Paraty is a small paradise nestled at the southern tip of Rio de Janeiro State. With perfectly preserved colonial architecture, magnificent beaches, and its enigmatic Atlantic rainforest, it's the dream destination for travelers seeking escape.

The beauty of its historic town center and its four forest areas have earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Its stunning landscape also captivated the director of "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn," Bill Condon. His crew filmed the honeymoon scenes of Edward Cullen and Bella Swan, the saga's protagonists, right here.

History

During the early centuries of our era, the region where present-day Paraty stands was home to the Guaianás Indians, who lived primarily from fishing. Around the year 1000, they were driven inland by the Tupí people, who originated from the Amazon. The Portuguese arrived at the site in the 16th century, following a trail that the Guaianás had established—the Trilha dos Goianás. They built a settlement near the Perequê-Açu river.

In 1636, Maria Jácome de Melo donated her lands in this region to allow the city to develop. However, she imposed two conditions. The first was to construct a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Remedies, now the Igreja Matriz Nossa Senhora do Remédios. The second was a guarantee that no harm would come to the Indians who chose to live there. Her demands were accepted, and a colonial city was established in 1667.

In 1696, a major gold deposit was discovered nearby in the mountains of Minas Gerais. This precious ore would then be transported to Paraty via the Trilha dos Goianás. The old trail was expanded and became a stone-paved road, the Caminho do Ouro. Once in the city, the cargo was transported to Rio de Janeiro, where ships would carry it to Portugal.

Paraty grew wealthy rapidly from this trade over the following two centuries. Numerous buildings and churches were constructed in the heart of the city. Residents saw a daily influx of soldiers from the captaincy, enslaved people, and pirates who had heard of the treasures flowing from Minas Gerais.

The insecurity that began to reign inside and around the colony prompted authorities to redirect the mountain gold directly to Rio de Janeiro. Paraty experienced considerable decline. Its inhabitants then turned to sugarcane cultivation, the production of cachaça—a local alcoholic beverage—and later to tourism beginning in 1964.

Paraty Today

The first things that strike visitors in Paraty are the purity of the air, the mix of paved and cobbled roads, and the white houses topped with terracotta tiles. Palm trees, banana plants, and various other trees dot the streets of this charming Provençal-like town. In the background, verdant mountains stretch toward an endless horizon.

Paraty's Historic Center

At the eastern end of the town, Paraty's historic center gives the impression of being suddenly transported back to the 16th century. Its infrastructure has been preserved in the colonial style of the era. Its streets remain paved in the old way with rounded stones of varying sizes. A peaceful stroll on foot or by bicycle allows visitors to discover fine restaurants and churches erected by the first Portuguese to settle in the village.

Capela de Santa Rita is Paraty's oldest place of worship. Built at the eastern end of the district, it now houses the Paraty Museum of Religious Arts. On the western side, the charming Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosário e São Benedito showcases the chapel where formerly enslaved Africans once gathered.

Further north, the impressive Igreja Matriz Nossa Senhora do Remédios honors Maria Jácome de Melo's generosity toward the city and the Indians who lived there. And near the waterfront, the magnificent Capela de Nossa Senhora das Dores, surrounded by its stone wall, offers visitors a moment of contemplation and stunning views of Paraty Bay.

In the heart of the historic center, a large white house with deep blue painted doors and windows frequently hosts historical and cultural exhibitions—the Casa da Cultura de Paraty. A visit here provides deeper insight into the city's origins and major events.

To the east, the peaceful Terra Nova Beach is ideal for a leisurely bike ride. Its small dirt path leads to a lovely shoreline where you can admire the distant green hills surrounding the city and enjoy a magnificent view of Paraty Bay.

Paraty Bay

Located at the eastern end of Paraty, it harbors nearly 65 islets. From afar, they resemble verdant hills with their bases submerged in the sea. Cruising the area aboard a schooner reveals magnificent beaches. It's hard to resist the temptation to anchor, swim in the sea, and sunbathe while admiring the distant Serra do Mar mountains on the horizon.

Also by boat, it's possible to reach the villages of Paraty-Mirim and Trindade, as well as beautiful beaches along Paraty's eastern coastline.

Paraty's Beaches and Surroundings

Close to Paraty's historic center, Praia do Pontal is the ideal spot to board a canoe and explore the city's surroundings. Heading north, a stop at Praia de Forte leads to the trail toward the Forte Defensor Perpétuo fortress. This small colonial-style building was constructed in 1703. Surrounded by a stone wall and lush tropical vegetation, it houses a museum featuring temporary exhibitions focused on local history and culture.

Further on, a boat trip across Paraty Bay reveals a tranquil spot shrouded in verdant growth—Praia do Paraty-Mirim. After a swim in exceptionally calm water, there's nothing quite like a peaceful moment in the shade of a beach shack, savoring pasteis de camarão, a shrimp pastry delicacy.

Circling the bay by boat reveals what seems to be Paraty's most beautiful beach—Praia do Trindade. Vast and peaceful, it offers plenty of space for visitors to enjoy the shore and plunge into the sea's cool waters. A moment of rest at one of the beach stands allows you to appreciate the wave rhythm and the magnificent Atlantic rainforest stretching across the horizon.

From Praia do Trindade, it's possible to head to Praia do Cachadaço to enjoy its natural pools or explore the beaches of Meio, Cepilho, and Ranchos.

The Surrounding Areas

The Saco de Mamanguá is a long canal stretching seven kilometers into the mountains. Venturing here by kayak or boat reveals the stunning terrain of the region. The landscape is genuinely worth the detour. One of its beaches even served as a filming location for scenes in "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn." In that film sequence, Edward and Bella, the saga's protagonists, spend their honeymoon on a paradise island called "Isle Esme."

Paraty and its surroundings are rich with hiking trails of varying lengths. Walking them reveals the region's fauna and flora while offering glimpses of magnificent waterfalls nestled in nature.

What to Do in Paraty?

Witness a Paraty Phenomenon: the Inundação de Estradas

Once a month, during the rainy season, the sea floods the streets of Paraty's historic center, creating an atypical and wondrous tableau. Small bridges are then installed throughout, allowing residents to cross between buildings. The phenomenon persists until the tide recedes.

Hiking Around Paraty

Embark on a hike in Paraty for a truly unique experience. Through the verdant Atlantic rainforest, explorers discover the Caminho do Ouro, or the Gold Trail, once traversed by enslaved people transporting precious ore to Paraty. Then comes the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Penha, a church built atop an enormous rock in the hamlet of Penha. Travel through Juatinga to meet the communities of Caiçaras. Follow this with a refreshing dip in the rivers and slide down Penha Waterfall or admire the cascade curtain at Cachoeira da Pedra Branca.

Participate in One of the City's Festivals

Between January and early February, the entire city celebrates. Free concerts, cultural performances, and parades mark the Paraty Carnival, the Folia de Reis, and Viva o Verão.

From March through April and throughout the year, numerous religious festivals take place in the town. Among them are the Festa do Divino Espírito Santo, the Festival de Música Sacra, and the Festa do Divino Espírito Santo.

In May, jazz fills the streets during the Paraty Bourbon Jazz Festival. It brings together major figures from the jazz world from across the country and beyond.

Then between June and July comes the most-anticipated event in this corner of paradise—the Paraty International Literature Festival. It assembles Brazil's greatest writers and authors from around the world. The program includes conferences and debates held in historic buildings.

And in November, the city hosts Paraty em Focus, dedicated to photography, along with a gastronomic festival. By selecting a main ingredient, all restaurants create new specialties to the delight of discerning food enthusiasts visiting Paraty.

The Climate

In Paraty, temperatures range between 17°C and 30°C. Showers are frequent between December and March.

The climate is more favorable for a visit from late March through June and from late September through December. Temperatures are milder and rainfall is virtually nonexistent.

By Air

Paraty Airport exclusively accommodates helicopters and commercial or private flights from Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo.

By Bus

The distance between Paraty and Rio is approximately 236 kilometers, or four to five hours by road. To reach the city, you'll need to go to Galeão or Santos Dumont airport to board a Fresco bus heading to Novo Rio. From there, you must purchase another ticket for Paraty.

From São Paulo, expect approximately six to seven hours of driving before reaching Paraty.

By Boat

For those with a taste for the sea, it's possible to travel from Rio to Paraty in just a few hours.

To preserve the site, motor vehicles are not permitted in Paraty's historic center. Thus, to discover its wonders, you'll need to wear comfortable shoes or ride a bicycle.

Outside the historic center, the best way to explore the surroundings is by bicycle, taxi, or mototaxi.

To reach the various beaches surrounding the city, simply take a bus from Paraty's bus station or rent a boat at the port.

Some hiking trails are only accessible by jeep. It is always strongly recommended to be accompanied by an experienced guide.