How to Live Like a Local in Paraty, Brazil
Recently, Brazil has hit travel headlines thanks to the World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016. Rio de Janiero, Sao Paolo and Salvador will greet tourists from every international corner of the world with genuine and loud enthusiasm.
However, many international visitors overlook the Portuguese colonial town of Paraty (nicknamed Parati), just 236 kilometres away from Rio de Janiero.
Here, you will find the local way of life preserved on Paraty’s cobblestone streets that hug the Costa Verde (Green Coast). This stretch of land has been nominated as an UNESCO World Heritage site, and is filled with rustic charm that you won’t find elsewhere in the world.
So how do you live like a local in Paraty? Here’s a guide to ensure you have only authentic experiences during your stay in Paraty.
Party Like a Local – Pre-Carnaval
Despite its sleepy atmosphere during the day, Paraty comes alive at night during the Carnaval period in mid-February. The locals welcome you to get into the party spirit at ‘Avenida Roberto Silvio” within the historical centre – where the stage is filled with life-sized dolls, masked costumes and infectious music.
Watch out for the ‘Bloco da Lama’ (Mud Block) where locals and visitors alike transform into a prehistoric tribe on Jabaquara’s Beach, covering themselves in mud from head to toe. They serve to ward off bad spirits and attract joy to Paraty’s Carnaval.
Drink Like a Local – Caipirinhas
A no-brainer, Caipirinhas is the drink you must try in Paraty. Many courtyard terraces scattered through the town promotes this cheap and very tasty national drink. A word of warning, though, this tipple is particularly potent and extremely drinkable.
Walk Like a Local – Cobblestones
While here, why not walk a mile in some locals’ shoes? Leave the high heels back home and, instead, bring your walking shoes to hike the city’s varied cobblestone avenues. Also, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, why not join a walking tour to observe local conservation projects and the fight against trafficked wild animals. Descubra Paraty has all the details and comes highly recommended when visiting Brazil.
Sail Like a Local – Paraty Bay
Discover Paraty’s rich and varied marine environment when you charter a captained small boat. Home to the best beach in Paraty, Paraty Bay is famed for its warm turquoise waters where you can swim, snorkel, dine and even spot local animals such as monkeys, turtles, tropical fish and maybe even the elusive jaguar. There is no question on what to do in Paraty Bay.
For the film buff, however, you may want to find Casa em Paraty beach where the latest Twilight movie was filmed.
Pray Like a Local – Chapel of Saint Rita
Brazil has the most devout Catholic population in the world and Paraty is no exception. Join the locals on Sundays to hear the joyful singing masses at the Chapel of Saint Rita, a picturesque chapel on the waterfront looking over the Ilhe Grande Islands.
Live like a local in Paraty and you are guaranteed great memories to last you a lifetime. Just don’t forget to bring the sun cream, shades and your sense of humour to party!
If you want to know how to get from Rio de Janeiro to Paraty, click on the Rio de Janeiro Page to find out transport options.