Tour guides Brazil > Paraty

5 ideas for guided tours in Paraty

• Paraty’s historic center

  

  In the white morning light, Paraty’s historic center wakes slowly, its shutters bright against pale walls. Uneven cobblestones still damp from the tide, a horse cart creaking past. Walking comes naturally, the town sets its own pace.

  Churches dot the route, each with its character. The Santa Rita Church, facing the sea, carries a mix of salt air and quiet grace. Nearby, artisan workshops, shaded courtyards, murmurs of conversation drift out to the street.

  When the need for green calls, the old Caminho do Ouro road climbs into the forest, wet stones underfoot, the sound of water close by. Or the bay opens toward Saco do Mamanguá, a narrow arm of sea between mountains, light shifting hour by hour. Two directions, two moods, the same feeling of stepping out of time.

• Slide Naturel de Penha

  

  Sliding down the smooth rock of Penha’s natural toboggan feels playful, almost effortless. Water has polished this stone for centuries, and both locals and travelers let themselves go, laughter echoing through the surrounding forest.

  The dense canopy keeps the place shaded and cool, the constant sound of nearby cascades never far. The Tarzan Waterfall, a short walk away, adds another swim in a setting framed by tree roots and hanging vines. Beyond, the path leads to quiet hamlets where life moves at a slower pace.

  Trails leaving the site trace the old link between these rivers and the communities along the Caminho do Ouro. Stone bridges, mossy steps, whitewashed houses appear here and there, set against the deep green of the mountains. It feels like stepping back in time, the kind of moment that lingers.

• The village of Trindade

  

  Set at the edge of the Atlantic Forest, Trindade draws those who like to walk barefoot in the sand. The beaches follow one another, some pounded by surf, others sheltered by rocks that form natural pools. The place keeps a slightly wild feel, the sea setting the pace.

  Praia do Meio is the most social, easy to reach and lively, dotted with colorful boats and small beach huts. Further along, Praia do Cachadaço shows a wilder face, waves crashing hard against the coast. Beyond that, the Cachadaço natural pools offer calm swimming in clear water, protected by massive granite boulders.

  Trails leading out of the village weave between jungle and hidden coves. Streams, giant ferns, the smell of damp earth and salt accompany the walk. At certain points, the view suddenly opens wide, revealing the whole coastline, a striking contrast with the deep green of the forest.

• Mamangua Bay

  

  Not far from Paraty, Mamangua Bay stretches out like a long tropical fjord. Mountains plunge into the water, cloaked in dense vegetation, and the sea shifts colors with the light. It feels like a secret place, one that’s hard to forget once you’ve seen it.

  You can follow the bay by canoe or kayak, stopping in tiny deserted coves. Locals often mention Sugarloaf Peak, a steep hill with a sweeping view over the entire bay. Below, a few fishing villages keep a disarming simplicity, with colorful houses and boats pulled up on the sand.

  Trails climbing from the shore lead to stunning viewpoints. The walk can be steep, but every pause reveals a new perspective. In the distance, the open sea appears, and on clear days, the outline of Paraty can be seen along the coast.

• Hiking in the Serra da Bocaina

  

  Above Paraty rises the Serra da Bocaina, a vast expanse of green where dense forest, waterfalls, and misty ridges stretch into the distance. Dirt roads wind into a landscape where time seems slower, broken only by birdsong and the constant rush of water coming down from the heights.

  Hikers often head for cachoeira Santo Izidro or cachoeira das Posses, two spectacular waterfalls hidden deep in the vegetation. Farther on, the trilha do Ouro, an old stone path once used to transport gold, tells part of Brazil’s colonial story. Walking on those uneven stones, it’s easy to picture the caravans that once passed here.

  As you climb higher, the scenery shifts. Thick forests give way to grassy plateaus swept by the wind, with views reaching all the way to the ocean. The weather can change in moments, sudden fog then clear sky, giving the place an elusive, almost mystical atmosphere.