AQUAMARINA TOURS

Paraty jeep tour: waterfalls and mountain flavors

Paraty is not only about the sea. In the hills, a few kilometers from the Historic Center, the Atlantic Forest hides green-water waterfalls, traditional distilleries and the old Gold Trail. A 4x4 jeep tour brings it all together in one day.

Updated on

Jeep tour and waterfalls

The jeep tour route

The order of the stops can change from day to day, but the route includes:

  • Paratiana distillery: tasting of artisan cachaças (over-18s only).
  • Pedra Branca waterfall: a swim in the middle of the forest.
  • Poço da Usina: crystal-clear water to swim and relax.
  • Pedra de Surf and Poço do Tarzan: a natural rock slide, swimming and jumps of up to 4 meters.
  • Traditional lunch at the riverside restaurant (not included).
  • Engenho D’Ouro distillery: cachaças, liqueurs and the story of the Gold Trail.
  • Casa de Farinha: cassava flour made the caiçara way.
  • Artisan cheese farm (optional): cheeses, sweets and jams from the hills.

The Gold Trail and the cachaça tradition

In the 18th century, gold from Minas Gerais came down the mountains along the Gold Trail to the port of Paraty and was shipped on to Rio de Janeiro. The stone-paved trail still crosses the forest near the waterfalls on the tour. Paraty is also famous for cachaça: the town once had dozens of distilleries, and some still make it by hand.

How it works

You ride in a 4x4 Toyota Bandeirante jeep with a licensed driver-guide and no more than 8 people per jeep. Pick-up is free at guesthouses and hotels in central Paraty (within 3 km of the agency) between 10 and 11 am; outside that area, you meet at the agency. The tour takes about 6 hours and costs R$ 130 per adult.

By jeep or van to Trindade

If you prefer the beach, take the Trindade tour, which also leaves Paraty with transport and a guide and visits Praia do Meio, Cachadaço and the natural pool.

What to bring

  • Swimwear under your clothes, a towel and a dry change of clothes.
  • Sneakers or sandals that can get wet.
  • Sunscreen and insect repellent.
  • Cash or a card for lunch and to buy cachaça and cheese.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the jeep tour in Paraty?

R$ 130 per adult, including 4x4 transport, a guide and cachaça tastings. Lunch is paid separately.

Does the jeep tour include hotel pick-up?

Yes, pick-up is free at guesthouses and hotels in central Paraty, within 3 km of the agency. Outside that area, the meeting point is the agency at Av. Roberto Silveira, 578.

Can children do the jeep tour?

Yes, it is an easy and fun tour for kids; only the cachaça tasting is for over-18s.

Which waterfalls does the tour visit?

The Pedra Branca waterfall, Poço da Usina and Poço do Tarzan with the Pedra de Surf, a natural slide on the rock.

More Paraty guides

  • Things to do in Paraty — Things to do in Paraty: schooner tour of the islands, Saco do Mamanguá, Trindade, waterfalls by jeep, cachaça distilleries, diving and the Historic Center. With a 3-day itinerary and local tips.
  • Paraty boat tours — How to choose a boat tour in Paraty: schooners from R$ 115, a speedboat to Saco do Mamanguá or a private boat. Routes, prices, times and what to bring.
  • Saco do Mamanguá — Saco do Mamanguá, Paraty’s tropical fjord: how to get there, Pico do Pão de Açúcar, beaches and the caiçara village. Speedboat tour from Paraty for R$ 250 per person.
  • Paraty beaches and islands — The beaches and islands of Paraty you reach by boat: Ilha dos Cocos, Lagoa Azul, Praia da Lula, Praia Vermelha, Ilha Comprida and Saco da Velha. See which tour goes to each one.
  • Trindade — Trindade, 30 km from Paraty: Praia do Meio, Cachadaço and the Cachadaço natural pool. How to get there, tips and a full-day tour from Paraty for R$ 160.