Discover the Captivating World of Paraty, Brazil

UNESCO rates Paraty as a World Heritage site. To appreciate its structure and history is to experience, in just one place, all that a "small world" can offer: islands, beaches, waterfalls, trails, gastronomy, art and culture, music, handicrafts... in a miniature paradise located at the southeastern tip of Rio de Janeiro state in Brazil. You may also experience the local indigenous culture, or visit several of the region's famous cachaça (a rum-like traditional Brazilian beverage) distilleries, observe its production, and, naturally, taste the many exotic varieties. The nearby state park of Serra da Bocaina is home to a small mountain ridge where trailing will take you through gorgeous beaches, waterfalls, and islands, all within a beautifully preserved Atlantic forest, full of exquisite flora and fauna. The city's historic downtown invites visitors to walk through 18th-century stone-paved streets and alleys that preserve that period's original architecture. In almost every corner of this environment, you may taste the rich local cuisine, filled with unique sweets and pastries, in an atmosphere bathed under old-style street lamps' lights and surrounded by good and vibrant live music. This is Paraty... a small charming world of culture, music, history, and gastronomy.