| Duration: | 8 Hour(s) - 0 Minute(s) |
| Tour Category: | Full Day Tours |
The historical city of Paraty with its cobblestone streets and churches in the beautiful surrounding countryside was founded in 1667 and grew big because of its many plantations of sugarcane. It even got the fame of producing the best cachaca (local strong drink).
In the 18th century, during the golden fever, Paraty was used as an important port for the transportation of gold and precious stones from the state of Minas Gerais to Portugal. However, constant attacks of pirates obliged the port to be moved elsewhere, bringing Parati into an economically isolated position. Only in the 70 when the railroad Rio-Santos was constructed did Paraty receive visitors again: this time they were tourists that come to admire the historical city in a tropical paradise.
Pick up in the morning from your hotel in Rio and transfer to Parati (3 hours). Historical tour through Parati and the possibility of the tour on Caminho de Ouro (Golden road), the way over which gold was transported from Minas Gerais. In the afternoon we head back for Rio de Janeiro. We strongly advise you to spend at least 2 days in Parati, giving you a chance to do a boat tour around its wonderful tropical beaches.
More About Paraty:
Paraty is a charming little town in the southern tip of the Rio de Janeiro state. Once a thriving gold port, it is now a popular artist refuge and tourist hotspot, with its Portuguese colonial architect and outstanding natural wonders undoubtedly its key appeals. The region is rich in activities and attractions; be sure to check out these top ten things to do during your stay there.
A visit to the historical center of Paraty is a must and makes up an important part of the town’s charm and heritage. The Portuguese legacy is etched into the buildings’ architecture that preserves the distinct colonial design of white houses with brightly colored door and window frames, and the cobbled streets that connect them. Be sure to spend some time absorbing the sights in Matriz Square and take a stroll over to the Santa Rita church and its surrounding houses.
A boat trip to some of the nearby natural wonders is one of the best activities that Paraty has to offer. The boat tours usually leave the port at 11 a.m. and come back four hours later. It offers the chance to see some of the region’s most beautiful beaches and coves, such as beach Praia da Lula, Praia Vermelha, and Praia de Santa Rita. The boats come equipped with snorkeling gear to check out the local marine life, food and drinks, including caipirinhas.
Explore the Jabaquara Mangroves
To access the mangroves, you need to cross Jabaquara beach and the only way to do that is by sea, which adds an extra element of adventure to the expedition. The best and most fun way of doing that is by hiring a kayak and rowing over, which gives the chance of getting right up close to the mangroves. Continue through the mangroves until you reach the outstanding Saquinho do Corumbê, which is a small sea bay with crystal-clear waters.
