Paraty and Ilha Grande
A colonial town between the sea and the Atlantic Forest, and a large car-free island: two stops on the Costa Verde, between Rio and São Paulo.
Region
Rio de Janeiro State, Costa Verde
Recommended stay
4 to 5 nights in total
Best time to go
April to November
Getting there
About 4 hours by road from Rio, then a boat to Ilha Grande
Culture and biodiversity
A former gold port, Paraty has kept its cobblestone streets, its whitewashed houses with colorful doors and its churches. Around it, the bay is scattered with islands and beaches, and the Atlantic Forest comes right down to the sea.
Nearby Ilha Grande is covered in forest and crisscrossed by trails. With no cars, you get around on foot or by boat. The two sites are listed together as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
When to go
The Costa Verde can be visited year-round. From April to November, the weather is drier and mild. Summer, from December to March, is hot and often rainy, but it is also beach season.
- April to November: drier, mild weather
- December to March: hot, rainy summer
Months
Legend
Things to do
Paraty’s historic center
Cobblestone streets, churches and colonial houses, which the sea sometimes floods at high tide.
A boat trip on the bay
From island to beach, with swimming stops in calm water.
Waterfalls and stills
In the hinterland, waterfalls and cachaça distilleries, Paraty’s specialty.
Trindade
A neighboring beach village, with a natural pool at the foot of the rocks.
Lopes Mendes and Lagoa Azul
On Ilha Grande, a long white-sand beach, reached by boat or by a beautiful coastal trail from Abraão (a two- to three-hour walk), and a lagoon with crystal-clear water.
Mamanguá’s Pão de Açúcar
South of Paraty, Saco do Mamanguá is a long inlet lined with mangroves and forest, often compared to a tropical fjord. You get there by boat from Paraty-Mirim, then a short but steep climb of about an hour leads to the top of the Pão de Açúcar, with a view over the whole of Mamanguá.
Pico do Papagaio, on Ilha Grande
Recognizable by its parrot-head silhouette, this peak is reached from Abraão by a forest trail of about three hours’ climb. The hike is demanding and done with a guide, often at night to watch the sunrise over the bay.
Where to stay
Paraty
For the heritage. Pousadas in or near the historic center, to enjoy the town in the evening.
Abraão, Ilha Grande
For nature. The island’s main village, the starting point for trails and boats.
Combine with
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Combine
Our tours
Tours
FAQ
Are there cars on Ilha Grande?
No. You get around on foot or by boat, which is a big part of the island’s charm. Bring luggage that is easy to carry.
Why do Paraty’s streets flood?
At certain high tides, the sea flows into the low-lying streets of the historic center. It is a well-known phenomenon and part of the town’s charm.
How much time should I plan?
Two nights in Paraty and two or three on Ilha Grande let you enjoy both without rushing.
Tempted by this trip?
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