Paraty

Paraty (Parati) is a coastal historic town south of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It was first settled by the Portuguese in 1667. Its old churches, cobbled streets and nearby forests, waterfalls, islands and emerald-green sea attract lots of tourists interested in mixing cultural tourism and more natural settings. The authentic colonial beach town of Paraty is a history museum set in a tropical paradise surrounded by beaches and beautiful islands.

Paraty grew in the 18th century as a strategically important port for exporting the gold mines. Together with Ouro Preto, the town was part of the Royal Road (Caminho Real or Caminho do Ouro, Gold Road, a route used to export gold in colonial times. It was also an obligatory sleep-over stop for travelers between Rio and São Paulo until the late 1800s, when the inner road was opened. his caused Paraty to be forgotten, stalled in time, away from "progress" and disfiguration and helped it preserve its old city as it was in the past. In the 1970s, it was rediscovered as a popular tourist destination.

Paradoxically, the long stagnation process that Paraty underwent turned out axial in preserving the colonial architectural heritage in the area known as the Historic Centre, turning it into one of the most sought after destinations in Paraty Through the irregular cobblestone roads tourists from all over the globe stroll by -cars are forbidden in this area-, attracted by the typical beauty of colonial Brazil. They stop at former manor houses turned into inns, restaurants, museums and shops, as they enjoy street musicians and living statues.

To do

 * Boat trip through the bay. You can even find your own private beach on one of more than 300 islands.


 * FLIP - This literature festival usually takes place in July. It gathers some of the best national writers and guest international authors. Hotels can get pretty crowded, book well in advance for this period.


 * Dance with the locals at bar/clubs in the main square, Lado B da Praça or Dinho's Bar, or in Paraty 33


 * Snorkeling in the bay. When you rent a small boat (and hire the driver for the afternoon) you can ask about getting a mask and snorkel. They'll also supply you with fish food. You just jump off in the middle of the bay and float around feeding fish.


 * Trekking & Guided Walks the Caminho do Ouro/ Gold Trail. Access located in the Paraty-Cunha road. Lots of trails through the Atlantic Rainforest to tropical beaches, like Praia do Sono.


 * Kayaking in the bay to islands, beaches and mangrove. Rainforest Hiking and Kayaking in the Bay with English speaking guides with expert local knowledge.


 * City tour of Paraty Old Town. Explore the colonial jewel with expert local guides on a walking tour thro the cobbled streets of the Old Town.


 * Stand Up Paddle (SUP) boarding. Lessons and tours on flatwater bay in front of Jabaquara beach. Perfect for beginners to learn.

Drinks

 * Geko Chill Bar Paraty, Av. Orlando Carpinelli, 4 (at Praia do Pontal in front of Chil Inn Hostel). 9-11:30am breakfast at the beach - 8:30pm-2am dinner and partys at the beach. Bar, Breakfast, Meals, Dinner, Events, Partys

Sleep

 * Chill Inn Hostel &amp; Pousada Av. Orlando Carpinelli, 3. In front of Praia do Pontal Pontal Beach. +552433712545, e-mail: bookings@chillinnhostel.com Cool Atmosphere - free pick-up and Breakfast at the beach in our beach bar. All dorms have private bathrooms and AC. Te. +55 (0)21 3521-7234 - right on the beach with an amazing view.


 * Geko Hostel Paraty Av. Orlando Carpinelli, 5. E-mail: paraty@gekohostel.com. - Geko Hostel is located at Praia Pontal, Pontal Beach only 3 minutes away from the historical center of Paraty and also near everything you may need. This hostel in front of the sea has a quiet and relaxed environment where you can enjoy a caipirinha, make friends from all over Brazil and the world, read a book, play the guitar or anything else you may enjoy. +55 (0) 24 3371 2507.