Walking along the pé de moleque stone streets (rough, irregular cobbles) of Paraty's Historic Centre is a true journey back in time. Framed by the green wall of the Serra do Mar and bathed by the calm waters of a bay dotted with tropical islands, Paraty is one of the most fascinating treasures of the Brazilian coast. Internationally recognised as a World Heritage Site for its rich combination of culture and biodiversity, the region brings together colonial heritage, refined cuisine and lush nature.
For those travelling in a group with Mundo a Passeio, Paraty and neighbouring Ilha Grande offer the perfect balance between the charm of colonial towns and rest by the sea.
The Historic Centre: streets made for walking and contemplation
In the centre of Paraty, car traffic is prohibited. This care preserves the original 18th-century paving and allows visitors to walk in complete peace among the whitewashed colonial houses, decorated with doors and windows in vibrant shades of blue, yellow and green.
Among the highlights of the historic centre are:
- Igreja de Santa Rita: Built in 1722 beside the bay, it is the city's most classic postcard view. On high-tide days, the sea gently floods the nearby streets, creating mirror-like reflections of rare beauty.
- Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios: An imposing church that dominates the central square, holding centuries of devotion and traditional religious festivals.
- Grand houses of culture, studios and cafés: The historic centre is full of cultural life, with cosy bookshops, studios of local artists, ceramics shops and charming cafés to sit in at dusk.
The emerald sea and schooner trips
Paraty's beauty is completed on the water. The Baía da Ilha Grande is home to hundreds of white-sand beaches and coves sheltered from wind and strong waves, with emerald-coloured waters where colourful fish swim around the boats.
Our private schooner trips are planned for everyone's comfort: safe vessels, soft music on board, fresh fruit, a tasty lunch and stops at calm beaches where it is easy to go ashore to paddle or swim in peace.
Traditional stills and tasty caiçara cuisine
Paraty is also the historic capital of artisanal still-made cachaça (sugar cane spirit) in Brazil, with a tradition dating back to the sugar cane cycle. A visit to the historic stills in the hills allows you to follow the careful production and taste typical liqueurs, such as the famous Gabriela (clove and cinnamon). At the table, caiçara (traditional coastal) cuisine shines with generous dishes such as fish with plantain and fresh prawns from the bay.
Travel to the Costa Verde with Mundo a Passeio
Exploring Paraty and Ilha Grande with Mundo a Passeio means travelling without any headaches over logistics or bookings. Our itineraries depart from Porto Alegre in top-class leito (sleeper) coaches, with a selected hotel in the heart of the town and boat trips already arranged with accredited guides.
Would you like to enjoy unforgettable days on the Costa Verde with new friends on the road? Explore our itineraries and upcoming departures or message our team on WhatsApp to receive the full programme.
Sources and references
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), mixed World Heritage declaration for Paraty and Ilha Grande.
- Instituto do Patrimônio Histórico e Artístico Nacional (Iphan), heritage listing of the architectural and landscape ensemble of Paraty.
- Secretaria de Turismo de Paraty and data from the Associação Turística da Costa Verde.
- Operational trip records and on-board archive of Mundo a Passeio.
