Paraty is a small colonial port on a stunning stretch of jungle-clad coastline 150 miles south of Rio. The beauty of this town is that it has something for everyone: immaculately renovated 18 Century colonial architecture, fabulous shopping for ceramics and other local handicrafts and a fantastic coastline and islands for beach life.
Paraty centre has been rightly designated a national monument, due to its charming churches and houses built in the 18 Century, when Paraty enjoyed prosperity due to being the principal port for exporting gold and other minerals in the country.
Cars are not allowed down its cobbled streets, so it is a perfect escape from the frenetic pace of Rio or Sao Paulo. An excellent way to spend the day is on a boat or schooner exploring the many unspoilt islands, which have superb sandy beaches.
Pousada Picinguaba is beautfully situated on the coast, overlooking the sea. Pousada Picinguaba is south of Rio de Janeiro, set in lush tropical gardens.
The Pousado do Sandi started life as a school in the 18th Century. The Pousada do Sandi has 26 rooms of varying sizes, all have air conditioning and private bathrooms as well as television, video, telephone and a minibar.
Pousada Marquesa located in the colonial part of town, the historical section of Paraty in the Mother Church Square, has been restored to combine colonial past and modern conveniences.
