Paraty, Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide: How to Plan Your Trip

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From its whitewashed colonial buildings framed by colorful doors to its lush waterfalls and hidden beaches, Paraty, Rio de Janeiro is a dream destination for travelers who crave both culture and nature.

After years of visiting Brazil, I finally made it here on my honeymoon — and Paraty more than lived up to the hype. This quiet coastal town instantly became one of my favorite places in the country.

In this Paraty travel guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan a seamless trip — how to get there, where to stay, when to visit, and what to pack — so you can experience Paraty’s magic for yourself.

Table of Contents

How to Get to Paraty

From Rio de Janeiro

🚗 Although I usually advise against driving in Rio de Janeiro, one exception is if you want to make the drive to Paraty. It takes around four hours along BR-101, which is a really beautiful drive down Brazil’s “Costa Verde,” or “Green Coast” region, lined with forest views and gorgeous beaches. I tried and failed to take videos every time we’d pass one — but they’d pop up so quickly, and then be gone.

Just be suuuper careful about the speed limit. It was a little tricky because the speed limit wasn’t always clear, but it felt like there were speed cameras every few minutes.

My in-laws recommended we use the RadarBot app, but we ended up just relying on Apple Maps, since luckily it seemed pretty good about alerting us when a camera was coming (it seemed to do a better job than Google Maps). You’ll also have to pay tolls online — it ended up just costing us around $4 total, which isn’t bad at all for several hours of driving, both ways.

🚌 It will take a little bit longer, but buses also operate between Rio and Paraty (I use BusBud to check options), and cost $25 to $37.

If you have a bit more room in your budget/you’re looking for the easiest option, you can also book a transfer ahead of time — this shared option through GetYourGuide costs $52 per person, and has high ratings.

A corner of a building in Paraty, Brazil. A bike rests against the building. which has yellow doors with red outlines.

A street with a church, in Paraty, Brazil.

From São Paulo

If you’re coming from São Paulo, Paraty is also super reachable.

🚗 Like from Rio, driving from São Paulo will also take you through Brazil’s gorgeous Green Coast, and will be around four hours. The drive will be on the highway and fairly easy, but again, you want to watch out for speed cameras.

There are also some areas where phone service could potentially be spotty, so it’s not a bad idea to download your maps ahead of time.

🚌 Buses will take around 6.5 hours, and operate regularly from the Tietê terminal. Most options run from $19 to $25.

Or, skip the hassle and book this top-rated shared transport through GetYourGuide for $65 per person. The trip will take roughly six hours.

Where to Stay in Paraty

Whether you’re on a budget or looking for boutique comfort, there’s a Paraty accommodation for every traveler.

Paraty is home to so many cute pousadas, which are essentially like an inn. For such a small area, there’s a practically overwhelming amount of options, so here are a couple top choices for you:

A pousada in Paraty, Brazil. The building is white and it is two floors, with a balcony on the second floor. — *Pousada Doce Paraty*

A bed with towels, and a red blanket at an inn in Paraty, Brazil. The wall behind the bed is yellow, and there is art on the wall. — *Pousada Doce Paraty*

Pousada Doce Paraty

This is where my husband and I stayed — it was recommended to us by a friend, and it was a great budget option.

Our room included a breakfast buffet which was pretty good, and came with eggs, sausage, fruit, and different types of breads and cakes.

The room was basic, and a bit small (we got the standard double room), but it worked out for our needs. There was also a pool and a game room, which we didn’t get to spend time in, but would be really nice if you had more time to relax than we did!

It’s located right in the historic center, within walking distance from so many restaurants and shops. Plus, it has over 1,200 positive ratings!

🌈 We loved staying at Pousada Doce Paraty — cozy, central, and budget-friendly. Check rooms and prices here. check them out and book your room here.

People stand in front of a church in Paraty, Brazil.

Pousada Aconchego

If you have a little bit more room in your budget, this is such a gorgeous mid-priced option, also in the historic center, that I had my eye on! The tropical garden and the pool look like the perfect place to relax after a day of sightseeing, and I love the cozy style. Your stay also includes breakfast!

Pousada Aconchego also has over 1,500 ratings, with a 9.1 on Booking, which is impressive, to say the least!

🌸 This one’s perfect for travelers who want comfort without the luxury price tag — check availability here.

Boutique Hotel Carpe Diem

For anyone looking for luxury, this is it! I’m obsessed with the decor and overall style here, from the airy rooms to a gorgeous blue tiled pool. Every room just looks so sunny and inviting, and the breakfast looks amazing. I also love how the bathrooms have lots of counterspace — great news if you’re like me and you like to travel with a million different skincare products.

You’d be just a short walk away from the historic center, and it’s close to Pontal Beach. Breakfast is included.

Boutique Hotel Carpe Diem has a 9.5 rating on Booking — and looks like such a dreamy stay.

🦋 If you’re craving something romantic or a little bit indulgent, this boutique stay is worth every penny — book your room here.

Top Things to Do in Paraty (Quick Overview)

Even if you’re visiting Paraty mainly to relax, there’s so much to experience here — honestly more than I expected. Here are some highlights you can’t miss:

Wander the historic center with its cobblestone streets and whitewashed houses — it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit a few cachaça distilleries and taste Brazil’s signature spirit.
Take a jeep tour to waterfalls like Tobogã or Pedra Branca.
Spend a day exploring Trindade’s beaches or take a boat trip to Paraty’s nearby islands.

🗺️ Want full details on tours, prices, and hidden gems? Check out my complete Things to Do in Paraty Guide for everything I loved during my trip.

Buildings with blue and yellow details in Paraty, Brazil.

A building with flowers and plants climbing up the balcony in Paraty, Brazil. A cart selling desserts is in front.

Where to Eat in Paraty

Paraty is an UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, so foodies will be happy here. For upscale dining, Banana da Terra is the town’s standout spot. For cozy, romantic dinners, I loved Zen Mongolian’s Hall during my honeymoon. And if you’re after pizza or something casual, La Dolce Vita Trattoria is a great pick.

🍴 You can find more restaurant recommendations and reviews in my Things to Do in Paraty Guide.

What to Pack for Paraty

Sneakers — I can usually handle cobblestones in my flip-flops, but instead of cobblestones, the roads in Historic Paraty are more like giant round rocks. Sneakers are 100% more comfortable and just safer, since the rocks can be slippery. I wore these Adidas throughout my time in Paraty and I love how comfortable they are while still looking cute and being versatile.
Bathing suit — If you want to go swimming at the waterfalls or visit the beaches. This one’s really flattering and would be secure enough for sliding down that giant waterfall!
Towel — You’ll definitely need this for the beach or if you go on a tour to visit the waterfalls. I like this microfiber one that dries really quickly, and won’t take up much room in your luggage.
Camera — Paraty is 1) super safe and 2) a photographer’s dream, so don’t skip bringing your camera if you have one! If you’re in the market for one, this one is really beginner-friendly, and isn’t nearly as big of an investment as a lot of other cameras, which makes it great for travel.
Light jacket/layers — I brought a versatile jean jacket (exactly like this one) with me that works with every outfit — I visited in the winter, when it was a bit chilly, and it kept me warm. But you may want to pack more layers depending on the exact weather for your trip/your comfort level.
Umbrella/rain gear — Summer and spring are the rainiest times, but you run the risk any time of year in Paraty. I use this compact, travel-friendly umbrella that takes up hardly any room. It has really come in handy!

Woman stands in front of white building with blue design in Paraty, Brazil.

Woman sits on stoop in front of green door in Paraty, Brazil. The building is framed by plants.

Best Time to Visit

I visited during August, which is winter in Rio de Janeiro. It was in the mid-60s fahrenheit, which is a little chilly for my taste, but nothing a light jacket couldn’t handle.

While winter was nice for sightseeing, and dealing with less crowds, (we booked our accommodation also literally the day before, which I don’t think you could get away with any other time of year), I would’ve enjoyed it more with nicer weather. In the winter, temperatures can range from the 50s (pretty much freezing in my book) to the 70s.

I definitely want to come back during the summer, which is December through March, when temperatures are typically in the early 80s. But I’m sure this time would be more crowded and accommodations would be pricier.

Summer and spring are the rainiest times, but it’s something you’ll have to worry about throughout the year. Paraty is also notoriously much rainier than Rio de Janeiro is throughout the year, so that’s something to keep in mind.

A good balance would be the shoulder season — spring or fall, when temperatures are generally in the 70s.

Apart from the seasons, you want to keep in mind that the town is built to intentionally flood during the full moon high tides. It just lasts for a few hours — the city was designed this way as a means for cleaning the streets, back during the colonial era. It makes for some really beautiful photos!

There are also a bunch of festivals throughout the year — they could be really fun, but they also mean crowds and more expensive accommodations, so you’ll definitely want to consider that before booking.

People walk along the sidewalk of a flooded street in Paraty, Brazil.

Safety in Paraty

If you’ve been to major cities like Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo, Paraty feels like a whole different experience when it comes to safety.

At least when you’re around the historical center, it feels very calm and quaint, and I honestly felt super comfortable walking around with my camera here, which is something I definitely don’t always say in Brazilian cities!

Of course, you always want to stay aware of your surroundings, and take basic safety precautions, since things like petty crime aren’t impossible. But, I can say that Paraty is one of the safest places in Brazil.

How Long to Stay in Paraty

If I could have one do-over, it would be giving myself at least an extra day here! I really only had one full day — plus an afternoon and a morning, and there’s so much I feel like I missed.

From the gorgeous beaches to the world-class restaurants and learning about all the history, Paraty seriously deserves three full days — or at least, two full days.

You could definitely make it work in less time, you’d just have to make sacrifices like what I did, and choose either a beach day or a cachaça/waterfall tour, or spend way less time exploring the historic center.

Some people even just spend one full day here, which could leave you enough time to explore the historic center and do another activity outside of town. But I think Paraty (and Rio de Janeiro, to be honest) is so much better experienced at a relaxed pace!

The corner of a building in Paraty, Brazil. A person selling desserts stands in front of the building, and flags hang across the top of the photo. The corner of the building has an interesting blue and white design.

A white building with blue doors and windows in Paraty, Brazil.

Planning Your Brazil trip

Paraty is such a dream, from its beautiful architecture, amazing food, and gorgeous nature. And as you can see, it’s also such an easy weekend trip from Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo.

Now that you’ve got the logistics down, head to this Paraty guide for all the things you can’t miss when you’re there — from cachaça distilleries to waterfalls, and restaurants you have to try.

And before you head off, make sure you grab my free Rio de Janeiro map — curated with all the best restaurants, bars, museums, beaches, and more, based on my several trips to Rio (plus some local knowledge from my husband who grew up there).