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Paraty, Brazil
Paraty is a gem of colonial Brazilian architecture, set on a bay surrounded by forested mountains and dotted with islands. The historic center is entirely car-free, with irregular cobblestones (deliberately designed to flood at high tide and clean themselves) creating a charmingly uneven walking surface. Whitewashed buildings with brightly painted doors and window frames line narrow streets that open onto small plazas with 18th-century churches. The town was a major port during the gold rush, shipping gold from Minas Gerais to Portugal, and its wealth is reflected in the colonial architecture that has survived remarkably intact. Paraty's food scene blends Brazilian, Portuguese, and indigenous influences, with cachaça (sugar cane spirit) distilleries in the surrounding countryside producing some of the finest in Brazil. The bay offers boat trips to deserted beaches and snorkeling spots, while the surrounding Atlantic Forest has waterfalls and hiking trails along the Gold Trail — the original colonial route.
explore by interest
Paraty's cobblestones are extremely uneven and flood at high tide — wear sturdy sandals or shoes and expect wet feet. The flooding is part of the town's charm and helps keep the streets clean.
April through June and August through October offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds. July brings FLIP, and summer (December through February) is the busiest beach season.