Paraty is the ideal destination for runners who want to combine the challenge of trails with family fun. With its unique blend of lush nature, historical culture, and leisure options, the city offers opportunities for athletes and their families to enjoy together. While runners explore the region's trails and mountains, their companions can delight in the beaches, islands, cultural tours, and rich local cuisine, making Paraty a complete experience for all tastes and ages.
Nature and Outdoor Adventures
Hiking and Trails
Paraty is a paradise for trails, offering paths through the Atlantic Forest that reveal breathtaking landscapes. The hike to Pedra da Macela, at an altitude of 1,840 meters, rewards adventurers with a sweeping view of the Bay of Angra. The Serra da Bocaina National Park also provides an immersive experience, with refreshing waterfalls and rich biodiversity along the trails.
Another highlight is Saco do Mamanguá, where the trail to Pico do Pão de Açúcar reveals Brazil's only tropical fjord. Each of these trails offers a unique connection to nature, making Paraty an unmissable destination for those seeking adventure and contemplation.
Boat Tours and Islands
Boat tours in Paraty are an excellent way to explore the beautiful islands and beaches in the region, offering an experience that delights both adventure seekers and families looking for relaxation. Ilha dos Cocos, with its crystal-clear waters, is perfect for a relaxing day of swimming and snorkeling among colorful fish. Other stops, like Ilha Comprida, showcase vibrant marine life, giving visitors a chance to connect with nature.
Beyond the islands, boat tours include breathtaking views of the coastline and the Atlantic Forest, which frames the shore with its lush greenery. With routes ranging from secluded beaches to lively spots, these tours are an exceptional way to experience Paraty’s marine diversity and create unforgettable memories for all ages.
Diving
Diving tours in Paraty are an unmissable experience for those looking to explore marine life in one of Brazil’s most beautiful coastal destinations. With calm, crystal-clear waters, the region offers diving spots that captivate both beginners and experienced divers. Islands like Ilha dos Meros and Ilha Comprida are renowned for their biodiversity, where visitors can observe schools of colorful fish, sea turtles, coral reefs, and other species typical of the submerged Atlantic Forest.
Several dive operators in Paraty offer complete tours, with specialized guides and safety equipment, providing a secure and unforgettable experience. Whether snorkeling or scuba diving, visitors have the chance to discover a vibrant underwater world, brimming with color and life, making Paraty a true paradise for sea and nature lovers.
History and Culture
Historic Center
The Historic Center of Paraty is a true colonial treasure where visitors can immerse themselves in the history and charm of a city that authentically preserves its heritage. With its cobblestone streets and colorful 18th-century mansions, the center enchants at every corner, transporting those who pass through to a time when Paraty was a major gold-exporting hub. The historic buildings, including churches and townhouses, are meticulously preserved, offering a journey through time in a nationally recognized heritage setting.
Beyond its unique architecture, the Historic Center provides a rich cultural and gastronomic experience. Local craft shops, art galleries, charming cafes, and restaurants serving everything from traditional caiçara dishes to high-end cuisine enhance the experience. For visitors, exploring the center is a complete journey that unites history, culture, and flavors all in one place.
Distilleries
Visits to the distilleries in Paraty are a must for anyone interested in experiencing the time-honored tradition of cachaça production in the region. Recognized as one of the birthplaces of this iconic Brazilian spirit, Paraty preserves artisanal distillation techniques, involving careful selection of sugarcane and copper distillation processes. During the tour, visitors can follow each step of production, from cane grinding to aging in wooden barrels, where the cachaça develops its unique flavor and aroma.
Beyond the production process, Paraty's distilleries offer tastings of various types of cachaça, including oak-aged varieties and fruit-infused blends, delivering a rich, authentic sensory experience. Visitors can also purchase exclusive products and learn about the cultural significance of cachaça to the region. Distillery visits provide a chance to connect with local culture, savor a traditional beverage, and take home a special memory of Paraty.
Gastronomy and Local Experiences
Haute Cuisine
Paraty is also a destination that delights the palate, offering haute cuisine that combines fresh regional ingredients with creativity and sophistication. Local restaurants highlight the rich caiçara tradition with dishes ranging from the freshest seafood to unique ingredients from the Atlantic Forest. Many establishments embrace a “farm-to-table” philosophy, using organic produce cultivated locally, often from agroforestry areas.
Beyond regional flavors, the city offers a diverse culinary experience, with chefs blending international influences and contemporary techniques into their creations. The charming settings of many restaurants, particularly in the Historic Center, create a warm and authentic atmosphere where memorable meals can be enjoyed with views of the colonial architecture. In Paraty, haute cuisine celebrates local flavors, making each meal an immersion into the culture and essence of the region.
Fazenda Bananal
Known for its commitment to sustainability, Fazenda Bananal promotes agroforestry practices and maintains organic gardens that supply the local restaurant and café, offering a unique farm-to-table culinary experience.
Beyond gastronomy, Fazenda Bananal provides activities that connect visitors with the nature and culture of Paraty. Ecological trails, guided tours, socio-environmental projects, and educational workshops are part of the available experiences, all aligned with environmental conservation and the appreciation of local culture. Fazenda Bananal invites those who wish to reconnect with nature, savor authentic flavors, and support initiatives that preserve the environment and enrich the community.
Cachoeira 7 Quedas
Cachoeira 7 Quedas is one of Paraty’s most enchanting natural destinations, ideal for adventurers seeking a direct connection with nature. Nestled in the heart of the Atlantic Forest, this waterfall features a sequence of seven cascading falls that form natural pools of crystal-clear water, offering moments of relaxation and contemplation.
Beyond being an ideal spot to cool off, Cachoeira 7 Quedas is surrounded by lush vegetation and rich biodiversity, creating a scenic backdrop of peace and beauty. The trail to access it is a pleasant hike that allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the local nature, making a visit to the waterfall an unforgettable experience for those looking to explore the wild, authentic side of Paraty.