Paraty, Brazil
Today marks the last day of the spree of entries from Brazil. After the long, long season in Brazil, this is my previous entry here, and even though I'm not in this place right now, or haven't been there in a minute, I'll be writing about it because I love this city and everything about it. Okay, okay, I say this about all places I go to, and I might be a biased source (my Stats teacher would be proud of my vocab), but I do love this one and it is the one place in Brazil where so many people skip and I beg people to go to.
I love Paraty, the conjunction of beach, history, and livelihood. I love going there and spending time with my family and friends, as it can be family-friendly and a good hangout spot. It has excellent beaches and is suitable for bathing and diving, but it also has fantastic food and a pleasant atmosphere.
Let's go to the beach, beach
This is the main attraction of the town. It is in Rio de Janeiro, a region known for its islands and great beaches. Of course, the highlight of this region is enjoying the water. In Paraty, you shouldn't be doing the standard beach itinerary of sunbathing on the sand, as that is not the town's strong suit. Paraty endorses nature and bathing, so when visiting, expect to see the country's natural beauty and the beach.
My favorite activity when going to bathe might be hiking to Praia do Sono, which is a 3-km-long hike in an indigenous conservation area. Still, it is also possible to take the boat there. When walking, an astonishing ocean view leaves an outstanding grasp (kind of dramatic but true). I love going there, there is a nice bar/restaurant/boteco with good açaí, and the water is fantastic for bathing.
If not there, the best option would be to rent a private or public boat and go island hopping (just like in Salvador for those who read that entry). There, it is different as there are boats for all likes and budgets, big yachts, sailboats, speedboats, and even catamarans, all available for rental. You can choose the best boat to fit your budget and travel style. My family usually goes in big groups and shares a speedboat when we travel, so we can choose our Oslo itinerary and stops.
It is also lovely to dive there, just pull out your PADI license or snorkels if it seems suitable, because the water there is clear. However, you won't be able to see many animals as it is a bay, so if you take a boat ride from there, even in the island hopping tour, you can go further and choose an itinerary that best fits the diving spots.
Historical Aspect
The city has a very intrinsic historical aspect; that is, it was a very relevant city throughout the history of Brazil's colonization, especially during the period of the Gold Rush. The Gold Rush started in the late 17th century when they found in the mines in Minas Gerais. After the sugar cane production slowed down a little, they decided to explore the gold production in the region.
Interestingly, Paraty was a part of the Gold Rush route, so they would take the route from the seaside to the mines, from the ports and sea where they would export and transport gold and enslaved people. Paraty was also one of their central pit stops; that's why the city center's architecture resembles the colonial architecture of the time.
When in the town, it is possible to notice the apparent resemblance between Salvador's architecture and there, or even Portugal, for example, as it was to resemble the colonizer. Another interesting fact is that there were many freemasons in this region, and around the buildings, it is possible to see symbols that symbolize the fraternities in the places.
Extra Tip
If you do not like big crowds and want to avoid the crowds from the Rio carnival, I suggest you spend Carnaval in Paraty instead. They have small celebrations where you can still get the Brazilian energy of the holiday. Still, it is way less overwhelming and much more family-friendly. Once you come back to the rest of the country, you can return to your activities normally and more enjoyably.