Paraty is a Brazilian masterpiece of colonial origin. Fairytale city - Paraty. Brazil In paraty from rio de janeiro brazil

Dear blog readers, in this post I will tell you about my trip to the small town of Paraty in the very south of the state of Rio de Janeiro (this region of the state is called the “Green Coast”). Paraty is a small and very peaceful village where everything has remained virtually untouched since colonial times, surrounded by mountains and tropical jungle. This city is not only known as one of the main destinations international tourism in the state of Rio de Janeiro, and also for the fact that the International Literary Fair is held here annually, which attracts writers from all over Brazil, as well as from other countries. Let's move on to the photo gallery about the trip to Paraty, made especially for the Portal.

Street in the town of Paraty in Brazil

One of the noble houses of Paraty (left)

Landscape overlooking rue Paraty next to the pier

The river that flows through Paraty and flows into the ocean

Houses on the river bank in Paraty

The main church of the city of Paraty, at the pier

The streets in the historical center of Paraty are made of large stones

Streets of the modern part of Paraty

"Modern" quarter in Paraty, Brazil

Near Fontana Square in Paraty, Brazil

Painting doors and windows is one of my favorite pastimes local residents. This is one of the main attractions of the city.

A small church in Paraty on one of the main streets of the city

In the evening on the river embankment in Paraty, where the river flows into the ocean

The main church of the city of Paraty in Brazil. The black man standing on the right side of the photo with shackles is not a statue, but a local resident “working” as a statue of a colonial-era slave

View of Paraty street after the rain the day before

Village life in the city of Paraty, next to the central square

View from around the corner on one of the streets of Paraty (Brazil)

Below is a photo gallery of a boat trip on the bay near Paraty. So you can go away for the whole day, visit beaches, islands and snorkel in the sea, where there are fish, turtles, etc.

We depart from the town of Paraty by boat. Landscape is the most famous view of the city, as it usually appears in photographs.

Traveling on the ocean near the city of Paraty in Brazil

Castle on a private island in Brazil

Private beaches

Return to Paraty. Please note: clouds are gathering. During our stay in Paraty, the same weather was repeated on all but one day: it was hot during the day, and in the evening there was a tropical downpour with gusts of wind. The city has very high humidity, a lot of jungle and mosquitoes

By the way, at the beginning of 2014 I went to a wild beach a few hours from Paraty by boat, which I wrote about here in a blog called “ Lost heaven" You can remember.

Vila de Nossa Senhora dos Remedios de Paraty(port. Villa de Nossa Senhora dos Remedios de Paraty), briefly Paraty(port. Paraty) - a small town in the east, part of the state of Rio de Janeiro (port. Rio de Janeiro) and the economic and statistical microregion of Bahia da Ilha Grande (port. Microrregião da Baía da Ilha Grande), situated on Atlantic coast, V picturesque bay(port. Ilha Grande), dotted with tropical islands.

The area of ​​the territory is almost 930 km², the city's population (about 40 thousand people) is mainly employed in the tourism industry. The climate in this area is humid and tropical.

Nearest airports: Resende Airport (Rio de Janeiro), serving local and international flights, located 103 km from the center of Paraty; International Airport"Sao Jose dos Campos" (Sao Paulo), located 172 km. from the city center.

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Historical reference

Paraty was founded in the middle of the 17th century, when colonialists from Portugal entered here. Before the Portuguese, the Guaianas Indians lived in these areas, in whose language the word “Paraty” means “Fish River”; the name of the town has remained that way ever since.

Entire expeditions of Portuguese “bandeirantes” rushed deep into the mainland in order to capture new slaves. By the way, thanks to these campaigns, the borders of Brazil expanded significantly. One such expedition in 1695 accidentally stumbled upon rich deposits of gold in the state of Minas Gerais in the central part of the Brazilian Highlands. Paraty, located near the excavations, became the 2nd most important port in Brazil, and in the only Portuguese colony in South America The gold rush broke out. From here, galleons began to be sent to Portugal, loaded to capacity with gold and diamonds. In the first 2 centuries of its existence, Paraty was prosperous port city. Of course, the gold mine could not help but attract numerous filibusters.

Due to the endless raids of Indians and attacks by pirates, it was decided to move the port to the safer, larger Rio de Janeiro. After this, Paraty lost its significance, becoming an ordinary provincial town; time seemed to stand still here.

In the middle of the twentieth century. the Brazilians themselves appreciated the charm of the colonial town, the importance of Paraty as tourist center began to grow, now it is considered an ideal place for a relaxing holiday and a bohemian resort in Brazil. Artists, writers, sculptors, and actors began to gather here to enjoy the historical atmosphere and natural beauty. Very quickly the town turned into the 2nd largest and most important port. In 1966 it was proclaimed by UNESCO historical monument Portuguese colonial architecture.

Today, houses covered with bright tiles with multi-colored facades, narrow streets paved with large cobblestones and equipped with grooves for draining storm water, have been carefully restored. Local residents run souvenir shops, nice cafes, restaurants, art galleries and small hotels.

In the evenings, Paraty becomes especially bright and lively, filled with strolling tourists and locals. In late-night boutiques and art galleries, visitors are always greeted with a smile. Along the way, you can have a snack either in a cozy cafe located right on the street, or in an expensive restaurant - whatever you like and can afford.

Attractions

Usually, those who come to Rio de Janeiro for the first time are so amazed by this fantastic city that they forget about everything else. But in vain, because Brazil is not only Rio. Driving 250 km to the west from the metropolis, you can find yourself in a real colonial masterpiece located in a picturesque bay on the coast Atlantic Ocean. On west coast State, between high hills covered with lush tropical evergreen forests and clear blue-green waters of the sea with numerous islands, lies the famous town, attracting with the charm of colonial architecture.

Paraty is the smallest of the colonial cities of Brazil, which has been preserved in the same form in which it was built in the mid-17th century. Time seems to have stood still here, turning it into a kind of museum under open air. Its main attractions are architectural buildings. In the historical center, where entry is prohibited Vehicle, you can plunge into the atmosphere of the past, here there are houses and churches built in the 17th-18th centuries.

A magical town, surrounded on 3 sides by green mountains, gently descends to the ocean.

To enjoy its beauty, you need to walk around all its streets, paved with large cobblestones and equipped with ditches to drain storm water. The tiled houses with brightly painted facades have been carefully restored and now house souvenir shops, cafes, art galleries and hotels.

Initially carefully laid out, Paraty differs from other cities in its thoughtful austerity, clear contours of buildings and straight streets.

The main temple, in honor of which Paraty received its long official name, is Cathedral of Nossa Senhora dos Remedios(port. Catedral de Nossa Senhora dos Remedios). Built at the end of the 18th century. for the urban bourgeoisie, the Cathedral is distinguished by its impressive forms and luxurious decoration. The square in front of the temple, paved with stone blocks, became a favorite walking place for the townspeople. Local rich people who made huge fortunes during the “gold boom” built their luxurious mansions here.

The local aristocracy, which kept itself apart from the nouveau riche, in 1800 built for itself a small elegant Church of Das Dores(port. Igreja das Dores).

On the street Rua do Comercio stands the smallest church in the city “Rosario” (port. Igreja do Rosario), built in 1725. Judging by the location and shape of the religious building, it is clear that it was intended for the lowest stratum of Brazilian society - slaves.

In the southern region is the oldest Temple of Santa Rita(port. Igreja Santa Rita), erected in 1722 for the local mulatto community. The facade of the church is considered the brightest example of Portuguese Baroque.

On a picturesque hill among evergreen trees flaunts Chapel of the Virgin Mary(port. Capela de Nossa Senhora). It has never been restored and is perfectly preserved to this day. The chapel resembles an ordinary residential building with a richly decorated facade, built in traditional Brazilian style. The luxurious decoration of the church remained untouched, giving visitors the opportunity to appreciate the talent of the colonial masters.

There are no high-rise hotels in Paraty; all hotels are located in buildings built in the spirit of ancient mansions.

There are many cozy cafes and restaurants here that offer amazing food. You can enjoy your meal here while listening to live performances by musicians. The historical center is home to many shops that sell unique antiques.

In the evenings, the city streets are full of life, vibrant live music sounds, singing and dancing do not stop until dawn. After a day spent on the beach or on an exciting excursion, tourists can dine in a restaurant, go shopping, souvenir shops, or drink coffee and ice cream in one of the coffee shops, decorated in a traditional colonial style.

Beaches

In addition to its historical sites, Paraty is famous for its magnificent beaches, islands, lagoons and waterfalls: the bay has more than 300 beaches and about 70 islands.

For example, it is especially popular Paraty Mirim beach(port. Praia de Paraty-Mirim) about 800 long and up to 0.7 m deep, with warm clear water, light sand and scattered boulders. The beach is located at the mouth of the river of the same name.

The small beach of Conceição (port. Praia da Conceição) about 200 m long with clean fine sand, warm clear water, surrounded coconut trees and almond trees. From the beach you can clearly see the island of Ratos (port. Ratos Ilha - “Rat Island”), a little further away is the island of Meros (port. Meros), known for excellent conditions for fishing and diving.

Great place for family vacation is the secluded beach of Prainha (port. Prainha) - small, clean, with surprisingly warm water and a comfortable, gentle slope to the sea. For several tens of meters, the water in the sea barely reaches the knees - this makes the beach ideal for swimming small children.

Iririguacu Beach is popular with fine dark sand and its warm green water is pleasant for swimming. At the edge of the beach, where the Iririguacu River flows into the sea, there is a small pier where small boats can moor.

Lula Beach (port. Praia de Lula) has a narrow strip of sand and shallow, warm, clear water of a dark green color. Stone boulders and fragments are scattered throughout the sandy strip.

The picturesque Sono beach (port. Praia do Sono), strewn with fine sand, is washed by warm emerald water. It stretches for 1370 m and is located in the shade of the surrounding almond trees. At 20 min. path from the beach there are several natural fresh water pools filled mountain rivers. At the end of Sono there are two more secluded wild beach- Antigos and Antiguinhos - to which there is a steep path, as a result of which they are deserted almost all year round.

Felix Beach has clear, shallow waters suitable for parents with small children. The beach is bordered on both sides by ridges of rocks and boulders, so big waves almost never happens here. The sand on the beach is clean and coarse-grained, making the water perfectly clear. Here you can often see colorful fish frolicking in the turquoise water, and cute turtles drifting on the surface of warm water or perched on the rocks of small coves scattered around coastline beach

More Paraty - real paradise for diving fans. Professional divers have long appreciated the clear coastal waters of the islands of Komprida and Katinbau.

Neighborhood Paraty

25 km from Paraty is Trindade (port. Trindade), a small fishing village. There are 7 beautiful beaches near the village.

8 km from the city is the picturesque Toboga Falls (port. Cachoeira Toboga), which is a rock about 10 m high, from where you can jump into a pool created by nature itself. There is a magical, relaxing atmosphere here - the murmur of falling water and the wonderful chirping of birds.

You can get close to the waterfall and enjoy the power water flow. Below the waterfall there is a small cave that you can enter by walking through the streams of water. And if you climb Toboga, you can admire unforgettable views.

Located nearby National Park Serra da Bocaina(port. Parque Nacional da Serra da Bocaina) is a magnificent reserve occupying about 105 thousand hectares. In the park, created in 1971, you can see representatives of the exotic flora and fauna of this region. More than 60% of the Park's vegetation consists of natural Atlantic Forest, the vegetation of which varies greatest variety. The flora species here are dominated by pines, cedars, palms and beautiful bromeliads. Fauna representatives in the Park include fallow deer, deer, monkeys and an abundance of all kinds of birds. The region has a picturesque Mountain chain, which gives the local landscapes amazing diversity.

Academy of Cooking and Other Pleasures is an establishment founded by chef Yara Roberts and her mother to teach people how to cook and enjoy delicious food. Yara is a graduate of Boston University's culinary program and also took culinary classes at the Cambridge School of Art.

For over a decade, Yara Roberts has been teaching Brazilian cooking classes at several schools, universities and culinary organizations in Canada and the United States. Currently, the business organized in Paraty is continued by Yara and her husband Richard - they welcome everyone who wants to learn the basics of cooking and receive visitors from all over the world. You can sign up for this educational event by calling the phone number listed on the official website. A time will be set for lunch, which guests will be able to prepare themselves with the help of chefs Yara and Richard. The establishment has storage cabinets and a room for baby strollers.

By visiting the Academy of Cooking and Other Pleasures in Paraty, you can learn a lot of new things not only about international cuisine, but also about Brazilian cuisine - about food, wine and even about the history of Brazil. Here you can meet good people, learn many culinary techniques and simply enjoy conversation at a table decorated with gourmet dishes.

Historical center of Paraty

The historic center of Paraty has been described by UNESCO as a "harmonious area with colonial architecture". The streets of the Historic Center are protected by ancient chains, which perfectly combine with various shops, art and cultural places cities.

These chains prevent cars from passing through the historical district - cars are only allowed to move along streets remote from the center: Fresca, Domingo G. de Abreu, Patitiba and Aurora Street. The center of Paraty has some of the most beautiful architectural structures built in the 16th century.

The Historic Center is reminiscent of times gone by: boat sheds, ancient stone streets, dilapidated museums and amazing beauty churches. In addition to the attractions, historical district In Paraty you can visit famous restaurants and cafes, go on a boat trip on the water, do aquatic species sports or practice fishing.

What sights of Paraty did you like? Next to the photo there are icons, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.

Felix Beach

Felix Beach has very clear shallow waters, which is ideal for families with children. In addition, this beach is bordered on both sides by ridges of rocks and stones, so there are practically no big waves here, although surfers in good weather can drive 20 meters. The sand on the beach is coarse-grained, which makes the water crystal clear. Very often here you can see both colorful fish and cute turtles, perched on rocks and drifting in the warm water of small coves, of which there are many.

Guests of the beach are mainly passing motorists, since the descent to the water is not very gentle, and residents of the local village have alternative options in the form neighboring beaches with more developed infrastructure. The fact is that there are no cafes or equipment rentals on Felix. The only thing that reminds us of the existence of civilization is the blue garbage containers with signs calling for, if possible, to take all garbage with you. On the other hand, such an idyll is perfectly suited for enjoying the silence, the sound of waves and loneliness.

The length of the beach is approximately 1000 meters, and the coastline is indented with small, cozy lagoons, onto which thick shadow falls from nearby trees.

Actually, this perfect place not so much for sunbathing, but for swimming with kids, relaxing in the shade and relaxing.

Mamangua Sugarloaf Peak is located in Paraty, among a large tropical forest. You can climb the hill with the help of a guide or on your own if the course is known.

The walk starts off very steeply and takes about an hour and a half to reach the top. During the ascent, the guide will tell you about the history of the mountain, the time when it appeared and what role it played. The view of the Brazilian fjords is inspiring - from the top you can see pristine jungle, a curved coastline and a few residential buildings for many miles ahead.

After viewing the picturesque panorama, you can go down to Pristeen Beach, located near Mamangua Sugarloaf Peak. Here, local fishermen will offer to buy fresh fish, and on the shore there will be an opportunity to rent a boat and walk on the water to the immediate surroundings and admire the view of the mountain from afar.

Bay of Paraty

The Gulf of Paraty is famous for its many magnificent beaches, beautiful waterfalls, colorful haciendas and rich culture. The bay has 65 islands and over 300 beaches.

For example, Paraty-Mirim beach with warm clear water and light sand, located at the mouth of the river of the same name, or Conceição beach with coconut palms, almond trees and fine sand, are very popular. Another good beach is Iririguacu with dark sand and a small pier. Very good place For families with children, there is Prainha Beach with incredibly warm water and convenient access to the sea.

In the Gulf of Paraty there are excellent places for diving and snorkeling. The most popular among tourists and local residents are the coasts of the islands of Ratos, Comprida and Catinbau.

Sono Beach

Sono Beach is very picturesque, with fine sand washed by warm emerald water. It stretches for 1365 meters and is located in the shade of almond trees, surrounded by natural vegetation. The beach is a 50-minute walk from the village of Oratorio, near Laranjeiras. You can also get here by small boats.

The beach is surrounded high mountains. A 20-minute journey from the center of the beach there are several natural fresh water pools filled with mountain rivers. At the end of Sono there are two beautiful wild beaches, Antigos and Antiguinhos. There is a rather steep path leading to them, so they are practically deserted all year round.

Chapel of the Virgin Mary in Paraty

The Chapel of the Virgin Mary is located in the city of Paraty, in picturesque place among evergreen plants and trees. The temple has never been restored and has been perfectly preserved to this day.

From a distance, the chapel resembles an ordinary residential building, made in a traditional Brazilian style. The Church of the Mother of God has a rich decor not only of the facade, but also of the interior - the decoration of the church has remained untouched, so today you can fully appreciate the talent of the craftsmen.

This amazing chapel can become a haven for everyone and give moments of peace and tranquility.

The most popular attractions in Paraty with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose best places to visit famous places of Paraty on our website.

Paraty is a cute colonial town located 200 km from, just between the borders of the states of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. It is very popular among both tourists and Brazilians. Paraty is suitable for those who dream of relaxing holiday among historical buildings on beautiful beaches.

During the Golden Age, when gold literally flowed from the mines near Paraty and was delivered to Portugal, the town's port was one of the most important in Brazil. However, the road to it by land was difficult and long, so during the construction of a more convenient port, Paraty was forgotten, many residents left the settlement. This is reflected in the local architecture - many buildings retain the appearance of the times when the last ship loaded with the precious metal sailed from the port of Paraty to Portugal. The city is now experiencing a revival as a tourist destination.

Currently, the city center is closed to cars, so walking through the streets of Paraty takes you back to the 16th century, to colonial times. You can often see horse-drawn carts here. Many buildings date back more than 250 years. The largest church is the temple of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, built in honor of the patron saint of the city. Every September, the city hosts the Feast of the Holy Savior, during which a wooden figure of the Virgin Mary in gold jewelry is carried through the streets of Paraty.

Things to do in Paraty

  • Go on a boat tour around the bay. In the vicinity of Paraty there are about 300 small islands with sandy beaches. You can rent a boat at the main pier of the city.
  • Dance the night away in local clubs. The best in the city - Lado B da Praça, Dinho's Bar and Paraty 33
  • Take walking tours along the “golden route”. Guides with English language can be found .
  • Just stroll along the cobbled streets of the old town.
  • Don't forget to take some cachaca with you.

How to get to the city

You can get to Paraty by bus. Buses leave from Rio de Janeiro every hour, the trip lasts about 4 hours 30 minutes, a one-way ticket costs 60 reais. The schedule can be viewed at

Paraty is a cute colonial town located 200 km from, just between the borders of the states of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. It is very popular among both tourists and Brazilians. Paraty is suitable for those who dream of a relaxing holiday among historical buildings on beautiful beaches.

During the Golden Age, when gold literally flowed from the mines near Paraty and was delivered to Portugal, the town's port was one of the most important in Brazil. However, the road to it by land was difficult and long, so during the construction of a more convenient port, Paraty was forgotten, many residents left the settlement. This is reflected in the local architecture - many buildings retain the appearance of the times when the last ship loaded with the precious metal sailed from the port of Paraty to Portugal. The city is now experiencing a revival as a tourist destination.

Currently, the city center is closed to cars, so walking through the streets of Paraty takes you back to the 16th century, to colonial times. You can often see horse-drawn carts here. Many buildings date back more than 250 years. The largest church is the temple of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, built in honor of the patron saint of the city. Every September, the city hosts the Feast of the Holy Savior, during which a wooden figure of the Virgin Mary in gold jewelry is carried through the streets of Paraty.

Things to do in Paraty

  • Go on a boat tour around the bay. In the vicinity of Paraty there are about 300 small islands with sandy beaches. You can rent a boat at the main pier of the city.
  • Dance the night away in local clubs. The best in the city - Lado B da Praça, Dinho's Bar and Paraty 33
  • Take walking tours along the “golden route”. English speaking guides can be found.
  • Just stroll along the cobbled streets of the old town.
  • Don't forget to take some cachaca with you.

How to get to the city

You can get to Paraty by bus. Buses leave from Rio de Janeiro every hour, the trip lasts about 4 hours 30 minutes, a one-way ticket costs 60 reais. The schedule can be viewed at

 

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