Things to do in Paraty, State of Rio de Janeiro (RJ): The Best Historical & Heritage Tours

January 23, 2022 Weston Hennigan

Named for a local swamp fish, Paraty sits on Brazil's southeastern coast, 125 miles south of Rio, with the Bocaino Mountains at its back. The small colonial town's center is a national historic monument with well-preserved buildings on its pedestrian-only streets. Take a boat trip out into the bay to the flotillas of islands and coves nearby. Explore sugarcane plantations and hike or take a train through Atlantica Forest. Keep an eye out for the monkeys that roam the cobblestone streets.
Restaurants in Paraty

1. Walking Tour - The Best of Paraty city center

Paraty Tours, Av. Roberto Silveira, 479 - Centro, Paraty - RJ, 23970-000, Brazil Tangol - Paraty
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Paraty is probably one of the most beautiful cities in Brazil, and we invite you to walk down its streets that will take you back to colonial times, with our excursion PARATY CITY TOUR We will go on a historical tour to discover all the secrets lies in this lovely city, which due to the  isolation, the essence of an eighteenth century community still remains, with its baroque churches, masonic buildings and historic monuments.

Inclusions: Professional guide

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Food and drinks

Reviewed By Mark W

This was a great day to visit some of the lovely bays around the Paraty islands. I was part of a group of 12. The staff were very friendly and made a real effort to make the tour as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. We visited four beaches and we were on the larger of the three schooners, which was the number II. My only slight complaint would be the use of the speaker to call people's orders out. The weather was great, which obviously helped, but great value for money and a lovely day out.

2. Walking the Gold Trail tour

Paraty, Paraty, State of Rio de Janeiro Paraty Explorer
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5.0 based on 8 reviews

Experience Paraty´s unique combination of history, culture and nature on this fascinating tour in the forest on the mountainside behind the town. With your expert local guide, step back in time on the Gold Trail, the paved road built by African slaves in the 18th Century to bring gold and precious stones out of the Brazilian interior and onto ships to Portugal. After walking on the trail through the rainforest you will stop at freshwater pools and waterfalls for a refreshing swim. You´ll also visit the thrilling Toboggan waterfall, a natural rock waterslide that you can slide down and the locals ´surf´down standing up! The tour finishes in a cachaça distillery where, before tasting the various types of cachaça, you will see at first hand how the Brazilian rum is still made the traditional way.

Inclusions: English speaking state accredited tour guide, Cachaça tasting at local distillery, Small-group walking tour, Round-trip transport by bus, Alcoholic Beverages

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By Aidan T

We had two amazing days with Michael. We did the kayaking on the Friday and hiking on the Saturday. Both were fantastic experiences. Michael was a superb guide and a really nice guy who my partner and I enjoyed spending time with. I would highly recommend. Michael knew a lot about the history of Paraty, the geography and the people. This made our holiday what it was.

3. Historical & Cultural Paraty - Charming on Foot

Paraty Tours, Av. Roberto Silveira, 479 - Centro, Paraty - RJ, 23970-000, Brazil Paraty Tours
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Feel the atmosphere of the colonial period as you walk through the charming streets of the Historic Center, knowing its beautiful and imposing architecture, where every detail, every symbol in the buildings carries a meaning and accounts of important historical passages of Brazil. The CITY TOUR is a pleasant walk accompanied by a specialized guide who will lead you to a magnificent, enriching time travel! Come and discover the colonial history of Paraty, visiting the churches, museums, old houses, accompanied by an accredited guide that will tell the legends and history of the city, a journey back in time!

Inclusions: Embratur's accredited guide, Map of the Historic Center.

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Reviewed By mariya_stag

I have done 4 excursions with Paraty Tours now, and have gotten to know the company and I wound 10/10 recommend. Professional, helpful, guides who really care about the local nature (some who speak English), gorgeous and amazing. With nice transfer vans that are very clean with AC. I’ve seen the most incredible places and it’s all because of Paraty Tours! Thanks friends!

4. Paraty Private Tour

Angra dos Reis, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil C2Rio Tours & Travel
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Take a trip back in time walking by the cobbled streets in Paraty historic center. Enjoy the preserved architectural ensemble typical of Colonial Brazil in the 16th century and the natural beauty of the Serra da Bocaina that surrounds the city. Discover the beautiful old houses with decorated walls, now reused as inns, craft shops, restaurants and museums. Also, get to know local Churches, Culture Centers and other treasures considered National and World Historical Heritage, while listening to stories and legends of past centuries. The guided tour lasts 1h30, after, you can use your free time to walk around the city (maximum stay 4 hours).

Inclusions: Private transportation from hotels in Angra dos Reis, All taxes, fees and handling charges, Professional guide with live tour commentary in English, Spanish & Portuguese , 1h30 guided tour, Free time to walk around the city

Exclusions: Food and Drinks (available for purchase), Gratuities (optional)

Reviewed By freddyl550

It was a Great experience. Adriano was knowledgeable in the local customs and history which made the entire experience that much better! We had plenty of opportunities for photos in all the must see spots In Rio!!! I don't think there would be a better way to see all the things we were able to see! Adriano our guide was even kind enough to take photos of us along the way. I was surprised but my favorite part of the trip was sambódromo cathedral!!

5. Ethno Ecological Tourism: INDIGENOUS / CAIÇARAS / QUILOMBOLAS

Paraty, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Eya Paraty
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4.8 based on 8 reviews

Welcomed by a Bilingual Tourist Guide at your Pousada, we take you to traditional communities and tourist spots in Jeep 4X4 due to terrains that require four-wheel drive. With narratives about the history of Colonial Brazil, a UNESCO Heritage Site in Mixed Site, and the historical importance of Paraty from the 15th century to the present day. For the visits ordered to the Indigenous territories; Caiçaras Villages; and Quilombo do Campinho, we support community-based tourism with knowledge, making the immersions allowed, as a conversation circle in the Indigenous Villages; experiences, arts, way of life and gastronomy in the Caiçaras villages; dances, rites and customs in addition to the restaurant at Quilombo do Campinho.

Inclusions: Private transportation, Use of Snorkelling equipment

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Reviewed By D9041NWdavids

Visited 4 falls with ample time for having a dip or slide...on to a place distilling Cachaça and tasting then a stop for a meal and another stop at cascades before returning...This requires strong shoes, flip flops are nor good enough as some area inviolve walking over rocks, vegetation and tree branches...I recommend you bring a towel and swimming costume as you will get wet. Take a camera as stunning shots are awaiting you..

6. Paraty City Sightseeing Tour

Gray Line Paraty
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4.6 based on 5 reviews

Follow an experienced guide for a 2-hour city sightseeing tour of Paraty—a Portuguese colonial town along the Gold Trail (Caminho do Ouro). You’ll walk cobbled streets in the historic center, open only to bicycles and pedestrian traffic. View churches, museums and colonial homes in the charming town, situated on the Bay of Ilha Grande along Brazil’s Costa Verde (Green Coast). Numbers are limited to 10 people per guide, ensuring personal attention on this small-group tour.

Inclusions: Local bilingual guide, Roundtrip Transfer to Most Hotels in Paraty

Exclusions: Entrance fees to attractions, Food and Beverages

Reviewed By Steiners

Our guide, Louis, was brilliant and so were the drivers. They were so helpful and nothing was too much trouble. The group’s safety if people chose to swim at the waterfalls was clearly their highest priority. Really enjoyable day. The staff at Paraty tours (who run the jeep safari) were also great. I lost something valuable whilst at the distillery, the distillery called the office to tell them they’d found it before I’d even noticed I’d lost it. When I got back to the office, the staff arranged for a driver to go pick it up for me. Overall fantastic service. Only downside was 2 hour break for lunch. Tour would’ve been better as 4 hours without the late lunch stop instead of 6 hours

7. Um dia em Paraty - Patrimônio Mundial da Humanidade

Paraty Booking

Venha e descubra a história colonial de Paraty, visitando igrejas, museus, casas antigas, acompanhadas de guia certificado, que farão as lendas e a história da cidade, uma viagem no tempo! Aproveite este passeio incrível, que é para todas as idades, indispensável para ser inserido no seu roteiro de viagem.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Guia no Walking tour em Paraty (1:30h), Inclui Almoço em Restaurante Típico de Paraty

Exclusions: Bebidas não inclusas;, Não inclui hospedagem em Paraty. Serviço de apenas 1 dia. Ida e volta no mesmo dia.

8. Classic Brazil

Boutique Travel Experts

This tour will give take you across the most popular sites of Brazil, the iconic Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu Falls, Paraty and Ilha Grande. It is suitable for everyone, from families to couples, as there are a number of interesting sites and experiences along the way. Doable year-round and adjustable to fit your travel plans and interests. You can have a private guide or join a small guided group.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast

Exclusions: Air Transport, Insurance, Tips, Personal Expenses

9. 9-Days Rio de Janeiro and Paraty, Classic Package

Tangol - Rio de Janeiro

Discover the emblematic cities of Rio de Janeiro and Manaus. In Rio, you will visit the famous monument Christ Redeemer and the mountain Pan de Azúcar, you will also explore the city center through a touristic route. In Paraty, a boat tour will give you the opportunity to know the main beaches and island of the city bay. The Rio de Janeiro and Manaus package includes 8 hotel nights, excursions, and transfers of ENTRANCE / DEPARTURE to the airport and between locations.

Inclusions: 4 nights accommodation in Paraty , Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, 4 nights accommodation in Rio de Janeiro , Airport Transfer , Paraty Boat Tour, Rio de Janeiro City Tour

Exclusions: Food And Drinks, Unless Specified, Domestic & International Flights

Reviewed By michaelhH4766YO

Oh my goodness, we could not say enough good things about Priscillya!! She is the best!!! She is knowledgeable, bubbly, warm, and her ability to switch between English and Portuguese was mind blowing! The day was organized and we hit every major site in Rio in eight hours. We never felt rushed and Priscillya set times and meeting spots for our group to keep things flowing. So necessary, because the whole day had so many amazing photo ops! The fact that this tour included admission to Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf Mountain and a full Brazilian steak lunch is absurd. What a bargain!! Would 100% recommend!

10. Walking tour Through Gold Trail

Avenida Roberto Silveira, Av. Roberto Silveira, Paraty - RJ, 23970-000, Brazil Tangol - Paraty

The walk’s route has 3.6 km length, where a tour guide will be waiting for you to take the public transportation and start the hike surrounded by natural attractions and also leading you to an ecotourism environment. Firstly, you’ll see one of the most beautiful places located in Serra da Bocaina National Park with stunning views and great beauty. We’ll enjoy a variety of landscapes, different fauna species, and representative flora in Mata Atlântica. The tour guide during the excursion will provide information on the type of pavement, type of material found in the excavations, and characteristics of Mata Atlântica’s surroundings, as well as life and history related to that period of time. The tour experience is located close to Paraty-Cunha in the Vila do Penha community, where it is also possible after going down the paths, to visit the Cachoeira do Tobogã or the Alembic, Engenho do D’ouro (Optional)

Inclusions: Bilingual Guide

Exclusions: Local bus ticket in / out., Foods and Beverages

Reviewed By Mark W

This was a great day to visit some of the lovely bays around the Paraty islands. I was part of a group of 12. The staff were very friendly and made a real effort to make the tour as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. We visited four beaches and we were on the larger of the three schooners, which was the number II. My only slight complaint would be the use of the speaker to call people's orders out. The weather was great, which obviously helped, but great value for money and a lovely day out.

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