Paraty

Costa Verde, Brazil

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Paraty is a small historic port town on Brazil’s Costa Verde, set between forested mountains and a sheltered bay dotted with tropical islands.

Its preserved colonial center, with cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings, and several old churches, is part of a UNESCO World Heritage listing that recognizes both its architecture and the surrounding Atlantic Forest landscape. Once a key port on the old Gold Trail from Minas Gerais, Paraty later declined and remained relatively unchanged for centuries, which helped keep its historic character intact until tourism revived the local economy in the late 20th century.

Today the town is known for a relaxed, walkable atmosphere, a strong blend of indigenous, Portuguese, and African cultural influences, and easy access to nearby beaches, islands, waterfalls, and rainforest trails that make it popular with visitors looking to combine history with outdoor activities.