A colonial port between green mountains and the sea
Paraty was a port for Minas Gerais gold in the colonial era, and its historic centre survives almost intact: whitewashed houses with coloured doors, and cobbles built to let the high tide wash through. Cars are kept out, so evenings are quiet. The bay is dotted with islands, and schooner trips hop between beaches for swimming. Behind the town, Atlantic Forest trails lead to waterfalls and old cachaça distilleries, and the Trindade beaches lie a short drive south.