Paradise in Paraty

Founded by the Portuguese in the 17th century, the historic port town flourished during Brazil’s gold rush. While the gold may have run out, it’s still rich in colonial beauty, which you can explore with an expert guide. The cobbled streets are perfect for strolling along. They are lined with postcard-worthy whitewashed buildings and exquisite churches. Explore the harbour, which once served Portuguese ships. Nowadays it’s dotted with colourful traineras (wooden fishing boats). There’s plenty of time to dip into craft shops and investigate the plethora of charming restaurants.

Step on a traditional wooden schooner and spend the day sailing around Paraty’s secluded bays. There are 65 forgotten islands and many solitary beaches, only accessible by boat. You’ll stop for a snorkel in the warm crystalline water and recline on blonde crescents of sand that melt into the jade-green sea. You may even see a pod of dolphins in the horizon and arrays of tropical fish. Feeling peckish? Tuck into fresh seafood at a rustic beach shack.

Venture into Paraty’s rising Atlantic Forest on a fun 4x4 adventure. Journey through the dense greenery of the Serra da Bocaina National Park. Pause at the Pedra Branca waterfall. Plunge into its freshwater pool, which is fed by a series of cascading water. Continue to Tobogan waterfall, aptly named due to its 30-metre natural rock waterslide. Along the way you’ll visit a cachaça distillery to learn about the production behind the famous caipirinha, Brazil’s national drink.