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Contact Us
1, Swan Mews
Parsons Green Lane
London
SW6 4QT
tel 44 (0) 20 7610 6020
fax 44 (0) 20 7384 9549
info@brazilodyssey.com |
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Situated 250km from Rio de Janeiro, this quaint colonial town epitomises what Brazil is all about; surrounded by 65 islands with over 100 beaches and a backdrop of lush mountains, combined with an historical centre containing 18th century churches.
Paraty’s unusually large cobbled streets, where no vehicles are allowed to pass, are designed to be flooded during high tides; the sea enters just far enough to cover them and wash them, presenting a magical image of a town apparently floating on water.
A small town, 8 streets by 6, was declared a national historic monument by UNESCO in 1966, though its beautifully maintained centre with traditional white walls and brightly coloured doorways makes it feel larger than it is. This is the outside, inside however the pousadas and café’s open up on to delicately landscaped courtyards with ferns, orchids, rosebushes and begonias. All of which make a stunning monument to Brazil’s colonial past.
Paraty’s charm is enough to entice almost anyone, but what lies beyond its borders is a world waiting to be discovered. The 65 islands and numerous beaches are accessible only by private boat, providing seclusion and privacy amongst stretches of sand and clear blue waters. The mountains that form the towns stunning backdrop are part of a national park system and contain walking trails, bike paths and waterfalls.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
• Boat hire. The town’s harbour has boats for private hire. You will need to haggle to get the right price. Once done, the boat will take to you one of the many beaches in the area. Some have small fish restaurants on whilst others are totally empty. The best beaches to visit are Praia do Forte and Praia do Jabaquara.
• Schooner. If having your own boat is not for you, or, as an excellent way of finding out where the best spots are, the schooner leaves the harbour twice daily for trips around the bay, stopping off at a selection of beaches. This is also a very good orientation trip.
• Fazenda Banal. A different type of excursion. Five minutes outside the town, following the old gold trail is a 17th Century hacienda (ranch) containing; waterfalls for swimming, bird watching and an ancient cachaca distillery - a sugarcane wine made from different flavours.
• Paraty. This colonial town is well worth exploring with its range of colonial buildings, colourful patio’s and 18th century churches.
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