Everything you need to know about each activity, what to expect, practical tips, and why it's worth it.
We'll be staying at our house in Paraty, a few minutes' walk from Prainha de Praia Grande, a calm and beautiful beach ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply sitting with a book and enjoying the view. On any day when we'd rather slow down, the beach is always there. No agenda needed.
Prainha de Praia Grande, a few minutes' walk from the house
Swimming, paddleboarding, relaxing, reading, watching the sunset
August is warm and mostly dry in Paraty, occasional evening showers possible
Reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, insect repellent for evenings
Paraty's Historic Centre is one of the best-preserved colonial towns in Brazil. Cars are banned from the cobbled streets. Art galleries, independent shops, cafés, and restaurants line the white-walled streets. It's best explored slowly, without a particular destination in mind.
Late afternoon and evening when the light is golden and the streets are lively
Streets partially flood at high tide, part of the town's charm
Some of our favourite restaurants are in or around the Historic Centre
Short drive from the house
One of the most beautiful spots on the Costa Verde. Trindade combines Atlantic Forest, spectacular beaches and a wonderfully relaxed village atmosphere. The main draw is Piscina Natural do Cachadaço, a stunning natural pool protected by large rocks where the sea is calm, incredibly clear and ideal for snorkelling. The trail from Praia do Cachadaço is about 20-30 minutes each way through coastal forest. Worth taking it slow and spending time at the pool before heading back.
About 30 min drive from Paraty
20-30 min each way, easy to moderate coastal path through Atlantic Forest
Calm, crystal clear, excellent for snorkelling, best visited early
Arrive early to beat the crowds. Bring snorkelling gear if you have it
Fazenda Bananal is a beautiful agroforestry farm dedicated to regenerative agriculture and Atlantic Forest conservation. We'll spend the morning exploring the farm and learning about sustainable food systems, followed by lunch at their excellent restaurant using local and seasonal ingredients, with plenty of vegetarian options. In the afternoon, Paratiana Distillery offers a fascinating guided tour of how Paraty's traditional cachaça is produced, finishing with a tasting. Even for non-cachaça drinkers, it's a genuine insight into an important part of Brazilian culture.
Agroforestry farm, Atlantic Forest conservation, farm restaurant for lunch
Farm-to-table, local and seasonal, good vegetarian options
Guided tour of cachaça production, tasting session included
Paraty is one of Brazil's most famous cachaça-producing regions
Saco do Mamanguá is Brazil's only tropical fjord and one of the most spectacular landscapes in the region. Only accessible by boat, we'll spend the day exploring secluded beaches, mangroves and quiet coves that most visitors never reach. Lunch at a small local restaurant on the water. For those who want more adventure, there is the option of hiking to the top of Sugarloaf Peak for panoramic views over the fjord.
By private boat only, no roads reach the fjord
Secluded beaches, mangroves, quiet coves, Sugarloaf Peak hike (optional)
Small local restaurant accessible only by boat
Brazil's only tropical fjord. One of the most untouched landscapes in the region
Note: Timing may swap with the Paraty Bay trip depending on the weather forecast and sea conditions on the day.
Quilombo do Campinho is a community founded by descendants of formerly enslaved Africans, who share their history, culture, traditional crafts and sustainable way of life through community-led tourism. It is one of the most meaningful experiences the region offers. In the afternoon, Graúna Waterfall is one of the quieter waterfalls in the area, a lovely spot for a swim surrounded by Atlantic Forest.
Community-led visit, history, culture, crafts and traditional way of life
Community restaurant if available
Quiet, off the tourist trail, great for a swim in the Atlantic Forest
Water shoes for the waterfall, change of clothes for the kids
A completely different experience from Mamanguá. Rather than following the usual tourist routes, we'll spend the day discovering beautiful islands, secluded beaches and crystal-clear waters around Paraty Bay, with plenty of swimming and snorkelling. The exact route will be decided on the day based on conditions, always choosing the calmest and most beautiful spots available.
Flexible route, chosen on the day based on weather and sea conditions
Islands, secluded beaches, crystal-clear water, swimming and snorkelling
Completely different character from the Mamanguá fjord trip
Snorkelling gear, sunscreen, towels, a good appetite
Note: Timing may swap with the Mamanguá trip depending on the weather forecast and sea conditions on the day.
A completely flexible day. We can revisit the Historic Centre, browse local shops and galleries, enjoy a long lunch, relax in a café, or simply spend the day at Prainha de Praia Grande if we feel like a slower pace. This day also gives us complete flexibility in case we need to move one of the boat trips because of the weather.
Revisit Historic Centre, shopping, cafés, galleries
Prainha de Praia Grande is a few minutes' walk from the house
Buffer day in case of weather issues with the boat trips
A relaxed breakfast before heading home. Until next time.
Relaxed breakfast at the house
Departing for home
This itinerary is completely flexible, and we’re very happy to adapt it to whatever you’d most enjoy.
The order of the two boat trips may change depending on the weather forecast and sea conditions.
Nothing is set in stone, so if you’d rather spend more time relaxing, hiking, swimming, or exploring local culture, we’ll happily adjust the plan.
Most importantly, we want you to experience the side of Paraty that we love most: its nature, its people, its food and its relaxed atmosphere.