In paraty from rio de janeiro brazil. Paraty: "Bohemian City" (Brazil). How to find cheap flights
Dear blog readers, in this post I will tell you about my trip to the small town of Paraty in the very south of the state of Rio de Janeiro (this region of the state is called the “Green Coast”). Paraty is a small and very peaceful village where everything has remained virtually untouched since colonial times, surrounded by mountains and tropical jungle. This city is known not only as one of the main destinations for international tourism in the state of Rio de Janeiro, but also for the fact that it annually hosts the International Literary Fair, which attracts writers from all over Brazil, as well as from other countries. Let's move on to the photo gallery about the trip to Paraty, made especially for the Portal.
Street in the town of Paraty in Brazil
One of the noble houses of Paraty (left)
Landscape overlooking rue Paraty next to the pier
The river that flows through Paraty and flows into the ocean
Houses on the river bank in Paraty
The main church of the city of Paraty, at the pier
The streets in the historical center of Paraty are made of large stones
Streets of the modern part of Paraty
"Modern" quarter in Paraty, Brazil
Near Fontana Square in Paraty, Brazil
Painting doors and windows is one of the favorite pastimes of local residents. This is one of the main attractions of the city.
A small church in Paraty on one of the main streets of the city
In the evening on the river embankment in Paraty, where the river flows into the ocean
The main church of the city of Paraty in Brazil. The black man standing on the right side of the photo with shackles is not a statue, but a local resident “working” as a statue of a colonial-era slave
View of Paraty street after the rain the day before
Village life in the city of Paraty, next to the central square
View from around the corner on one of the streets of Paraty (Brazil)
Below is a photo gallery of a boat trip on the bay near Paraty. So you can go away for the whole day, visit beaches, islands and snorkel in the sea, where there are fish, turtles, etc.
We depart from the town of Paraty by boat. Landscape is the most famous view of the city, as it usually appears in photographs.
Traveling on the ocean near the city of Paraty in Brazil
Castle on a private island in Brazil
Private beaches
Return to Paraty. Please note: clouds are gathering. During our stay in Paraty, the same weather was repeated on all but one day: it was hot during the day, and in the evening there was a tropical downpour with gusts of wind. The city has very high humidity, a lot of jungle and mosquitoes
By the way, in early 2014 I went to a wild beach a few hours from Paraty by boat, which I wrote about here in a blog called “Paradise Lost”. You can remember.
Most tourists coming to Brazil, are interested exclusively in its big cities, such as Rio de Janeiro And Sao Paulo. However, truly heavenly beaches and the most interesting places are located between these two megacities.
About 250 km from Rio towards São Paulo on the Atlantic coast, in the bay Ilya Grande (Ilha Grande), there is a small, toy-like town Paraty (Paraty- Brazilians pronounce it as “parachi”, with emphasis on the last syllable). The population of the town is only some 36 thousand people. So it will be difficult to get lost here among the crowd of people in the concrete jungle, but this does not mean that there is nothing to do in Paraty.
Open-air city-museum
The amazing town has been preserved in the same original form in which it was built in the mid-17th century, when colonialists from Portugal came here. Before the Portuguese, the Guaianás Indians lived in these places. In their language, the word “paraty” meant “fish river”. After the colonization of this region by the Portuguese, the name of the town remained that way.
When in 1695 in the state Minas Girays (Minas Gerais) found deposits of gold, Paraty, which was located near the excavations, became the second most important port in Brazil, and a gold rush began in the Portuguese colony. From here, galleons filled to capacity with gold and diamonds began to be sent to Portugal. And of course, what kind of gold would exist without pirates back then! They carried out robbery attacks on the port more than once Paraty, trying to loot as much as possible.
Paraty was built according to all the canons of Portuguese urban planning of that time and became the first serious architectural project in the country, because before that all settlements in Brazil were built by the colonialists anyhow. This is how the city has remained to this day. Paraty recognized UNESCO the most important monument of colonial architecture.
Narrow streets paved with large cobblestones are equipped with ditches to drain storm water.
It’s a pity, but due to the endless attacks of pirates and Indian raids, the once prosperous Paraty it was decided to move the port for sending important cargo to a safer place Rio de Janeiro. IN Paraty after that, time seemed to stop. And now, centuries later, its tiled houses with brightly painted facades have been carefully restored by local residents who run souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants, art galleries and hotels here.
Entertainment
Once you reach Rua do Comércio you will find yourself surrounded by cute shops. IN Paraty shops are open until 9-10 pm, so you can stroll along them even after sunset, when this street, all illuminated and sparkled, is especially beautiful. In the evenings Paraty seems especially bright and lively, filled with tourists and locals out for shopping or just for a stroll. In boutiques and art galleries you will be greeted with a smile and will be happy to tell you something interesting. Here along the way you can have a snack, either right on the street, or in a simple but nice cafe, or maybe in an expensive restaurant. IN Paraty There are places for every taste and color. Just don't wear heels! The cobblestone streets, although very beautiful, are not easy to walk along. Even locals never wear high heels on the streets of their town.
If you haven't tried it yet acai, it's time to do it in Paraty. Acai- a dark purple berry growing on a special palm tree, which has beneficial properties, including protecting against cancer and other diseases, and simply giving energy and a positive mood! Try this authentic Brazilian delicacy - acai ice cream with banana pieces, honey, oats or other toppings of your choice. However, if you are on a diet, be careful acai- a very high-calorie product.
Caipirinha
Brazil's national drink is definitely caipirinha (caipirinha), the strength and taste of which is imparted by a special component, cachaca (cachaça). A Paraty, by the way, has been known since colonial times as the most important cachaça-producing region in Brazil! Until the mid-20th century, the word “ paraty” was actually synonymous with the word “cachaça”. So it would be a crime not to try cachaca here. In addition to the classic one, be sure to order a caipirinha with berries or fruits: strawberries, lychees, pineapple or kiwi - everything is delicious!
How to get there
Before Paraty can be reached by bus from Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo along the BR-101 highway. Comfortable air-conditioned buses will take you from Rio to Paraty in about 4 hours, from Sao Paulo in 6 hours. This is not that long compared to the impressions of the atmosphere of 17th century colonial Brazil that you will get when you come here.
And by the way, Paraty popular not only among tourists, but also among directors. The well-known Twilight Breaking Dawn, starring Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, was filmed here in 2010.
Paraty is a cute colonial town located 200 km from, just between the borders of the states of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. It is very popular among both tourists and Brazilians. Paraty is suitable for those who dream of a relaxing holiday among historical buildings on beautiful beaches.
During the Golden Age, when gold literally flowed from the mines near Paraty and was delivered to Portugal, the town's port was one of the most important in Brazil. However, the road to it by land was difficult and long, so during the construction of a more convenient port, Paraty was forgotten, many residents left the settlement. This is reflected in the local architecture - many buildings retain the appearance of the times when the last ship loaded with the precious metal sailed from the port of Paraty to Portugal. The city is now experiencing a revival as a tourist destination.
Currently, the city center is closed to cars, so walking through the streets of Paraty takes you back to the 16th century, to colonial times. You can often see horse-drawn carts here. Many buildings date back more than 250 years. The largest church is the temple of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, built in honor of the patron saint of the city. Every September, the city hosts the Feast of the Holy Savior, during which a wooden figure of the Virgin Mary in gold jewelry is carried through the streets of Paraty.
Things to do in Paraty
- Go on a boat tour around the bay. In the vicinity of Paraty there are about 300 small islands with sandy beaches. You can rent a boat at the main pier of the city.
- Dance the night away in local clubs. The best in the city - Lado B da Praça, Dinho's Bar and Paraty 33
- Take walking tours along the “golden route”. English speaking guides can be found.
- Just stroll along the cobbled streets of the old town.
- Don't forget to take some cachaca with you.
How to get to the city
You can get to Paraty by bus. Buses leave from Rio de Janeiro every hour, the trip lasts about 4 hours 30 minutes, a one-way ticket costs 60 reais. The schedule can be viewed at
Academy of Cooking and Other Pleasures is an establishment founded by chef Yara Roberts and her mother to teach people how to cook and enjoy delicious food. Yara is a graduate of Boston University's culinary program and also took culinary classes at the Cambridge School of Art.
For over a decade, Yara Roberts has been teaching Brazilian cooking classes at several schools, universities and culinary organizations in Canada and the United States. Currently, the business organized in Paraty is continued by Yara and her husband Richard - they welcome everyone who wants to learn the basics of cooking and receive visitors from all over the world. You can sign up for this educational event by calling the phone number listed on the official website. A time will be set for lunch, which guests will be able to prepare themselves with the help of chefs Yara and Richard. The establishment has storage cabinets and a room for baby strollers.
By visiting the Academy of Cooking and Other Pleasures in Paraty, you can learn a lot of new things not only about international cuisine, but also about Brazilian cuisine - about food, wine and even about the history of Brazil. Here you can meet good people, learn many culinary techniques and simply enjoy conversation at a table decorated with delicious dishes.
Historical center of Paraty
The historic center of Paraty has been described by UNESCO as a "harmonious area with colonial architecture". The streets of the Historic Center are protected by ancient chains, which blend perfectly with the city's various shopping, artistic and cultural venues.
These chains prevent cars from passing through the historical district - cars are only allowed to move along streets remote from the center: Fresca, Domingo G. de Abreu, Patitiba and Aurora Street. The city center of Paraty contains some of the most beautiful architectural structures built in the 16th century.
In the Historic Center, everything reminds you of the old days: boat sheds, ancient stone streets, dilapidated museums and amazingly beautiful churches. In addition to the attractions, the historic district of Paraty offers famous restaurants and cafes, boat trips, water sports and fishing.
What sights of Paraty did you like? Next to the photo there are icons, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.
Felix Beach
Felix Beach has very clear shallow waters, which is ideal for families with children. In addition, this beach is bordered on both sides by ridges of rocks and stones, so there are practically no big waves here, although surfers in good weather can drive 20 meters. The sand on the beach is coarse-grained, which makes the water crystal clear. Very often here you can see both colorful fish and cute turtles, perched on rocks and drifting in the warm water of small coves, of which there are many.
Guests of the beach are mainly passing motorists, since the slope to the water is not very gentle, and residents of the local village have alternative options in the form of neighboring beaches with more developed infrastructure. The fact is that there are no cafes or equipment rentals on Felix. The only thing that reminds us of the existence of civilization is the blue garbage containers with signs calling for, if possible, to take all garbage with you. On the other hand, such an idyll is perfectly suited for enjoying the silence, the sound of waves and loneliness.
The length of the beach is approximately 1000 meters, and the coastline is indented with small, cozy lagoons, onto which thick shadow falls from nearby trees.
In general, this is a great place not so much for sunbathing as for swimming with kids, relaxing in the shade and relaxing.
Mamangua Sugarloaf Peak is located in Paraty, among a large tropical forest. You can climb the hill with the help of a guide or on your own if the course is known.
The walk starts off very steeply and takes about an hour and a half to reach the top. During the ascent, the guide will tell you about the history of the mountain, the time when it appeared and what role it played. The view of the Brazilian fjords is inspiring - from the top you can see pristine jungle, a curved coastline and a few residential buildings for many miles ahead.
After viewing the picturesque panorama, you can go down to Pristeen Beach, located near Mamangua Sugarloaf Peak. Here, local fishermen will offer to buy fresh fish, and on the shore there will be an opportunity to rent a boat and walk on the water to the immediate surroundings and admire the view of the mountain from afar.
Bay of Paraty
The Gulf of Paraty is famous for its many magnificent beaches, beautiful waterfalls, colorful haciendas and rich culture. The bay has 65 islands and over 300 beaches.
For example, Paraty-Mirim beach with warm clear water and light sand, located at the mouth of the river of the same name, or Conceição beach with coconut palms, almond trees and fine sand, are very popular. Another good beach is Iririguacu with dark sand and a small pier. A very good place for families with children is Prainha beach with incredibly warm water and convenient access to the sea.
The Gulf of Paraty offers excellent diving and snorkeling sites. The most popular among tourists and local residents are the coasts of the islands of Ratos, Comprida and Catinbau.
Sono Beach
Sono Beach is very picturesque, with fine sand washed by warm emerald water. It stretches for 1365 meters and is located in the shade of almond trees, surrounded by natural vegetation. The beach is a 50-minute walk from the village of Oratorio, near Laranjeiras. You can also get here by small boats.
The beach is surrounded by high mountains. A 20-minute journey from the center of the beach there are several natural fresh water pools filled with mountain rivers. At the end of Sono there are two beautiful wild beaches, Antigos and Antiguinhos. There is a rather steep path leading to them, so they are practically deserted all year round.
Chapel of the Virgin Mary in Paraty
The Chapel of the Virgin Mary is located in the town of Paraty, in a picturesque location among evergreens and trees. The temple has never been restored and has been perfectly preserved to this day.
From a distance, the chapel resembles an ordinary residential building, made in a traditional Brazilian style. The Church of the Mother of God has a rich decor not only of the facade, but also of the interior - the decoration of the church has remained untouched, so today you can fully appreciate the talent of the craftsmen.
This amazing chapel can become a haven for everyone and give moments of peace and tranquility.
The most popular attractions in Paraty with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Paraty on our website.
Paraty is one of the smallest colonial cities in Brazil. His story is truly legendary. After all, the city grew up on a gold mine. Hunters for the yellow metal flocked here, drawn by dreams of wealth and power. It seemed that the city was simply doomed to prosperity and splendor, but everything turned out differently.
Anyone who finds himself in Rio de Janeiro is usually so amazed by this phantasmagoric city that he completely forgets about everything else. But in vain. After all, Brazil is not only Rio. However, like Rio, it is not only Copacabana or Ipanema. But one way or another, when you look away from these world-famous beaches, you can discover truly amazing things.
For example, three hundred kilometers west of Rio de Janeiro on the Atlantic coast there is a real masterpiece - the colonial town of Paraty. To be more precise, it would be more correct to call this miracle Vila de Nossa Senhora dos Remedios de Paraty, and it is located in the Illa Grande Bay, but this does not change the essence of the matter. This town has been preserved in the same form in which it was built in the middle of the 17th century, when the Portuguese colonialists decided to seriously begin developing this land. It is believed that Paraty was founded around 1650. Before the white colonizers came here, the Guiana Indians lived in this area. But, naturally, they did not stand on ceremony with them.
Very quickly this town turned into the second largest and most important port in Brazil. This was facilitated by a number of exciting and rather confusing events. The fact is that in 1578, the Portuguese king Sebastian died in a battle with the Moroccans in North Africa and the throne was taken by his closest relative, King Philip II of Spain. Borders on the Iberian Peninsula were erased. They also disappeared in America. Portuguese adventurers rushed into the interior of the continent.
The main goal of the bandeirantes, as the Brazilian pioneers were called, were new slaves, and entire expeditions were equipped to capture them. Thanks to these campaigns, the borders of Brazil expanded greatly. But most importantly, one of these expeditions in 1695, quite by accident, stumbled upon vast deposits of gold in the central part of the Brazilian Highlands. A gold rush began in the only Portuguese colony in South America.
In order to ship the mined gold to Portugal, a special port was needed, located close to the excavations, most of which were located in the state of Minas Gerais. That's what Paraty became. In the 18th century, this city was the starting point for most of the brave Portuguese captains. It was from here that galleons, filled to the brim with gold and diamonds, set sail towards the Old World. It goes without saying that this gold mine could not help but attract numerous filibusters, who more than once made daring raids, attacking the city and trying to seize its gold storage facilities.
It must be said that Paraty was the first serious urban planning project in Brazil. Before this, all the settlements in the colony were basically built as best they could. Paraty was originally planned, and therefore differed from other cities in its thoughtful austerity, straight streets and clear contours of houses.
Despite the long name - Vila de Nossa Senhora dos Remedios de Paraty, the city was and remains the smallest of all the colonial ones in Brazil. Nevertheless, it was built according to all the canons of Portuguese urban planning of that time. Traditionally, each of the city's churches served a strictly defined sector of this small population. The main temple of the city, by the way, in whose honor it received such a long official name, was Nossa Senhora dos Remedios. It was built at the end of the 18th century for the urban bourgeoisie, and therefore is distinguished by its special luxury and impressive forms. The square in front of the cathedral was paved with stone blocks and became a favorite walking place for the townspeople. The main mansions of the largest local rich people were also located here.
The aristocracy preferred to keep itself apart from the rich but ignorant nouveau riche. Therefore, in 1800, the high society of Paraty built for themselves a small but elegant church on the shore - Igreya das Dores.
On Rua do Comercio there is the smallest church in the city of Igreia do Rosario, built in 1725. From the shape and location of this religious building, it is easy to guess that it was built for the lowest category of Brazilian society - that is, for slaves.
And finally, in the southern part of the city there is the oldest church - Igreia de Santa Rita. It was erected in 1722 for a community of free mulattoes. The facade of this temple is considered an unsurpassed example of Portuguese Baroque.
It seemed that the city was guaranteed a bright future and that it would continue to prosper, but its star set as unexpectedly as it had risen. And the point, in general, is not that gold ran out very quickly in Brazil. Even earlier, numerous pirate attacks and Indian raids forced the colonial authorities to find a safer place to send such valuable cargo. Rio de Janeiro gradually became the main port of the country, which, moreover, after some time turned into the capital of the independent Brazilian Empire.
Well, in Paraty life stood still. Almost two hundred years have passed since then, but nothing can disturb the measured existence of this amazing ghost of colonial times. And even strong storms, which happen quite often in these places, and which turn city streets into canals, do not really irritate local residents. Stormy waters carry all the dirt from the ancient streets into the ocean, and therefore Paraty always remains clean and fresh, as if several centuries of timelessness had never happened, and as if a fast galleon was about to enter the city harbor for the next shipment of gold.