Paraty tours

Things to do in Paraty

Picture yourself in Paraty, where the mountains meet the sea in a way that's both understated and striking. It's a town that seems to gently remind you of its colonial roots with every step on its cobblestone streets. When you're there with a local guide, the place reveals itself in layers. You get more than just the typical scenic views. The historic centre, with its charming buildings, still echoes with stories of the Portuguese settlers and the cultural exchanges of the past. Opting for a private tour means you're not just another tourist in line. Instead, you find yourself exploring secluded beaches and lush rainforests, where the sounds of nature provide a soothing backdrop. Whether you're meandering through the town or indulging in a culinary tour with a taste of local cachaça, your guide turns Paraty into an experience that feels refreshingly different. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Paraty. Explore Paraty your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Paraty tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Paraty for every interest, including: Nature and Wildlife tours: Hike a stretch of the historic Gold Trail in Serra da Bocaina National Park to swim at Cachoeira do Tobogã and spot bromeliads and toucans. Or choose Nature and Wildlife tours on the coast, paddling through the Paraty-Mirim mangroves at high tide to watch crabs and herons in the roots. City highlights tours: Explore the cobblestone lanes of the historic centre with your guide, visiting Igreja de Santa Rita, Casa da Cultura, and the Defensor Perpétuo fort for bay views. Add a cachaça tasting at a small alambique like Engenho D’Ouro in Penha, arranged as a private tour. Boat tours: Spend the day by private schooner or speedboat, dropping anchor at Ilha Comprida and Praia da Lula for snorkelling with colourful fish. Cruise into Saco do Mamanguá for paddleboarding or a short hike to the viewpoint at Pico do Pão de Açúcar do Mamanguá. The historic centre is very walkable with car-free streets, but public transit is limited for beaches, waterfalls, and trailheads. Ask your local guide about chauffeured tours or tours with private transportation; many boat tours include dock transfers. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Paraty inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods With a private walking tour in Paraty, you can wander through cobblestone streets and uncover the secrets of its charming neighborhoods, all with the insights of your local guide. - Centro Histórico: Step back in time in this well-preserved colonial area. Ideal for cultural tourists, the historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, brimming with colorful buildings and fascinating stories from Brazil's past. - Jabaquara: Just a short walk from the city center, Jabaquara is perfect for families and those looking to relax by the beach. The calm waters and coastal views provide a peaceful escape from the bustling town. - Praia do Pontal: This neighborhood offers a laid-back vibe with its sandy shores and beachside bars. It's a great spot for anyone seeking a leisurely day by the sea, complete with stunning sunsets and local music. Day trip ideas from Paraty Base yourself in Paraty, then use easy day trips to nearby beaches, islands, and rainforest trails, letting your tour match your pace and interests. Trindade Beaches and Cachadaço Natural Pool: a short ride brings you to soft sand, beginner surf, and a calm lava-rock pool that is great for snorkelling when the sea is settled. Simple beach shacks serve grilled fish, and short forest paths link Praia do Meio to Cachadaço, so you can mix swimming with light hiking in one day. Saco do Mamanguá via Paraty-Mirim: this long, fjord-like inlet is all about scenery, mangroves, and quiet water. Boat in from Paraty-Mirim, paddle a kayak or stand-up board, and, if you want a workout, hike to the Mamanguá Sugarloaf viewpoint for wide coastal views. Nature lovers and photographers get a strong mix of wildlife, calm bays, and village life in a single day trip. Gold Trail and Penha Waterfalls: follow sections of the historic Caminho do Ouro through Atlantic Forest, then cool off at Tobogã Waterfall, where the smooth rock forms a natural slide, and at nearby pools like Poço do Tarzan. Add a stop at a small cachaça distillery to learn how the spirit is made, which suits history fans, casual hikers, and food lovers in one easy tour. Praia do Sono and Ponta Negra: start with a coastal trail through shaded forest or go by boat when seas are calm, then reach a long, clean beach backed by simple cafés. Keep going to the fishing village of Ponta Negra for a quieter feel and cliffside views. This works well if you like steady hiking, swimming, and unhurried time by the water. Angra dos Reis Islands and Ilha Grande Lagoons: head out for a boat day to clear coves like Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde for snorkelling with schools of fish, then stop at a small seaside spot for lunch. Your tour can adjust the route to aim for calmer waters or shorter crossings, which helps families and first-time boaters enjoy the ride. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Paraty most travellers miss.