Paraty is a charming historic city located on the southern coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro, known for its cobblestone streets, colonial mansions, and stunning natural beauty. This one-day itinerary will guide you through the main tourist attractions and incredible experiences that Paraty has to offer.
But since unfortunately, a day is not enough time to see everything that our Brazilian Venice has to offer, we will give you some tips on the activities we enjoy the most, so you can choose between a boat tour or hiking trails. If you enjoy long walks with amazing views, we strongly recommend the trails! On the other hand, if you want to enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil, the boat tour is for you!
At the end of the text, we will provide amazing tips for tours with other reliable agencies through Civitatis.
Get ready for an incredible journey!
Morning
- Breakfast in the historic center
Start your day at one of the charming cafes located in Paraty’s historic center. Enjoy a delicious breakfast with fresh bread, tropical fruits, and natural juices while taking in the colonial architecture and the enchanting atmosphere around you.
Our recommendations are Café Café Paraty and Padaria Esperança. Located at Rua Comendador José Luis, No. 4, in the Historic Center (near Praça do Chafariz), Café Café Paraty offers top-notch coffee and is one of the best cafes in town. Just down the same street is Padaria Esperança, which has been producing traditional sweets and bread since 1900.
After breakfast, there are several different options for what to do. We recommend a trail hike with a jeep tour, a boat tour, or simply enjoying a beach near the historic center.
- Hiking in the Atlantic Forest
After breakfast, it’s time to explore the lush Atlantic Forest surrounding Paraty. Choose one of the available trails, such as the Trilha do Ouro or Trilha do Saco do Mamanguá, and embark on a guided walk through the forest. Take the opportunity to admire the local flora and fauna, discover waterfalls, and enjoy the peace and tranquility of this natural environment.
In addition to trails and beaches, Paraty is also home to stunning waterfalls, and we always recommend paying them a visit.
- Boat tour of Paraty Bay
In the morning, embark on a boat tour of the stunning Paraty Bay. Explore the islands and paradisiacal beaches of the region, such as Ilha Comprida and Praia do Sono. Take a swim in crystal-clear waters, go snorkeling, and relax under the sun. A typical local cuisine lunch will be served on board during the tour.
in Paraty
Find out everything you need to know about boat tours in the city and which one is ideal for you. At the end of the text, we will provide a recommendation for a trusted boat tour agency.
What to do in Paraty in 1 day – Afternoon
If you opted for the boat tour, you probably already had lunch during the excursion. If you chose another activity like a trail or a beach near the city, now is the perfect time for lunch.
- Lunch at a restaurant in the historic center
After the morning tour, take the opportunity to have lunch at one of the wonderful restaurants in the city. Indulge in fresh seafood such as shrimp, fish, and lobster, accompanied by a refreshing caipirinha.
Here are some of our recommendations for where to have lunch:
Located very close to Praça Matriz, one of the busiest spots in the historic center, Prosa Restaurante offers great food options and an excellent drinks menu! Try their signature drink called Prosa, it’s delicious!
Address: R. da Cadeia, 267 – Centro Histórico, Paraty – RJ
Price: $$
Established in 1965 by the late Agílio Ramos, also known as “Careca,” and his wife, the spirited Dona Ilza, the restaurant became known for Dona Ilza’s delicious treats and Agílio’s playful nature. Caramujo serves traditional cuisine with family recipes and local Paraty dishes.
Address: R. Domingos Gonçalves de Abreu, 328 – Centro Histórico, Paraty – RJ
Price: $$ – $$$
Highlighted for its seafood dishes, excellent service, and fair prices, Arte & Sabor is a restaurant that represents the spirit that Paraty wants to convey to its visitors. Warm hospitality, good gastronomy, quality cachaça, and creating unforgettable memories.
Address: R. Dr. Samuel Costa, 245 – Centro, Paraty – RJ
Price: $$
In this text, we have shown you some of the best restaurants in Paraty. It also includes other great options for lunch and dinner.
- Tour of the historic center
After lunch, take a walk through Paraty’s historic center. Explore its cobblestone streets, admire the colorful facades of preserved colonial mansions. Visit the Church of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, the Museum of Sacred Art, and the Municipal Market. Take the opportunity to explore the various local craft shops and taste the famous cachaças produced in the region.
Please note that Free Walker Tours offers a wonderful free walking tour in the city, where they share the history and curiosities of the Brazilian Venice, as well as tips on how to make the most of Paraty.
In this text, we talked a bit about the historic center and its curiosities.
Evening
- Dinner at a local restaurant
In the evening, choose one of the charming restaurants in Paraty’s historic center to enjoy a special dinner. The city offers a variety of gastronomic options, from traditional restaurants serving regional dishes to establishments with international cuisine. Try typical regional dishes such as fish moqueca or feijoada. Don’t forget to check out our text with more restaurant recommendations!
- Nighttime stroll through the historic center
After dinner, take a leisurely stroll through Paraty’s historic center. The illuminated streets and colonial facades create a magical atmosphere at night. Explore souvenir shops, visit art galleries, and enjoy the city’s nightlife. Be sure to try one of the famous local cachaças and craft beers at one of the bars or taverns in the area.
It’s worth mentioning that Paraty hosts the famous Cachaça Festival annually.
Here are a few more tips on what to do in Paraty at night.
As promised, here are our recommendations for great tours with trusted agencies through Civitatis.
This one-day itinerary in Paraty allows you to explore the natural beauty, history, and culture of this charming Brazilian city. Remember to take some time to relax and appreciate the unique atmosphere of Paraty. Every moment in this magical destination will surely be unforgettable.
If you wish to stay longer in the city, you can check out our itineraries for spending 2 days in Paraty and 3 days in Paraty, where we also cover great places to stay.