Definitely add Campos do Jordão to your list of places to see on the way; its fame as the highest city in Brazil makes it a popular spot for travelers. As you leave São Paulo, you’ll quickly find yourself descending the Serra do Mar, a dramatic mountain range draped in Atlantic Forest. Once you reach Guaratingueta, you’ll start going directly towards the coast, and Paraty by the sea will be waiting for you down there.

After Paraty was founded in the 16th century and became an important port during the Brazilian Gold Rush, this cobblestone road was built by African slaves. It still exists today and stands as a significant historical trek through the thick green Atlantic Forest. Another thing Paraty is known for is its streets that flood at high tide. And it’s nothing sort of negative—on the contrary, the streets are clean, and the photos are highly picturesque thanks to it!

Plan for weather and tides

Paraty's weather can be unpredictable, with sudden rain showers typical in the tropical climate. Pack a light rain jacket and waterproof footwear to walk the streets, which can become slippery. Check the tide schedules before starting to explore the historical center, as some streets flood during high tide. It is surely a great sight to see, but a harder condition to walk in.

Explore beyond the town

Paraty's colonial charm is a major draw, that’s no question. But don’t miss the surrounding natural beauty being captivated by the center. Rent a car or join a tour to discover the beauties around, like the Serra da Bocaina National Park for hiking and waterfalls, or take a boat trip to the islands and beaches in the Bay of Paraty.

Stay in a pousada for an authentic experience

Stay in a pousada, a traditional Brazilian guesthouse, to get more into the local culture. Many pousadas in Paraty are located in restored colonial buildings, so you’ll find historical beauty and modern comfort in one place. They often provide personalized service and local breakfast delicacies, which will make your stay a highly enjoyable one.

São Paulo to Paraty by car

Driving from São Paulo to Paraty can be done around four to five hours. You’ll be driving along the BR-116, also known as Rodovia Presidente Dutra, which is the most common route. From there on, you’d follow the RJ-155 and RJ-165 towards Paraty. Mountainous and coastal areas will be passing you by, and you’ll have the flexibility to stop and explore them. But take driving in a foreign country with different traffic rules, parking in Paraty, and dealing with renting a car into consideration before going for this option.

São Paulo to Paraty by bus

You can take a bus ride from São Paulo to Paraty without transfers. There are direct bus connections on this route three or four times a day, one of them usually being a night one, leaving you in Paraty very early in the morning the next day. You’d spend around six to seven hours on the bus if you choose this alternative, which can be tiring considering there are usually no long stops to stretch or explore around. The average cost for a bus ticket from São Paulo to Paraty ranges from $15 to $40 depending on the day, time, and season.

São Paulo to Paraty by Daytrip

Traveling with Daytrip, the door-to-door private car service, combines the flexibility of driving with the direct route of a bus ride and adds the utmost convenience and comfort to the experience. Daytrip helps you travel stress-free since your local driver takes the responsibility of driving, navigating the route, possible tolls and fuel costs. Plus, you won’t have to worry about parking in Paraty. The average cost of door-to-door private car service is around $225.

Attend the literary festival FLIP

The Festa Literária Internacional de Paraty (FLIP) is a must-attend event if you are a literary enthusiast. Every year, typically in July, Flip transforms Paraty into an even livelier place full of intellectual and cultural activities. If you plan your trip according to the festival, you’ll enjoy a diverse lineup of events, author readings, panel discussions, book signings, and workshops. Street performances and art installations carry the festival atmosphere through the town.

Delve into the Art of Cachaça

The high-quality cachaça, a traditional Brazilian spirit made from fermented sugarcane juice, is a specialty of Paraty. Visit one of the local distilleries, such as Engenho D’Ouro or Paratiana, for a fantastic experience learning about the history and production process of this icon. These distilleries often have guided tours available that take you through the steps of cachaça production, from harvesting the sugarcane to the distillation process. You’ll also have the chance to sample different varieties of cachaça, each with its unique flavor profile.

Pay a visit to the House of Culture Gallery

The Casa da Cultura de Paraty is the place for art lovers who are visiting Paraty. A rotating selection of exhibitions displaying contemporary Brazilian art, traditional crafts, and historical artifacts reside in this culture house. Here is a dynamic space for both locals and travelers thanks to its cultural events, music performances, film screenings, and workshops. The Casa da Cultura is a comprehensive look into Paraty’s rich artistic heritage and contemporary cultural scene.

In the summer months, from December to March, it’s quite sunny and ideal for beach activities, but it also brings frequent rains and very hot temperatures. If you mainly want to enjoy the beaches without the interruption of rain and extreme heat, other months may be more suitable for your trip to Paraty. Outside of summer, you’ll find less rain and milder temperatures, making it more comfortable overall.

All in all, while Paraty’s warm climate makes it suitable for visits throughout the year, choose the right season based on which type of weather and activities you enjoy more.