The main attraction of Paraty is its historic core, a National Heritage Site with beautifully preserved colonial architecture. In contrast to the ornate baroque opulence of Ouro Preto, Paraty was a port, a working class kind of town. The architecture is simple and colonial. Even the churches and municipal buildings seemed to have been built more for daily use than as a statement of wealth.

Paraty first grew in importance in the 1800s when it became the main shipping port for the gold from the mines of Minas Gerais. The gold was transported down windy trails and cobblestone roads from Ouro Preto to the coast, where it was loaded on ships sailing for Portugal. Once gold became scarce, Paraty switched to coffee, but with the abolishment of slavery in 1888, that too dried up and Paraty faded to near oblivion; the population fell from 16.000 in its glory days to 600 in the early 1900s. From a heritage perspective it was the city's saving grace.

In 1966 the historic colonial center of Paraty was declared a State Heritage Site and later converted to a National Heritage Site by IPHAN (Institute for National Artistic and Historical Heritage). Today it is being considered as a World Heritage Site. To preserve its unique pre-modern character, cars were and are banished from the old colonial core. In the heart of the city it's pedestrians only. Radical as that may sound, it actually works rather well.

The region surrounding the city adds much to Paraty's quiet beauty. The hills are still mostly covered in lush green coastal rainforest, and the waters around Paraty, dotted with 65 islands, are tropical turquoise, warm and crystal clear, perfect for snorkeling, swimming, or scuba diving.

1- Depart Rio de Janeiro - Arrival in Paraty
Meet and greet at the hotel or airport in Rio de Janeiro and arrival transfer to your pousada in Paraty. The charming colonial town of Paraty is located 250 km (approximately 4 hours) southwest of Rio de Janeiro City, with 65% of the area of the town inside of the National Park of Serra da Bocaina.

2- Paraty
City Tour as walk through the sixteen pedestrian walkways of the historical center. The guide will tell you about legends and history of the last century, visiting churches, museum, and old houses. The tour is perfect for taking pictures and videos. You may change the date of this tour at your convenience.

3- Paraty
Jeep Tour with guide into the beautiful surroundings of the National Park of Serra da Bocaina with it’s preserved Rain Forest (leaving at 10:30am from Paraty). The first stop is at the Gold Trail, where you can know a little about the history and trek afterwards to some beautiful waterfalls. Second stop is to visit an old distillery of cachaça, where you can taste different kinds of cachaça and see its artesian process of fabrication. The last stop is at Exhibition of Bromeliads, where you have contact with more than 300 species of beautiful plants. You may change the date of this tour at your convenience.

4- Depart Paraty - Arrival in Rio de Janeiro - Next City
Check-out at noon. Transfer to the hotel or airport in Rio de Janeiro. Homebound flight or proceed to your next destination.

Land-Only prices in US-Dollars per person in double occupancy (single supplement available), including:

• Roundtrip transfer Hotel or Airport GIG or SDU in Rio de Janeiro/Pousada in Paraty/Hotel or Airport GIG or SDU in Rio de Janeiro by regular shuttle service featuring air-conditioned vehicle with driver only, servicing various hotels and pousadas in Paraty.

• City Tour Historical Paraty as walk (private) with English speaking guide. The churches and museum charge a tax for the tickets (approximately US$ 8-10 per person) which is NOT included.

• Jeep Tour to the Gold Trail, Waterfalls and Distillery (SIB) with English speaking guide.

• Accommodation in the pousada of your choice.

• Daily Brazilian buffet breakfast, unless indicated above.

• Meals as per description (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner).

• Hotel taxes.

-> To reduce or extend number of nights in this package, simply click on the hotel of your choice and check the desired period.

To receive more information, please email us at office@opcotours.com.