Samba, parties, and more parties are the main things people attribute to the largest country in South America. To be truthful, Brazil indeed is a place of party lovers which is one reason why the largest street party in the world is held there. Even though this is the definition of Brazil to many, the country is generally a perfect place regardless of what travelers seek.

For many who need some peace in their lives, Brazil can also serve that purpose in a surprisingly inspiring way with largely calm waters in view and just total tranquility. More surprisingly, the best place to enjoy this total calm is a coastal historic town located in one of the busiest states in Brazil (hidden from the other chaotic towns).

About Paraty

  • Location: Rio De Janeiro
  • Population: 43,000
  • Total area: 358.48 square miles

The origins of the old city or Paraty dates to as far back as 1667 when it was first made a town officially by the Portuguese colonial masters. During its early years, Paraty was a bubbling gold mining environment which was the main driving factor for its rapid development.

The old city is located in the state of Rio De Janeiro along the state’s coastline on the Bay of llha Grande and is surrounded by beautiful views of mountains and green vegetation. The Tupi people of Brazil first gave the region the name – Paraty, which translates to - river of fish. This name perfectly describes the town of Paraty as it is known as one of the hot fishing spots in Brazil.

Atmosphere Of Paraty

The peaceful city of Paraty offers visitors a complete atmosphere of nature with its vast water bodies and its surrounding trees and mountains. One thing visitors will notice about this coastal city is the absence of cars and trucks and it turns out that these types of vehicles are not allowed in Paraty which means the city is free from too many engine noises and exhaust smoke. With such a peaceful and conducive environment, visitors can easily enjoy all the wonderful things the city has to offer in good health.

Things To Enjoy In Paraty

The city of Party offers a huge list of things visitors can enjoy which is pretty typical for a place with such a preserved culture and rich biodiversity that has even earned it a UNESCO World Heritage Site Title. These are just a few things visitors can engage in to get an unforgettable Paraty experience.

Go To Beaches

Most beaches in the enchanting Paraty are characterized as tranquil and scenic. Some of them are even secluded like hidden gems that can only be accessed by foot through some interesting forest trails.

More than a hundred beaches are available to offer visitors the best water experience. Some even offer activities such as kayaking and surfing.

At Trindade Beach, visitors will enjoy views of mountains, rocks, and turquoise waters. The beach offers a perfect atmosphere for relaxation with bright sunlight, total calm, and very few people which means visitors can have all the space they want to themselves. The stress of the little hike required to get to this hidden gem will instantly fade away as visitors fill their stomachs with delicious stew fish and cocktails while listening to epic reggae music with the soft sand massaging their feet and the cool wind blowing calmly.

Other nice beaches to visit in Paraty include:

  • Sono Beach: For visitors who love white sand beaches and a serene atmosphere.
  • Lula Beach: Incredibly clear waters to enjoy the best swimming experience in Paraty.
  • Praia da Lula: Perfect for visitors who wish to enjoy the best boat tours.
  • Barra do Corumbe beach: Family-friendly beach with some little luxury.

Related: Brazil's Top 20 Hidden Beaches (Everyone Needs To Visit)

Go Hiking

Paraty offers lots of trails for visitors to enjoy intense hiking activities. Most of the beaches can only be accessed by hiking through forest trails which means more walking to do. Sono beach for instance can only be accessed by walking on foot through the forest path and even though the trail may not be all that difficult, tours can help visitors enjoy the experience with other interesting adventurers.

Visitors will enjoy a more intense hiking experience on the gold trails where they can see some of the most popular waterfalls, mountains, and even beaches. Those who want more treks to beautiful waterfalls can get on the 8km hike to the Saco Bravo waterfall and get rewarded with a refreshing waterfall at the end of the hours-long hike.

Melancia Falls trail, Saco bravo waterfall trail, and Costa Verde Beach Trail are some of the most interesting trails included in the endless list of trails available for exploration in Paraty.

Related: Some Of The Best Waterfalls Are In The U.S., And These Scenic Hikes Will Get You There

Take Tours

Boat tours, hiking tours, and biking tours are some of the most interesting ways to explore the city of Paraty more intensely. Kayak tours to mangroves, beaches, and islands offer visitors an exciting way to explore the waters of Paraty while bird watching tours are just perfect for those who wish to enjoy views of the rare species of birds that dwell in Paraty.

Eat The Best Meals In Paraty

Food in Paraty is so delicious and finger-licking that it makes up a huge part of the experience visitors have to enjoy before leaving. Due to its excellent fishing environment, Paraty’s cuisine is heavily made up of delicious seafood which is heavily included in the menus of all the restaurants in the city. Some restaurants visitors should try out include:

  • Balacobacco Beach Bar: For the best seafood.
  • Banana Da Terra: Perfect for vegetarians (and also seafood)
  • Restaurante do Hiltinho: For good food and scenic views (and also seafood).

How To Get To Paraty

Visitors can get to Paraty from Rio de Janeiro. The Costa Verde bus station in Rio de Janeiro offers bus rides to Paraty and prices for public buses start from as low as $9 but may go up for private buses. It takes approximately 4 hours by bus to get to Paraty as the city is 248 km away from Rio De Janeiro.

Next Stop: 10 Best Places To Visit In South America