- Paraty Explorer
- Jul 11, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 9
Wondering what are the best things to do in Paraty? With its colonial charm, tropical islands, lush rainforest and calm bay, Paraty is one of Brazil’s most beautiful and varied destinations. To help you make the most of your stay, we’ve put together a 3 day itinerary in Paraty that combines history, culture, adventure and nature – everything that makes Paraty so special.
Whether you’re looking for relaxing Paraty tours, local experiences or outdoor adventures, this itinerary is designed to show you the very best of the area.
Day 01: Discover Paraty's History on a City Tour
Start your stay with a journey back in time. The cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and colourful doors of Paraty’s historic centre are best explored on foot with a knowledgeable local guide.
A City Tour of Paraty brings to life the stories behind the beautifully preserved architecture, gold trade and Portuguese influence. You’ll learn about the city’s role in the Gold Trail, visit colonial churches and hear tales of pirates, festivals and floods.
This relaxed walking tour (2 hours duration) is the ideal introduction to Paraty and a great way to get your bearings before exploring further afield.
See City Tour in Paraty for more info and photos.
Day 02: Explore the Bay of Paraty by Kayak
No trip to Paraty is complete without getting out on the water. Surrounded by calm, protected waters and tropical islands, Paraty’s bay is a paradise for sea kayaking.
Join our Mangrove, Beaches and Islands by Kayak Tour for a unique perspective of the coastline. Paddle through mangroves, visit sandy beaches and stop for a swim or snorkel in the clear waters. Keep an eye out for turtles, a rich variety of sea birds and leaping fish along the way!
Opting for the kayak tour means you also get to visit the mangrove as it is not accessible any other way. For many people visiting this extraordinary tidal forest is the unexpected highlight of their time in Paraty. Take the tour and find out why it was recognised as one of the top 1% of things to do worldwide by Tripadvisor Travellers!
This eco-friendly adventure is suitable for beginners and one of the most memorable Paraty tours for those who love nature and being active.
See Kayak tour to Mangrove, Beaches and Islands for more info and photos. Tour operates daily 9am to 1pm, with advance booking.
Looking for something less strenuous?
Then try this Plan B: a Private Boat tour of the bay of Paraty. This is an active and fun day out exploring the bay stopping at beaches and islands for swimming, snorkeling and stand up paddleboarding.
Day 03: Gold Trail Atlantic Forest Walk
For your final day, head inland to discover the lush rainforest that surrounds Paraty. The Gold Trail Atlantic Forest Walk follows the original stone path built by enslaved people in the 18th century to transport gold from Minas Gerais to Paraty.
Today, it’s a beautiful forest trail where you can walk under the canopy of the Atlantic Forest, visit waterfalls and learn about the rich biodiversity and cultural history of the region.
Your local guide will share stories of the Gold Trail’s past and point out native plants and wildlife that make this area so special.
At the end of the walk there is time for a refreshing swim in the natural pools and waterfalls, including the Toboggan Rockslide (pictured below), before a visit to a cachaça (rum) distillery.
See Gold Trail Atlantic Forest Walk for more info and photos
More Things to Do in Paraty
If you have more time, Paraty has plenty to offer: boat trips around the bay, cachaca distillery visits, jungle hikes and nearby beaches like Trindade or Sono.
Whether you’re here for a weekend or a week, you’ll find endless things to do in Paraty – from relaxing by the sea to exploring its rich culture and natural beauty.
For authentic, locally guided experiences, check out our range of Paraty tours designed to help you discover the best of this UNESCO World Heritage town.
Book Early to Avoid Disappointment!
Got any questions? Ready to book? Then please do get in touch: info@paratyexplorer.com
Whilst we’ll do our best to take last minute bookings it is best to book in advance to avoid disappointment. If you do need to cancel for whatever reason we offer full refund for cancellations 24 hours or more before the tour’s scheduled start.
The tours recommended here are a great way to spend 3 days in Paraty.
