Independent tourism and recreation in the city of Parati Historical information about the city of Parati Ancie...
Ancient period: before the arrival of Europeans
Long before the advent of the Portuguese, the territory of modern Parati was inhabited by the Tupi Guarani Indian tribes. They lived by fishing, hunting and farming, used canoes and moved extensively along the Atlantic coast. The name "Parati" comes from the Tupi language and, according to one version, means "river of fish parati".
The foundation of the city and the colonial period (XVI-XVII centuries)
Ground
The official foundation date of Parati is 1667.
The city was founded by Portuguese colonizers as a port and trading point on the Atlantic coast.
Strategic importance
Parati quickly gained importance through:
convenient bay protected by islands;
proximity to the mountain passes of Serra do Mar;
relations with the interior of Brazil.
It was from here that the journey inland along the so-called Golden Route (Caminho do Ouro) began.
The Golden Age of Parati (XVII-XVIII centuries)
Trade in gold
At the end of the XVII century in the state of Minas Gerais were discovered large deposits of gold. Parati became the main port through which gold:
were delivered from the interior;
I went to Portugal.
Gold was transported along a stone road through the jungle and mountains – this path is partially preserved to the present day.
City blossoming
During this period, Parati:
He got rich fast.
built stone houses, churches and administrative buildings;
It became an important center of trade and colonial power.
Most of the buildings of the historical center that have survived today date back to this time.
Slavery and social structure
The economy of Parati, like that of colonial Brazil, was based on slave labor.
African slaves worked in the transport of goods, in the port and on plantations.
A society with a rigid social stratification was formed.
Traces of Afro-Brazilian culture are still visible in the music, cuisine, religious traditions and festivals of the city.
Decline in the nineteenth century
Loss of value
In the nineteenth century, the importance of Parati declined sharply:
A new land route was opened for the export of gold through Rio de Janeiro.
Gold mining has declined;
The port has lost its key role.
Isolation.
The city is almost cut off from the main trade routes:
The development of industry and infrastructure bypassed the party;
The population has declined.
Paradoxically, this decline saved the historical appearance of the city, as there was almost no large-scale development.
XX century: Revival through culture
Return to life
In the middle of the XX century, a road was built connecting Parati with Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. It gave a boost:
development of tourism;
restoration of historic buildings;
an influx of artists, writers and intellectuals.
Cultural centre
Parati became known as:
Centre for Arts and Literature;
venue for festivals and cultural events.
The Parati International Literary Festival (FLIP) is especially famous for making the city famous all over the world.
XXI century and contemporary significance
Recognition by UNESCO
In 2019, Parati and the surrounding natural areas were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as a unique combination:
colonial architecture;
tropical nature;
cultural heritage of indigenous peoples and Afro-Brazilian communities.
Town today
Today, Parati is:
One of the best preserved colonial cities in Brazil
popular tourist destination;
An example of the harmony of history, nature and culture.
Unique atmosphere and historical charm
The main feature of Parati is its historical center, which fully preserved the appearance of the XVII-XVIII centuries. Narrow cobbled streets, white houses with bright colored window frames, ancient churches and squares create the feeling that time has stopped here. In the evenings, the city is filled with soft lights, live music and the smells of local cuisine.
A walk through the center is not just a sightseeing experience, but an immersion in the history and culture of Brazil.
Nature: Sea, islands and jungle
Parati is located between the ocean and the Serra do Mar mountains, making it unique in its natural diversity. Tourists are waiting here:
dozens of picturesque islands and bays;
beaches with crystal clear water;
tropical jungles and waterfalls;
Natural trails for hiking and ecotourism.
Boat trips and schooners are one of the most popular activities, allowing you to see pristine beaches, accessible only from the water.
Rest for any format of travel
Parati is suitable for different categories of tourists:
romantic couples - thanks to a cozy atmosphere and beautiful sunsets;
lovers of active recreation - kayaking, snorkeling, diving, trekking;
families – calm beaches and a safe environment;
connoisseurs of culture - museums, festivals, architecture.
The city is not noisy and not overloaded with tourists, which makes the rest here especially comfortable.
Culture, festivals and creativity
Parati is known as the cultural capital of the coast. It is regularly held here:
literary festivals;
musical and theatrical events;
art exhibitions;
traditional folk festivals.
The city attracts writers, artists and musicians from all over the world, creating a special creative atmosphere.
Local cuisine and gastronomy
Parati cuisine is a combination of seafood, Afro-Brazilian and Portuguese traditions:
fresh fish and shrimp;
traditional dishes with coconut milk;
The famous local cachasa, which is produced in the vicinity of the city.
Cozy restaurants and bars are often located in historic buildings, making each dinner part of the journey.
Convenient location and accessibility
Parati is conveniently located between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, making it easy to incorporate into a Brazilian itinerary. At the same time, the city remains calm and chambered, without the fuss of megacities.
Comfortable and attractive hotels
These are more expensive and quality options for recreation: often located in the historic center of the city or in beautiful areas, offer cozy rooms, additional services and high ratings of guests.
Examples of the best hotels:
Casa Turquesa Maison d'hôtes - stylish boutique hotel in the old centre
Pousada Literária de Paraty - highly appreciated by tourists pusada
SDesign Hotel em Paraty - a modern hotel with a good rating
Pousada do Ouro - comfortable hotel in the city
Pousada Porto Imperial – a popular pusada with good service
Such options are often chosen by tourists coming for short holidays, romantic trips or holidays.
Mid-range hotels
Often these are small hotels or pusadas with a good level of amenities, reasonable prices and convenient location.
Examples:
Pousada do Sandi - a cozy mini-hotel near the beach
Pousada do Príncipe is a popular pusada with a good rating
Pousada da Condessa – a pusada with a pleasant atmosphere
Pousada Villas de Paraty - a comfortable option for a family trip
Pousada da Marquesa - B&B variant with excellent reviews
Other ways of living
In addition to hotels, there are many other formats in Parati that will suit different travelers.
Hostels - budget option
Hostels are a great choice for those who want to save money or travel alone with friends. Many are in the centre or in the Pontal and Jabaquara area.
Popular budget hostels:
Che Lagarto Paraty - a large network of hostels with a good rating
Hostel Dona Generoza is a very budget option
Leo's Clan Hostel - inexpensive hostel in Pontal
Embaúba Paraty Hostel - cozy hostel with good location n
Canto Caiçara Hostel - Hostel near the beach of Jabaquara
Paraty Homestay - inexpensive guest room
Pousada Morada Do Sol and MDQ Hostel Paraty - other budget accommodations
Hostels often offer public areas, kitchens for guests and the opportunity to meet other travelers.
Historic Center (Centro Histórico)
The main value of the city and the object for which they come here.
What to see:
colonial architecture of the XVII-XVIII centuries
paved
Old churches (Igreja de Santa Rita, Igreja do Rosário, Igreja Matriz)
museums, galleries, craft shops, restaurants
Transport accessibility:
fully pedestrian
Most hotels and pusadas are within walking distance
Taxi and buses stop at the border of the center
It's best to explore on foot.
Churches and museums
Parati is known for its religious architecture.
Main sites:
Igreja de Santa Rita is one of the most recognizable
Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios
Igreja do Rosário e São Benedito
Museu Forte Defensor Perpétuo – a museum with panoramic views of the city
How to get there:
church on foot from the center
Fort - on foot or by taxi (small climb uphill)
Embankment and port of Parati
Picturesque area near the water near the historical center.
What is it?
port
boats and schooners
island-view
Transport:
downtown
starting point of sea trips and tours of the islands
Islands and bays of Parati Bay
One of the main natural attractions of the region.
Popular places:
Ilha Comprida
Ilha do Algodão
Lagoa Azul
Saco do Mamanguá (tropical fjord)
How to get there:
waterless
boat excursions depart from the port
Individual transfer by boat is possible
Usually included in day tours.
Beaches near town
Within the city:
Praia do Pontal - near the center
Praia do Jabaquara - calm, suitable for relaxation
A little further:
Praia do Sono
Praia do Cachadaço
Praia do Meio (Trindadi)
Transport:
City beaches – on foot or by taxi
Remote beaches – bus + walk or boat
to Trindady – bus or car (20-30 minutes)
Waterfalls and Nature (Serra da Bocaina)
The surroundings of Parati are rich in tropical nature.
Popular places:
Cachoeira do Tobogã
Poço do Tarzan
Caminho do Ouro (Golden Way)
How to get there:
taxi
touring
renter
You can't walk from downtown.
Transport accessibility of Parati as a whole
Car
convenient for trips to waterfalls and beaches
parking in the center is limited
Public transport
buses run around the city and in coastal areas
to Trindadi, beaches and neighboring villages
Taxis and transfers
common and relatively inexpensive
convenient for out-of-town excursions
On foot.
The historic center and the surrounding areas are easy to see on foot.
Boats and boats
main transport for islands and bays
Tours are available daily in good weather
Carnival in Parati
(Carnaval/Bloco da Lama) - February
The local carnival is different from the Rio de Janeiro. The most famous event is the Mud Block, when participants are covered with clay on the beach of Jabaquara and march through the streets of the city to music and dance.
International Literary Festival Parati
Festa Literária Internacional de Paraty (FLIP) – July/August
The main cultural event of the city. Within the framework of the festival there are meetings with writers, lectures, discussions, book presentations and children's programs. It attracts guests from all over Brazil and abroad.
Bourbon Music Festival
Bourbon Festival Paraty (May/June)
Festival of live music with concerts of jazz, blues, soul and Brazilian popular music. Performances are held on open stages in the historic center.
Festival of Kashasa, Culture and Taste of Parati
Festival da Cachaça, Cultura e Sabores de Paraty (August)
Dedicated to the traditional Brazilian drink Cachase. The program includes tastings, gastronomic fairs, music and cultural performances.
Feast of the Holy Spirit
Festa do Divino Espírito Santo (May)
One of the most important religious holidays in the region. Includes processions, street decoration, traditional lunches, music and folk festivals.
Shrimp Festival
(Festival do Camarão) - June
Gastronomic event dedicated to seafood dishes. Restaurants and street shops offer special menus, concerts and fairs are held.
Festival of Photography "Parates in Focus"
Paraty em Foco – August/September
International Festival of Photography with exhibitions, lectures and meetings with photographers. Some of the exhibitions are located directly on the streets of the city.
Summer (December-March)
Air temperature: +28 ... +32 °C during the day, +22 ... +25 °C at night
Water temperature: +25 ... +27 °C
Features:
hot and humid, frequent short-term showers
High tourist season (Christmas, New Year, Carnival)
Suitable for: beach holiday, swimming, carnival
Cons: high humidity, many tourists, high prices
Autumn (March-May)
Air temperature: +24 ... +28 °C during the day, +19 ... +22 °C at night
Water temperature: +23 ... +25 °C
Features:
becomes drier after the summer rains
Green nature, fewer tourists
Suitable for: excursions, walks around the city, hikes to waterfalls
Winter (June-August)
Air temperature: +20 ... +24 °C during the day, +16 ... +18°C at night
Water temperature: +21 ... +23 °C
Features:
dryest and coolest period
Comfortable for walks, festivals and cultural events
Suitable for: sightseeing, hiking
Cons: the water is cooler for a long bath
Spring (September-November)
Air temperature: +24 ... +28 °C during the day, +18 ... +22 °C at night
Water temperature: +22 ... +24 °C
Features:
gradual warming, moderate humidity
fewer tourists than in summer
Suitable for: combined holiday: beach + excursions
Language of communication
Official language: Portuguese (Português)
English: not as common, mainly understood in tourist places, hotels, some restaurants and travel agencies.
Tourist advice:
Learning basic phrases in Portuguese (“Hello”, “Thank you”, “How much does it cost?”) will be very useful.
Maps, menus and signage are often in Portuguese, although major hotels may have English translations.
Traditions and customs
1. Conduct in public places
Respect for people, smile and greeting are part of Brazilian culture.
In the historical center of Parati, the streets are paved, you should walk carefully, especially in the rain.
2. Visits to religious sites
In churches (Igreja Matriz, Igreja de Santa Rita) modest clothing is welcome.
Photography is best with permission, especially during services.
3. Communication and etiquette
A handshake is a standard greeting, in touristic places, light hugs or a kiss on the cheek between acquaintances are possible.
The use of respectful forms ("Senhor", "Senhora") is welcomed when dealing with elderly people or waiters.
4. Local holidays
During carnival and religious festivals (Festa do Divino, Semana Santa) respect traditions, do not interfere with the processions and take pictures carefully.
Laws and regulations
1. General laws
Violation of the law is severely punished: theft, drugs, drunk driving - serious fines or arrest.
Documents: Always carry a passport or a copy.
2. Alcohol and tobacco
Alcohol consumption is allowed from the age of 18.
Smoking is prohibited in public enclosed places (restaurants, museums, public transport).
3. Behavior on the beach and in nature
Dispose of garbage only in urns - ecological culture is strictly observed.
On protected beaches and reserves, observe the rules of visiting.
4. Road rules
Traffic rules are the same as in the rest of Brazil: right-hand traffic, it is mandatory to fasten, speed is limited.
1. Greetings and general phrases
Olá (Ola) - Hello / Hello
Bom dia (bon dia) - Good morning
Boa tarde - Good afternoon / Good evening (until sunset)
Boa noite - Good evening / Good night
Tchau (chau) - Bye
Como vai? - How are you?
Tudo bem? - Are you okay? How are you?
Sim (sim)
Não (nau) - No.
Por favor (Por Favor) - Please
Obrigado / Obrigada (Obrigadu / Obrigada) - Thank you (man / woman)
De nada (de nada) - You're welcome
2. At the restaurant/café
Eu quero . . . - I want to...
Um café, por favor - Coffee, please
A conta, por favor - bill, please
Água (agua) - Water
Sem Gelo (Sen Jelou) - Without Ice
Com açúcar (com asukar) - With sugar
Quanto custa? - How much is it?
É muito caro. - It's very expensive.
Example of dialogue:
You: Um café, por favor. - Coffee, please.
Waiter: Com açúcar? - Sugar?
You: Sim, por favor. - Yes, please.
3. In-store/trade
Quanto custa isto? - How much does it cost?
Você aceita cartão? - Do you accept the card?
Eu só estou olhando - I'm just looking
Posso experimentar? - Can I try it on?
Onde fica...? (andy fica...?) - Where is...?
Example of dialogue:
You: Quanto custa isto? - How much does it cost?
Seller: R$50
You: Posso pagar com cartão? - Can I pay with a card?
Seller: Sim, pode. - Yes, you can.
4. In transport / on the street
Onde fica a estação de ônibus? - Where is the bus station?
Quanto custa a corrida? - How much is the trip (taxi)?
Por favor, me leve para... (Por favor, mi levi para...) - Please take me to...
À direita / À esquerda (a jireta / a escorda) - Right / Left
Pare Aqui (Pari Aki) - Stop here
An example of dialogue with a taxi:
You: Por favor, me leve para a praia do Pontal. Please take me to Pontal Beach.
Taxi driver: Claro! - Of course!
You: Quanto custa a corrida? - How much is the trip?
Taxi driver: R$25
5. In emergency situations
Socorro! (cocorru!) - Help me!
- Polícia! - Police!
Preciso de um medico - I need a doctor
Estou perdido / perdida - I am lost
Chame uma ambulancia - Call an ambulance
6. Communicating with locals / politeness
Desculpe - Sorry / Sorry
Com licença (Fox's Com) - Permission / Sorry (on passage)
Pode me ajudar? - Can you help me?
Onde fica o banheiro? - Where's the toilet?
Food and drink
1. Local delicacies
Shrimp and seafood
Parati is famous for fresh seafood, especially shrimp, crabs, fish.
You can try at the beach restaurants and in the cafe of the historical center.
feijoada
A traditional Brazilian dish of beans with meat, served with rice and orange.
Pastels and seafood cakes
Light snack, sold in markets and street shops.
2. Drinks.
Kachasa (Cachaça)
Brazilian strong drink made of sugar cane.
In Parati, tastings are held at the Festival da Cachaça.
You can bring a bottle as a souvenir.
Coffee.
Brazilian coffee is of high quality, aromatic and rich.
Juices and cocktails made from tropical fruits
Maracuya, mango, guava, coconut water.
Medicines and useful products
Natural oils and ointments
From local plants: coconut oil, babassu oil, insect bite remedies.
Teas and herbal collections
Mariau leaves (marya) and other medicinal herbs for digestion and immunity.
Salt and spices
Sea salt from coastal areas, spices for Brazilian cuisine.
Souvenirs and gifts
1. Handicrafts
Carving wood
Figures, decorative panels, dishes.
Ceramics
Colored plates, cups, handmade decorative products.
Fabrics and mats
Hand weaving, products with local patterns.
2. Jewelry
Amulets and jewelry made of natural stones and shells
Bracelets and necklaces with Parati symbols are popular.
3. Products for importation
Bottled cachasa
As an alcohol souvenir or gift.
Coffee and tropical sweets
Powdered coffee, chocolate with tropical fruits.
Souvenirs with local themes
Magnets, postcards, T-shirts with Parati or the historical center.
Documents for tourist
Passport
It must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
In most cases, the original is sufficient, but a copy of the passport is recommended to be worn separately.
Visa
Citizens of Russia, Ukraine and most CIS countries can stay in Brazil for up to 90 days without a visa.
Extension of stay is possible for another 90 days, the total stay is not more than 180 days a year.
Tickets and reservations
It is recommended to carry a printout or digital version of tickets and confirmation of hotel reservation.
Health insurance
It is necessary for safety in unforeseen situations.
It should cover ambulance, hospitalization, transportation for injuries or diseases.
Medical safety and insurance
Local hospitals and clinics are in Parati, but major centers are in Rio de Janeiro (~4 hours by car).
International insurance is recommended, with evacuation and repatriation coverage.
If there are chronic diseases, it is better to take medications with a margin, as well as a prescription in English or Portuguese.
Emergency services phones
Police (Polícia) - 190
Ambulance (Ambulância) - 192
Fire Service (Bombeiros) - 193
Emergency Tourist Services (SOS Turista) – 0800-283-8787 (public tourist reference service, operating in Portuguese)
Communications and mobile operators
Main operators: Vivo, Claro, TIM, Oi.
It is recommended to buy a local SIM card with an internet package, especially if you are renting a car or planning a trip around the neighborhood.
Roaming is international, but fares are high.
Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, cafes and some tourist destinations.
Security on the ground
Personal security
Parati is a relatively safe tourist city, but petty thefts happen.
Do not leave things unattended on the beaches and in cars.
Historic centre
Cobbled streets, you should be careful at night, especially if there are few people.
Natural zones
Waterfalls, tropical routes: Take shoes with non-slip soles, water and insect repellent.
Beaches and water
Keep an eye out for currents, especially on remote beaches.
Visa regime and terms of stay
Visa-free: up to 90 days for most CIS citizens.
Extension: an additional 90 days through the local immigration office, total stay no more than 180 days per year.
Penalties for violation: for stay beyond the term there are fines and a possible ban on re-entry.
Create a query and local guides will offer you the best options
