Paraty Brazil Travel Guide: 1 and 2 Day Itinerary

Planning a first trip to Brazil often means hard choices. Rio, São Paulo, Iguazu, perhaps Ilha Grande. Then people start mentioning Paraty, a small, beautiful colonial town with cobbled streets on the Costa Verde, and it becomes one more decision to make. Is it really worth adding a detour for just a day or two, or should you spend that time elsewhere?

My Paraty Brazil travel guide is written for travellers in that position. It gives a clear view of what Paraty is like, how many days to spend, a simple 1 or 2 day itinerary, rough costs and how to get there from Rio and São Paulo, so you can see if it appeals and fits your route.

Quick answer: is Paraty worth 1–2 days?

• Yes, if you like: pretty streets, photography, boat trips, relaxed cafés and a more relaxed stop between Rio and São Paulo.
• Best stay: 2 nights (1 full day + one extra day for Trindade or the waterfalls).
• Ideal plan: Day 1 in the historic centre + bay boat tour. Day 2 at Trindade’s beaches or waterfalls and a short Gold Trail walk.
• Skip it or shorten if you only enjoy big-city attractions and nightlife, or if adding Paraty would leave you with under 3 full days in Rio.

Disclaimer: This article may feature affiliate links. If you click these links, and choose to book with that hotel or company, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I appreciate the support that allows me to continue providing this information

Paraty at a glance: is it worth 1–2 days?

Paraty is a small colonial town on Brazil’s Costa Verde between Rio and São Paulo. The historic centre is a grid of white houses, cobbled streets that sometimes flood slightly at high tide, a sheltered bay dotted with boats and forested hills behind. It feels more like a relaxed harbour town than a big beach resort, and that’s how I encourage you to think about it.

Who Paraty is perfect for on a first Brazil trip

Paraty works best if you like a slower pace and a mix of town and nature. It suits you if you:

• Enjoy walking, cafés and photography more than ticking off big museums
• Want an easy island boat trip without lots of planning
• Are happy on uneven cobbles and getting on and off small boats

When 1 day is enough and when to book 2 nights

With one full day, you can see all of the historic centre and can consider a short boat tour. Enough time to get a clear sense of Paraty without feeling rushed.

Two nights gives you a full second day for either Trindade’s beaches or waterfalls and a short Gold Trail walk inland. If you are already travelling this stretch of coast, two nights usually make the journey feel more worthwhile. For most first-timers I would aim for two nights if possible, one night if time is tight

In my opinion, you should skip Paraty if you cannot spare a full day, it is not the best day trip option, given the travel needed.

When to visit Paraty: seasons and festivals

Paraty has a warm, tropical climate year-round. The key questions are how wet it is and how busy it feels.

• June to August. Drier, a touch cooler, pleasant for walking and boat trips.
• December to March. Hotter and wetter, with short heavy downpours rather than constant rain.
• Shoulder months. Often a good balance of warmth and slightly fewer crowds than peak summer.

Rain can make trails muddy, the sea choppier and cobbles slippery. Streets in the centre sometimes hold shallow water at very high tide, which is part of Paraty’s character but not ideal in smooth flip-flops.

Festivals, holidays and when it feels crowded

• Brazilian summer holidays and New Year
• Carnival
• Long national holiday weekends
• The Flip literary festival (dates change each year)

Expect higher prices and more people on beaches and boat tours. If you dislike crowds and noise, avoid these dates where you can.

Is Paraty a good idea in the rain?

If your only opportunity to go is forecasting showers, Paraty is still worth including in my opinion.

This was exactly the case on our first visit. It rained for half a day and was sunny the next two. The historic centre, cafés, farm visits and short walks are fine in light rain and most hotels/pousadas provide umbrellas.

If the forecast is bad, I would treat open-water boat tours and beach plans as flexible and consider spending only a day exploring the centre.

My Top Tip! If you are unlucky enough to have rain there is an upside, when the streets flood a little it makes for fantastic photography and reflection oppotunities.

Where to stay for a short break in Paraty

For 1–2 days your priorities should be easy arrival, short walks and not spending half your time dragging bags over stones.

Historic centre

Staying in or right by the historic grid puts cobbled streets, cafés and restaurants on your doorstep. Cars do not enter, so you will walk from a drop-off point with your bags. It can be lively at weekends near bars and live music, so either embrace this and join in, or pick a street a little further back.

Just outside the centre

Pousadas just beyond the cobbled grid are usually a 5–10 minute walk into the centre. They tend to have easier parking, slightly larger rooms, cheaper prices and are quieter at night, which can help with young children or light sleepers.

Across the river / towards Jabaquara

Across the river or in the Jabaquara direction you will find pousadas with more space, gardens and sometimes sea views. You will likely walk or take short taxis to the centre, so this suits travellers who prefer more peaceful surroundings. Ideal if you are going to spend a little longer in Paraty with more day trips.

My Top Tip! On a short stay I recommend you pick a pousada close to, but not inside, the historic grid. It keeps arrival and departure simpler while still being close enough to walk to everything.

Paraty Hotels and pousadas for different budgets

Budget Friendly

Pousada Casa do Rio – near the historic centre

Riverside pousada a short walk from the historic centre, so you get easy access to the cobbled streets without dragging bags too far. Rooms are simple but decent, with a small pool and good breakfast, which suits short stays where you are out most of the day. They have both private rooms and dorms.

Typical rates Dorm rooms R$60-80 (about $11-15 or £9-12) and private rooms R$550-800 (about $100-145 or £80-115)

BOOK HERE

Mid range

Cana Caiana Inn – Caborê area

Stylish pousada in Caborê, about 10–15 minutes’ flat walk from the historic centre. You get a quiet residential setting, a decent pool and very good breakfast, ideal if you want comfort and easy walking rather than being right on the cobbles.

Typical rates R$250-550 (about $45-100 or £45-80) per night for two.

BOOK HERE

Pousada Antígona – close to centre and Pontal

Highly rated inn near the river, around 5 minutes’ walk from the historic centre and Pontal beach. It feels small and friendly, with a pool and leafy garden that give you somewhere pleasant to come back to after boat trips or walks.

Typical rates R$360-900 (about $65-165 or £50-130) per night for two.

BOOK HERE

Special stay

Pousada do Ouro – in the historic centre

Restored 18th century house right in the historic grid, with a pool and gardens behind high walls. You step straight out into the old streets and can retreat to the courtyard when you want a break from the heat and crowds.

Typical rates R$1100-1900 (about $205-350 or £160-275) per night for two.

BOOK HERE

Perfect 1–2 day Paraty itinerary

This itinerary is built so you can stop after Day 1 if you only have one night, or add a second day as beach time or a nature-and-waterfalls day.

Day 1: Historic centre + bay boat tour

Overview: Walk and explore the old town in the morning, boat trip in the afternoon, sunset and dinner in town.

Historic centre walking loop

Start with a slow loop of the historic streets and the waterfront. Visit one or two churches, browse a few shops and walk along the harbour wall and pier. Paraty is a beautiful town to explore, and it helps you spot places to come back to and is an easy way to shake off the journey.

Time 2–3 hours • Cost Free

My Top Tip! You can join free walking tours if you want a bit more information about the centre and it’s history. 

Lunch and coffee in the centre

Choose a simple restaurant or café inside the grid. Daily set lunch specials (prato feito or fixed menus) usually include a main, rice, beans and salad at a fair price and avoid any menu stress when you are still adjusting. I have written a guide on restaurants in Paraty if you want more detailed options

Time 1–1.5 hours • Cost typical R$45-75 per person (about $8-14 or £6-11)

Optional: Shared schooner or speedboat tour

In the afternoon, if the weather is nice a shared schooner or small speedboat tour from the pier is a great option. Most tours stop at several coves or beaches for swimming and snorkelling.

You see Paraty from the water and get a feel for the islands and bays around it with no planning beyond booking the tour.

There are some excellent options to consider here

Time 4–6 hours • Cost typical R$190-270 per person (about $35-50 or £27-38)

My Top Tip! If you prefer a quieter experience, look for smaller boats with fewer passengers or consider a private hire split between a group. With time being tight, I like smaller boats because there is less time lost boarding and more flexibility at each stop.

Sunset on the waterfront

After the boat trip, sit by the waterfront or river and watch the light change over the hills and anchored boats. You do not need a special viewpoint. Just being by the water for half an hour is enough to enjoy and take some good photos.

Time 30–60 minutes • Cost Free

Dinner in the historic centre

End the day with dinner in or near the historic grid. Expect a mix of local dishes, seafood and some international choices. Tables often fill later, so an earlier sitting can be easier if you are tired or travelling with children. Pick an option from my favourite restaurants in Paraty

Time 1–2 hours • Cost typical R$80-160 per person (about $15-30 or £11-23)

Day 2 option A: Trindade beaches and natural pools

Overview: Easy village visit, a short walk, natural pool and relaxed beach time.

Bus or transfer from Paraty to Trindade

Head from Paraty’s bus station to the village of Trindade by local bus, shared transfer or taxi (Uber was great for us). The road winds through hills before dropping down to the sea, so build in a little buffer if you have a tour or dinner booked back in Paraty.

Time 40–60 minutes each way • Cost typical R$ 4-6 per person (about $17-28) by bus, about R$90-150 per car (about $17-28) by taxi or transfer

Praia do Meio and natural pool walk

From Trindade village, follow the path to Praia do Meio, then continue on the signed trail to the natural rock pool (Piscina Natural do Caixa d’Aço). You can swim and sometimes see fish in clear water, with rock slabs to sit on when you want a break.

Time 2–3 hours including walking and swimming • Cost Free

Beach time and simple lunch

Spend more time on Praia do Meio or another nearby beach, swimming and relaxing. Have a simple lunch at a beach shack or back in the village.

Time 2–3 hours • Cost typical R$40-90 per person (about $8-17 or £6-13) for a basic beach lunch and drink or two

Return to Paraty and relaxed evening

Travel back to Paraty in the mid or late afternoon. In the evening you can return to a favourite restaurant or choose a quieter pousada restaurant if you are sun-tired and do not fancy more cobbles.

My Top Tip! We did this on our own, but if you are tight on time, or don’t want the admin, there are plenty of private tours available to choose from

Day 2 option B: Waterfalls, Tobogã slide and farm visit

Overview: Inland day with river swimming, some history and an easy farm stop.

Bus or tour to the Tobogã waterfall area

Go inland from Paraty to the Tobogã waterfall area by Uber or organised jeep tour. The road follows the river and climbs gently into the hills, and you pass simple houses and forest on the way.

Time 30–45 minutes each way • Cost typical R$90-150 per car by taxi (around $17-28 or £13-22), typically R$120-260 per person for a half-day tour (around $22-49 or £17-47)

Tobogã rock slide and Poço do Tarzan

The smooth Tobogã rock forms a natural slide into the river, with a less adrenaline fueled pool at Poço do Tarzan nearby. You can slide if you feel confident and conditions are safe, or simply watch locals and enjoy the pool and forest. The locals have really nailed the art of this slide!

Time 1.5–3 hours • Cost Free

Short Gold Trail stretch

If you choose to take a tour it is highly likely they will guide you to walk a short stretch of the historic Gold Trail (Caminho do Ouro). You will see old stone paving and forest and hear simple stories about how gold once came down to Paraty’s port. I wouldn’t recommend trying to do this without a guide.

Time 1.5–2 hours • Cost Included in tour

Fazenda Bananal or similar farm visit

Visit a farm such as Fazenda Bananal or a similar place for lunch. Many farms have short walks, small educational displays and a restaurant that focuses on local ingredients, which works well if you want a relaxed afternoon in nature without a long hike.

Time 2–3 hours • Cost Usually included in a tour

My Top Tip! Again there are plenty of private tours available to choose from if you don’t want to plan this yourself

What to do if you have extra time in Paraty

If you are lucky enough to stay longer than two days, I recommend you consider some of these activities that Paraty is famous for:

• Visit a cachaça distillery for a short tour and tasting.
• Hike to a local viewpoint such as Pão de Açúcar above Paraty.
• Take a boat or tour to Saco do Mamanguá and its viewpoints.
• Try mangrove kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding in the bay.
• Browse galleries and shops for local art and handicrafts.
• Join live-music bars at weekends for a later evening.

What it costs: simple Paraty budget for 1–2 days

Getting to Paraty and how to get around

Paraty looks close to Rio and São Paulo on maps, but the coast road winds and journeys are longer than they appear. However with a bit of planning it was easier than I thought it would be

Bus from Rio to Paraty

Coaches run from Rio’s main bus station to Paraty, usually via the coastal road. Daytime departures are easiest because you can see the scenery and arrive in daylight.

Time 4.5–6 hours • Cost typical €20–€35 per person

Bus from São Paulo to Paraty

Coaches from São Paulo take a fast inland highway, then drop down towards the coast. It is a long but straightforward journey on a proper coach.

Time 6–7.5 hours • Cost typical €25–€40 per person

Private transfers and car hire for Rio and São Paulo

Private transfers and car hire offer more control over stops and timings and can shorten door-to-door time, especially with children or lots of luggage.

Time 4–5.5 hours from Rio, 5–7 hours from São Paulo • Cost typical €150–€300 per car depending on route and season

Book your option here

From Ilha Grande to Paraty

Many first-time visitors link Ilha Grande and Paraty in the same trip. This is exactly what we did (see my Ilha Grande travel guide) and I highly recommend it. The route is straightforward once you know the options.

Shared boat + shuttle transfers

The simplest option is a combined speedboat and shuttle ticket from Vila do Abraão to Paraty. You take a fast boat to the mainland (usually Conceição de Jacareí or Angra dos Reis), then a minivan or bus on to Paraty. There are several departures a day, often around late morning and mid afternoon, and services run in both directions.

Time 3–4 hours door to door • Cost about R$260–R$350 (about $50–$65 or £40–£52) per person

Book your option here

DIY ferry + bus route

If you want to save money and do it yourself, you can take a regular boat from Vila do Abraão to Angra dos Reis, then a local bus from Angra to Paraty. The bus run is frequent and takes around 1.5–2 hours, but you need to line up boat times, the TurisAngra island fee and bus tickets yourself, and allow for waiting between legs.

Time 4-6 hours door to door • Cost about R$100–R$220 (about $20–$45 or £16–£35) per person

Can you visit Paraty as a day trip?

In theory you can squeeze Paraty into a very long day from Rio or São Paulo by car or on a tour. In practice, most of the day would be spent on the road with very little time in town. I recommend you don’t do this, as it’s not the best use of your time in Brazil.

If you are already staying somewhere nearby along the coast with shorter driving times, a day trip becomes more realistic.

Do you need a car in Paraty and how to reach Trindade and waterfalls

You do not need a car for a 1–2 day stay in Paraty. Most short-stay visitors:

• Walk to and around the historic centre and pier
• Use local buses or tours for Trindade and the waterfalls
• Use taxis or Uber when available for late returns or heavy bags

A car can still help if you have specific side trips or mobility needs, but parking close to the historic grid is limited and you cannot drive on the cobbles anyway.

Is Paraty safe for first-time visitors and solo travellers?

The historic centre and waterfront feel relaxed, especially in the early evening when people stroll and eat out. Standard city habits still apply: keep valuables out of sight, use official taxis or trusted transfers, and avoid very dark, empty streets late at night.

My Top Tip! If you arrive after dark, have the first night’s accommodation confirmed, directions saved offline and a simple plan for getting from the bus station to your pousada.

Paraty with kids and older travellers

For families, key points are:

• Cobblestones. Pushchairs and wheeled luggage are awkward on the old stones. A carrier is often easier for toddlers in the centre.
• Timing. Restaurants often start to fill later than many families are used to. Plan snacks or an early light meal for younger children.
• Activities. Boat trips, farm visits, short walks and natural pools all work well with kids if you build in breaks and shade.

For older travellers or anyone with mobility limits:

• Ask pousadas about ground-floor rooms, steps and walking distance from where taxis can stop.
• Choose boat tours with easy boarding and shaded seating.
• Keep Trindade or waterfall visits flexible so you can adapt if paths feel too uneven on the day.

Quick Paraty FAQs for first-time visitors

Final thoughts: is Paraty worth the detour?

If you have one or two spare days between Rio and São Paulo and like the idea of a slower coastal stop with boats, cobbles and nature, Paraty earns its place and then some. With a simple plan and realistic travel times, it can be a  highlight rather than a stressful detour. I was so pleased we did it and would recommend!