For sweeping bay views, climb to this historic Portuguese fort. First built in 1703 and rebuilt in 1822, its original purpose was to defend the gold passing through Paraty's port from pirate raids. The fort's small museum has rotating exhibits on local history and culture; just heed the cryptic signs warning against descending the steep slopes ('high index of accidents with oysters'!). It's 20 minutes' walk north of town on Morro da Vila Velha (the hill past Praia do Pontal).
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
9.48 MILES
About 25km south of Paraty, Trindade occupies a long sweep of stunningly beautiful coastline. Here you can lounge or hike along four of Brazil’s most…
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17.15 MILES
Ubatuba's most coveted beach destination is this tiny, 58-hectare island that is paradise in every sense of the word. Golden sands, lush rainforest and…
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6.65 MILES
This gorgeous fjord-shaped inlet cuts a narrow 7km channel into the mountains southeast of Paraty. Various Paraty-based tour companies offer boat trips…
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3.37 MILES
Opened in 2017, this unique park is part nature reserve, part historic site. The grounds shelter 260 species of birds, walking trails, a mini-farm where…
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5.38 MILES
For accessibility, cost and beauty, this tranquil beach 17km southeast of Paraty is hard to beat. The adjacent chapel, dating to 1686, was the first…
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3.37 MILES
Set beside the rushing Rio da Pedra Branca, Paratiana offers free tours of its cachaça distillery, where gleaming stills share space with giant casks of…
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9.87 MILES
This stunning beach, about 35km southeast of Paraty, is accessible only by foot or boat. Catch a Colitur bus to Laranjeiras (R$4.25, 40 minutes) and then…
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2.78 MILES
This acclaimed cachaça distillery, 10km north of Paraty, often places within the top 10 or 20 in nationwide competitions. Call at least a day ahead to…
Nearby Paraty attractions
0.41 MILES
This church of the colonial white elite was built in 1800 and renovated in 1901. It's generally off-limits to the public, though you can occasionally…
0.44 MILES
Built in 1787 on the site of two previous 17th-century churches, this 'mother' church on Paraty's main square legendarily got financing for its…
0.5 MILES
In a beautiful colonial mansion, Paraty’s Casa da Cultura hosts rotating exhibitions and events, with a focus on local culture. There are nice views of…
4. Igreja NS do Rosário e São Benedito dos Homens Pretos
0.52 MILES
Built in 1725 by and for slaves, and renovated in 1857, the church has gilded wooden altars dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary, St Benedict and St John…
5. Igreja Santa Rita dos Pardos Libertos
0.61 MILES
Built in 1722, this was the church for freed persons of mixed black and white ancestry. Nowadays it houses a tiny museum of sacred art and has some fine…
2.78 MILES
This acclaimed cachaça distillery, 10km north of Paraty, often places within the top 10 or 20 in nationwide competitions. Call at least a day ahead to…
3.37 MILES
Set beside the rushing Rio da Pedra Branca, Paratiana offers free tours of its cachaça distillery, where gleaming stills share space with giant casks of…
3.37 MILES
Opened in 2017, this unique park is part nature reserve, part historic site. The grounds shelter 260 species of birds, walking trails, a mini-farm where…