Cobblestone streets, 18th-century churches and colonial townhouses form one of the best-preserved ensembles in Brazil. Free of cars, the historic centre is best explored on foot, at an easy pace.
Between the streets you will find art galleries, studios, shops selling caiçara and indigenous crafts, bookshops and cafés. At night, the lit-up façades and live music change the town’s rhythm.
The bay of Paraty has dozens of islands and calm-water beaches. From the pier, a 5-minute walk from the pousada, schooners, speedboats and fishing boats leave for full-day trips with stops for swimming and snorkelling.
By car or boat you can reach Trindade, Paraty-Mirim, São Gonçalo and the Saco do Mamanguá fjord. Closer by, Pontal and Jabaquara beaches are just a few minutes away.
Since 2017 Paraty has been part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network for gastronomy. Local cuisine blends indigenous, Portuguese, African and caiçara heritage, with fresh fish and seafood and produce from family farms.
The town has everything from chef-led restaurants to beach kiosks. Reception can recommend and book tables.
Paraty has been making cachaça for four centuries; in colonial times, “paraty” became a synonym for sugarcane spirit. It was the first cachaça in Brazil with a protected geographical indication.
Traditional distilleries around the town open their doors for visits and tastings. Every August the town hosts the Festival da Cachaça, Cultura e Sabores.
The mountains around Paraty hide waterfalls of cool, crystal-clear water, natural pools and trails through the Atlantic Forest, many of them on the way to the distilleries.
Jeep tours combine waterfalls, distilleries and stretches of the old Gold Trail.
Paraty’s calendar is full: FLIP, the Paraty International Literary Festival, of which Pousada do Ouro is a partner pousada; the Festa do Divino, one of the town’s most traditional religious celebrations; and the Bourbon Festival Paraty, dedicated to jazz and blues, along with many other events and festivities throughout the year.
Check availability or talk to our team to plan your days in town.
