Paraty is a hidden gem four hours by road to the west of Rio, along some amazing coastline scenery - which is not called the Costa Verde for nothing. With its untouched beaches, jungle and rainforest, colonial architecture and natural parks, this charming and historic town offers a truly diverse landscape nearby and plays host to all sorts of activities. The best places to stay in and around Paraty have lots of local character, whether boutique, colonial townhouse, seaside or farmhouse in the hills, each spot has its own charm.
The town itself is colonial era Portuguese, made wealthy and endowed with some magnificent architecture on the back of the 18th century gold rush. To really appreciate all it has to offer it repays to stay in one of the charming colonial townhouse hotels in the historic centre, free of cars and surrounded by cobbled streets and beautiful baroque churches. In 2019 it was made a Unesco World Heritage Site, and you will see why.
Located in an island-studded bay with a mountainous background, Paraty is a photographer's dream. To get the best out of this reagion, spend a couple of days in a hotel in the old town and then head out to one of the off the beaten track hideways inland or along the coast, listed below in our best places to stay in Paraty.