7 Curious Facts About Paraty to Know Before Your Trip

12/09/2025

Photo: Stefan Lambauer / Shutterstock.com

Travel becomes even more special when you understand the soul of your destination — and with Paraty, it’s no different. Rich in history, culture, nature, and flavors, the city holds fascinating details that often go unnoticed by many visitors. In this guide, you’ll discover seven curious facts about Paraty to know before your trip, all carefully selected to make your experience even more complete, immersive, and unforgettable.

Get ready for a light, fluid read filled with discoveries!

1. Paraty was once one of Brazil’s most important ports

Photo: Pedro Magrod / Shutterstock.com

Few people realize that between the 17th and 18th centuries, Paraty was one of the main export points for gold coming from Minas Gerais. Researchers like Sérgio Buarque de Holanda highlight the city’s strategic role in Brazil’s colonial system, especially thanks to the Caminho do Ouro — a historic route that can still be visited today on guided hikes.

Why does this matter for your trip?

Because every stone in the Historic Center tells part of this story. Walking through its streets is like traveling back in time.

2. The Historic Center was designed to be “washed” by the sea

Photo: Catarina Belova / Shutterstock.com

Yes, literally! Paraty’s streets were built below sea level so that the tide would rise and flood the city, helping clean the streets. This phenomenon can still be seen during certain high tides — a unique architectural spectacle in Brazil.

UNESCO studies indicate that this technique was common in colonial Portuguese coastal towns, reinforcing the city’s historical importance.

3. Paraty is one of the few destinations in the world recognized as a double-category World Heritage Site

Photo: Rogério Cassimiro / MTur

In 2019, Paraty and Ilha Grande were designated by UNESCO as both a Natural and Cultural World Heritage Site. This means the region combines enormous historical significance with some of the most pristine natural environments on the planet.

And you can feel this in the atmosphere, the hospitality, and the city’s strong sense of preservation.

4. Paraty’s cachaça has been famous since colonial times

Photo: Antonio Salaverry / Shutterstock.com

It’s no exaggeration: Paraty has long been a national reference in cachaça production. In the 19th century, the beverage made here was so prized that it gained recognition even abroad. According to the Brazilian Cachaça Institute (IBRAC), Paraty is one of the oldest production hubs in the country.

You can visit iconic distilleries such as:

Engenho D’Ouro
Maria Izabel
Paratiana

An unmissable experience for anyone who appreciates local flavors.

5. Paraty is home to one of the largest continuous stretches of Atlantic Forest

Photo: Sergio Rocha / Shutterstock.com

The region is protected by national parks and conservation areas such as:

Serra da Bocaina National Park
Cairuçu Environmental Protection Area
Juatinga Ecological Reserve

Research from ICMBio shows that this area is crucial for protecting rare species, migratory birds, and coastal ecosystems.

It’s the perfect destination for ecotourism lovers — with trails, waterfalls, and picture-perfect viewpoints.

6. The city hosts one of the world’s top literary events: FLIP

Photo: Catarina Belova / Shutterstock.com

The Paraty International Literary Festival brings together renowned authors, passionate readers, and inspiring talks every year since 2003. According to the Ministry of Culture, FLIP is one of the biggest drivers of cultural tourism in the country.

If you love art and literature, plan your trip for this season.

7. Paraty has beaches and islands that look like movie sets

Photo: vitormarigo / Shutterstock.com

The region features more than 60 islands and 100 beaches, many accessible only by boat — which helps preserve their exclusive feel. Highlights include:

Praia da Lula
Saco do Mamanguá
Praia do Sono
Ilha Comprida

To make the most of your visit, opt for organized tours and certified guides who know not only the most beautiful spots but also the safest ones.

Blumar DMC: Your ideal partner for exploring Paraty with safety and exclusivity

Beyond discovering these seven curious facts about Paraty, it’s important to experience every detail with peace of mind. That’s where Blumar comes in — specialists in personalized travel experiences across Brazil.

Why travel with Blumar?

Over 40 years of expertise in premium itineraries
Carefully selected local partners
Full customization: your itinerary is tailored to you
A team specialized in nature- and culture-focused destinations
Personalized service and support at every stage of your trip

With Blumar, you don’t have to worry about logistics, availability, or unexpected issues — you simply enjoy the best Paraty has to offer.

Conclusion

Now that you know these seven curious facts about Paraty, you’ve probably realized that this destination goes far beyond beautiful photos. It is living history, preserved nature, vibrant culture, and unforgettable local flavors.

And to turn this discovery into a perfect trip, count on Blumar DMC.

Posts you might also be interested in:

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Paraty Named One of the 50 Most Beautiful Villages in the World by Forbes

What’s the Best Way to Get to Paraty?

Unmissable Romantic Experiences in Paraty

Brazil is Named Travel + Leisure’s Destination of the Year 2026

FAQ: 7 Fun Facts About Paraty to Know Before Your Trip

Photo Svetlana Testova / Shutterstock.com

1. Why was Paraty once one of Brazil’s most important ports?

Between the 17th and 18th centuries, Paraty played a key role in transporting gold from Minas Gerais to the coast. It was part of the historic Gold Trail (Caminho do Ouro), highlighted by researchers such as Sérgio Buarque de Holanda.

Travel tip: Walking through the Historic Center feels like stepping back in time, with each stone telling a story.

2. Is it true that Paraty’s Historic Center was designed to be “washed” by the sea?

Yes! The streets were built below sea level so that the rising tide could naturally wash the city.
According to UNESCO, this technique was typical of some Portuguese colonial towns.
Don’t miss it: With the right tide, you can still see this remarkable phenomenon today.

3. Why were Paraty and Ilha Grande designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

In 2019, Paraty and Ilha Grande received the rare dual designation as both Natural and Cultural World Heritage.
This means the region is globally recognized for its preserved nature and rich historical heritage.
What this means for visitors: You’ll feel the harmony between culture, nature and hospitality throughout the town.

4. Is Paraty truly famous for its cachaça?

Absolutely! Paraty was one of Brazil’s most renowned cachaça-producing regions as far back as the 19th century. Research from IBRAC confirms its historic importance.
What to do: Visit iconic distilleries such as:

Engenho D’Ouro
Maria Izabel
Paratiana

A must-do experience for those who enjoy local flavors.

5. Does Paraty really preserve one of the largest continuous areas of Atlantic Forest?

Yes. The region includes protected areas such as the Serra da Bocaina National Park, Cairuçu Environmental Protection Area, and Juatinga Ecological Reserve.
According to ICMBio, this corridor is vital for rare species, migratory birds and coastal ecosystems.
Perfect for nature lovers: Think waterfalls, lush trails, lookout points and rich biodiversity.

6. What makes FLIP such an iconic event in Paraty?

The Paraty International Literary Festival (FLIP) has brought together world-renowned authors, passionate readers and inspiring debates since 2003.
The Ministry of Culture recognizes FLIP as one of Brazil’s most important cultural tourism events.
Pro tip: If you love books, plan your trip during the festival.