Discover the enchanting coastal town of Paraty, a hidden gem nestled between the lush Serra do Mar mountains and the pristine waters of the Costa Verde. With its well-preserved colonial architecture, vibrant nightlife, and breathtaking natural landscapes, Paraty offers the perfect escape from the bustling energy of Rio de Janeiro.
Whether you are looking to explore historic cobbled streets, dive into the turquoise waters of Lagoa Azul, or relax on secluded beaches like Praia da Lula, this 3-day extension provides an unforgettable journey through culture, gastronomy, and tropical beauty. Join us as we explore the best of this Brazilian paradise.
The Center
The narrow streets, old architecture, and stone pavements, all of this add up to the experience of walking the streets in downtown Paraty. The overall architectural style comes from the Brazilian colonial period when Paraty was home to the main gold-exporting harbor in the country. As you would expect from one of the city’s main points of interest, the city’s downtown area is very well preserved and the exterior design remains pretty much the same as it always has been.
The Beaches
The Praia Brava is just one of the many beaches housed by Trindade, which is a fishing village in Paraty. The Praia Brava shores are sought out by surfers and snorkeling fans, who love to dive in the beach's beautiful blue water. The Trindade village is still part of Paraty, but it has a totally different vibe from the rest of the city, as it still retains that small fishing village charming atmosphere. The beaches in Trindade have a large sand strip (which usually makes them less crowded) and are the most beautiful in the city.
The Boat Tour
Lagoa Azul is one of the most beautiful places in Paraty and a must-see attraction in Paraty. The fact that you are able to find so many beautiful landscapes like this is one of the reasons why Paraty is being considered to become a World Heritage Site! Although there are indeed many beaches in Paraty that are easily accessible, the most beautiful shores in the region are those that can only be reached by boat. There is a great number of boat tours in the city. Head to Baía de Paraty, which Houses dozens of beaches and islands, the Bay of Paraty is over 110 miles long, has a well-defined coast and a calm sea, without major tide changes, which makes boat trips much easier and enjoyable. The landscape around the Bay is incredible and well-diversified. In the southern portion, you will be able to see the Serra do Mar mountains, covered by the Atlantic Forest, medium and large trees, and inhabited by countless animal and plant species. In the northern portion, what predominates is a large plain that separates the sea from the mountains. The Paraty Bay is part of Rio de Janeiro’s Costa Verde shoreline, which was elected one of the most beautiful regions on the planet!
Praia da Lula
Praia da Lula has everything you would expect from a tropical paradise: the intense green tone of the forest blends with the deep color of the sea and the whole scenario turns into something really beautiful. The only thing that interrupts the harmonious landscape is the beautiful strip of white sand that cuts the scene between the sea and the forest. It’s important to note that there are no restaurants or food vendors at Praia do Lula, so if you want to spend the day on a private boat tour, it’s important to bring drinks and food with you. And if you are worried about getting sunburned, don’t worry, there are plenty of natural shades provided by the trees, which makes the beach very proper for relaxing and meditating.
Lagoa Azul
Lagoa Azul is easily the most famous boat stop in Paraty. The place, which is surrounded by rock formations and lush green forests, is a large natural pool, filled with marine life. For the tour in Lagoa Azul, the ideal thing is to bring diving goggles and, if you have, a waterproof cell phone, as you will most likely want to take as many pictures as possible due to the amount of fish in the waters. The entire region is beautiful and the boat tour will certainly be worth it.
The Nightlife in Paraty
Whether you are looking to party hard all night or just get a few drinks before calling it a night, the nightlife in Paraty is pretty lively and you will most likely find a place to have fun! Historic cities are often calm and peaceful places, and while Paraty indeed has that vibe, it also has a pretty bustling nightlife. The city’s downtown area houses several bars and restaurants which offer all kinds of cuisine. There are some places that feature live music, others with outdoor tables, menus with traditional pub food, or establishments that specialize in international cuisine, you name it. Paraty has a little bit of everything, for all tastes and all budgets.
If you have a few extra days in Rio De Janeiro and want to escape the hustle and bustle of this iconic city, the Paraty extension is the perfect getaway! Find out more information about Paraty here!
