AQUAMARINA TOURS

Things to do in Paraty: 10 tours you should not miss

Paraty combines a colonial historic center, a bay with dozens of islands and mountains covered in Atlantic Forest. Since 2019, Paraty and Ilha Grande have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their culture and biodiversity. Here is what to put on your list.

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Things to do in Paraty

1. Walk around the Historic Center

Cobblestone streets, colonial mansions and 18th-century churches such as the Church of Santa Rita by the water. The center is car-free and especially beautiful in the late afternoon. On some high tides, the sea flows into the streets, as it has for centuries.

2. Schooner tour of the islands

The town’s most traditional tour: a day at sea with stops at Ilha dos Cocos, Lagoa Azul and Praia da Lula, on board the Schooner Aquamarina II, from R$ 115 per adult. Compare the options in our boat tour guide.

3. A private boat

For couples, families and groups: a boat just for you, with your own route and time. See the private boats, from R$ 950 for the boat.

4. Saco do Mamanguá

Paraty’s tropical fjord, with a caiçara village, a waterfall and the trail up Pico do Pão de Açúcar. All in our Saco do Mamanguá guide.

  • Speedboat Tour through Saco do Mamanguá — Explore the stunning tropical fjord of Brazil on an exciting speedboat tour leaving from Paraty, diving into crystal-clear waters and admiring the lush Atlantic Forest! From R$ 250 per person · approx. 6 hours

5. Trindade and its natural pool

Crystal-clear beaches and the Cachadaço natural pool, about 30 km from the center. See our Trindade guide.

6. Waterfalls by jeep

Poço do Tarzan, the Pedra Branca waterfall and the natural rock slide at Pedra de Surf, on a 4x4 jeep tour with pick-up at your guesthouse.

7. Distilleries and cachaça

Paraty is synonymous with cachaça. The jeep tour includes tastings at distilleries in the hills, where you see how it is made and can buy straight from the producer.

8. Diving

Discovery dives for beginners or fun dives with instructors, to see colorful fish and turtles in the bay. See diving in Paraty.

9. Sunrise at Pedra da Marcela

A private tour for up to 4 people: pick-up before dawn, a walk of about an hour through the forest and the sun rising over the bay. See the Pedra da Marcela sunrise.

10. Eat well

Fresh fish in caiçara villages such as Praia do Cruzeiro in Mamanguá, and the restaurants of the Historic Center. Try azul-marinho, a caiçara dish of fish with green banana.

A 3-day Paraty itinerary

  • Day 1: schooner tour of the islands (11 am to 4:30 pm) and the Historic Center at sunset.
  • Day 2: speedboat to Saco do Mamanguá or a day on a private boat.
  • Day 3: Trindade or the jeep tour to waterfalls and distilleries.

When to go and how to get there

Paraty is on the Costa Verde between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, about 4 to 5 hours by car from each city along the Rio-Santos highway (BR-101); there are also direct buses from both. Summer is the liveliest season; in autumn and winter it rains less and the town is quieter.

Frequently asked questions

How many days should I spend in Paraty?

Three days is ideal to see the center, take a boat tour and a land tour. With five days you can add Mamanguá, Trindade and the waterfalls at a relaxed pace.

What is the most beautiful tour in Paraty?

The schooner tour of the islands is the most traditional, but many people find Saco do Mamanguá the most impressive scenery in the region.

What to do in Paraty when it rains?

Visit the distilleries and the cassava flour house, explore the churches and mansions of the Historic Center and try caiçara food.

Is Paraty good for children?

Very. The schooner has a slide and stops in calm water, Praia do Meio in Trindade is calm, and the waterfall jeep tour is guaranteed fun.

More Paraty guides

  • 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.
  • Jeep tour and waterfalls — Paraty 4x4 jeep tour for R$ 130 per adult: the Pedra Branca waterfall, Poço do Tarzan with its natural rock slide, cachaça distilleries and a cassava flour house. Hotel pick-up included.