Paraty

Paraty was a strategic port for Brazil's 17th-century gold and diamond trade, which ironically led to its preservation: bypassed by later development, its perfectly-preserved colonial core now anchors an entire coast of Atlantic rainforest and island beaches.

It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a hub for artisanal cachaça production.

Easiest airports to fly into:

• Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International (GIG)
• São Paulo-Guarulhos International (GRU)

The historic center is pedestrian-only, so walking is key. Boat trips are essential for island hopping. For cachaça distilleries or nearby beaches like Trindade, local buses or shared vans (vans de turismo) are available.

Food 20-40 EUR/day

• Moqueca

  fish and seafood stew

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• Pastéis

  deep-fried savory pastries

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• Cachaça

  sugar cane spirit

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• Feijoada

  black bean and meat stew

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• Açaí na tigela

  açaí berry bowl

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The historic center's streets are often purposefully flooded by the tide at high water, so embrace the charm and wear appropriate footwear. Cachaça tasting at local distilleries is a ritual, not just a drink: learn about the different types and aging processes.

Rough general-safety guide for a typical visitor — not live advisory data.

Best in Winter

Winter: generally dry and pleasant with temperatures around 20-28C, offering clear skies ideal for exploring and boat trips.

• waterproof sandals or flip-flops for tidal streets
• swimsuit and quick-dry towel
• light rain jacket for sudden showers
• mosquito repellent for evenings
• sturdy walking shoes for rainforest trails
• sun protection: hat and reef-safe sunscreen