About Paraty

Paraty is a beautiful colonial city. Considered a National Historical Monument, its countless natural and architectural charms have been preserved, allowing visitors to embrace the same beauty the city’s ancestor’s intended to convey.

Since the historical center of Paraty is free of cars, the most efficient way to explore the area is on foot. You will travel back in time, as you enjoy the surroundings, complemented by cobblestone pavement. The construction of its houses and churches reflects a certain style of the past; the mysterious masonry symbols which decorate the buildings’ walls will lead your imagination back to Brazil’s years past. The village was founded in 1667 around the church of "Nossa Senhora dos Remedios," its patron saint.

In its past, Paraty (sometimes spelled "Parati") had significant economic importance due to its sugar cane mills (it used to have over 250 distilleries), and the name "Paraty" was, at one time, a synonym for, “very good sugar cane rum.”

In the 18th century, the port of Paraty was an important outlet for the gold and precious stones brought back on horseback from Minas Gerais State. These pieces of gold were supposed to be shipped to Portugal, however, constant pirate assaults led to an abandonment of the gold route, resulting in a great economic isolation.

In the 1970’s Paraty became an attraction for Brazilian and international tourism. Its good state of preservation and natural beauties made this possible.