The Ultimate Brazil Travel Guide: Paraty

Things to know before you go

Paraty is a historic town located on the Costa Verde (Green Coast) of Brazil between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. It is best known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, as well as its natural surroundings:

• Colonial Architecture: Paraty is one of Brazil’s best-preserved colonial towns, with cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings, and colorful doorways that transport visitors back to the 17th century. The town was once a major port for the export of gold and coffee, and its historic center has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

• Flooding Tradition: One of the most unique and fascinating aspects of Paraty is its intentional flooding. The town was designed to allow the sea to flood its streets during high tide, particularly during full moons. This was intended as a way to clean the streets, but today it creates a beautiful visual effect, with the water reflecting the colorful colonial buildings.

• Historical Distilleries: Paraty has a deep connection to cachaça, Brazil’s national spirit made from sugarcane. The town is home to some of the country’s oldest and most respected cachaça distilleries, many of which have been producing cachaca for centuries. These distilleries offer tours where visitors can learn about the traditional methods of cachaça production. You can reach many of these distilleries by public bus or Uber. Some of the most famous distilleries include Engenho D’Ouro, Paratiana, and Coqueiro.

• Beaches and Islands: The coastline around Paraty is dotted with stunning beaches and idyllic islands, accessible by boat. Popular spots include Praia do Sono, Praia de Trindade, and the Saco do Mamanguá fjord.

• Hiking and Ecotourism: For those who love nature and adventure, Paraty offers numerous hiking trails through the surrounding Atlantic Forest. The trails range from easy walks to more challenging treks, leading to waterfalls, natural pools, and scenic viewpoints. The Serra da Bocaina National Park, located nearby, is a prime destination for ecotourism, with opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.

• Paraty International Literary Festival (FLIP): Paraty International Literary Festival, or FLIP, is held annually and attracts writers, poets, and intellectuals from around the world.

Travel insurance for Paraty

Travel insurance is not just a nice-to-have, it is an important safety-net that can prevent a stressful incident from turning into a costly and time-consuming disaster. The reality is that unexpected events can happen on any trip. Even something as simple as missing a connecting flight can lead to unexpected accommodation and transport costs. If you become unwell, medical bills in another country can quickly become expensive. Without insurance, you have to handle all of this on your own in an unfamiliar environment, possibly in a language you do not speak.

I have personally relied on travel insurance multiple times, including when I had belongings stolen in Europe, fell sick while travelling in Asia, and had flights cancelled. In each case, the support I received meant I could focus on solving the problem instead of worrying about costs.

For a small daily cost, you can be covered for a wide range of scenarios, from theft to delayed flights and medical emergencies. Having one phone number to call and a company that deals with the problem for you is worth far more than the price of the policy. I personally use Safety Wing, and I recommend them to friends, family, and anyone travelling internationally. You can get a quote here.