboarding. You can also enjoy the natural beauty of the island and relax on its white sand beaches. The island has a small white sand beach and crystal clear waters, ideal for relaxing and enjoying the landscape. There are also several trails to walk and explore the nature of the island.
There are some cabins and accommodations on the island, allowing visitors to spend the night and enjoy the tranquility of the place.
Overall, Araújo Island is a beautiful and peaceful place to enjoy nature and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
These are just some places you could visit in Paraty. There is much more to explore and discover in and around this charming city.
