Things to do in  Paraty

The incredible Cachoeira Toboga waterfall in the heart of the rainforest doubles as a natural waterslide that sends travelers shooting down slippery rocks into a swimming pool surrounded by Brazil’s Atlantic rainforest. Just upstream, a swinging rope bridge leads to Bar do Tarzan, a popular spot for a cold beer or caipirinha.

A small beach that earned its name for the russet tint of its sand, Rio de Janeiro’s Red Beach (Praia Vermelha) is an under-the-radar but beautiful place for swimming, sunbathing, and admiring spectacular waterfront views. Located in the city’s Urca neighborhood, the beach is just a short trip from Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar).

The pedestrianized, cobbled streets of Paraty’s compact historic center double as a National Historic Site, home to some of Brazil’s most picturesque colonial architecture. This district, along with the surrounding Brazilian Atlantic Forest, comprise the UNESCO World Heritage Site known collectively as Paraty and Ilha Grande.

About 36,000 people call the Portuguese colonial town of Paraty home. Its quiet streets, colorful homes, European influence, and historic roots attract visitors from across the globe. But it’s Paraty’s easy access to the untouched coastlines of Paraty Bay and its 65 islands that make it a true travel destination.

There's no shortage of beautiful beaches in Brazil, but Fora Beach (Praia de Fora) ranks among the best. One of six gorgeous stretches of sand connected by trails in the small fishing village of Trinidade outside Paraty, Fora is the ideal spot to sunbathe, swim, and while away the day.

This rugged trail in the hills of Minas Gerais once served as a train route for mining supplies, the African slave trade, and gold. Once the gold dried up, the trail fell out of use. Today, the Gold Path has become a popular destination for travelers looking to explore scenic mountains, thick forests, and a bit of Paraty history.

Travelers who make the journey to Trindade Beach (Praia da Trindade) are rewarded with one of the best stretches of sand on Brazil’s Costa Verde. This popular beach boasts an island vibe, complete with beach bars blaring reggae tunes while serving up fresh seafood and cachaça-fueled cocktails.

Secluded and somewhat difficult to reach, Sono Beach attracts adventurous types with spectacular views and golden sands backed by a lush wall of rainforest and nearby waterfalls. The beach is home to a small fishing community and little else, making this an ideal spot to escape the crowds of Paraty’s historic city center.

The colonial mansion that houses the Paraty House of Culture (Casa da Cultura) dates to the mid-eighteenth century. Halls are lined with artifacts from an extensive permanent collection that includes historic photographs, video interviews with famous locals, and carpets made from flower petals—once used in the Corpus Christi festival.

The First Church of Our Lady of the Remedies, in the heart of Paraty, is the largest and most popular in town. Travelers flock to this impressive example of colonial architecture that stretches over an entire block and that was built on donated land. The bell towers and temple remain incomplete, but the facade is beautiful nevertheless.

Long Island (Ilha Comprida) on Brazil’s eastern shore isn’t as popular a beach destination as other areas in the country, but it remains among the most popular stops for cruises from Paraty thanks to its stellar diving and snorkeling opportunities. The waters just offshore are a paradise for marine life—a natural aquarium teeming with colorful corals and tropical fish.

The golden sands of Caixa d’Aco Beach are located in Porto Belo in Brazil’s Santa Catarina state. Though small, this beach is a favorite spot for travelers and locals. Travelers can wander along the pristine, if rustic, beach on foot and enjoy a taste of paradise or catch stunning sunsets while swimming or kayaking on calm waters.

The lush and diverse Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlantica) stretches along the Atlantic coast of Brazil from the state of Rio Grande do Norte in the northeast to Rio Grande do Sul and into Paraguay and Argentina. As one of the world's top global biodiversity hot spots, it’s a haven for nature enthusiasts in Brazil seeking an eco-adventure.

Dating back to the 17th century, Fazenda Bananal (formerly known as Fazenda Murycana or Murycana Farm) is a restored colonial-era farm that now functions as a nature reserve and historic site. Visitors can explore the farm’s 180 hectares (445 acres) of lush grounds, learn about its sustainable practices, and dine on farm-to-table food in the restaurant.

The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary and St. Benedict (Igreja do Rosário) is an important landmark in Paraty. Built by enslaved people in the mid-1700s, the church sits in the heart of Paraty Historic Center and remains central in local religious and social life.