Paraty Paraty

Paraty

Founded in 1667, located 232 km from the city of Rio de Janeiro, Paraty is an example of preservation and wealth of colonial architecture and its historical center is preserved by the Instituto do Patrimônio Histórico e Artístico Nacional (Iphan).

The city boasts a unique architectural ensemble consisting of the churches of Santa Rita, Nossa Senhora do Rosário, Nossa Senhora das Dores and the Matriz de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, besides the Forte Defensor Perpétuo, the Santa Casa de Misericórdia and other townhouses.

The city’s port was of the upmost importance during the gold cycle in Brasil, because it was at the port that the gold and precious stone production went from Minas Gerais to Portugal.

Paray is part of the Estrada Real, the country's largest tourist route (1630 km covering three States - Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo). It is also part of the Serra da Bocaina National Park, a nature reserve of 110 thousand acres of steep valleys and rich fauna and flora.

Important tourist location, it is surrounded by approximately 50 beaches and 65 islands, and its marine territory is constantly crossed by sailboats, schooners and other vessels.

Paraty can be considered the capital of diving. For being "a bay inside the bay of Ilha Grande" there's hardly a need to suspend a tour due to bad weather. Look for a tourism agency in the region and enjoy this wonder.

The waterfalls that surround the city are also worth your time and attention, the Cachoeira da Pedra Branca, Cachoeira da Penha/Tobogã, Cachoeira da Toca da Ingraça, Cachoeira de Iririguaçu, Cachoeira da Pedra Lisa/Itaquari.

The cachaça production in the region is a tradition. There are several stills, some open to visitation.

Paraty is home to the famous International Literary Festival (Flip). Traditional event held in the city between June and July, with the presence of important national and international writers.