Paraty

Paraty is a small colonial village, in the bay of Ilha Grande. It is an enchanted place, lost in time. In the 18th century it was a prosperous village, since it was the only port from where the gold findings from the mines in Minas Gerais, in the hinterland, were shipped to the capital, Rio de Janeiro. This attracted all sorts of trade with supplies for the goldmines, food and, of course, slaves for the mines. Not to say, that due to the traffic of gold laden ships the region was also a preferred workplace for pirates of all nationalities.

But, when a new, more economical gold trail was opened in the end of the 18th century, which led directly towards Rio de Janeiro, Paraty lost its importance and was left to rural activities. And so the rich colonial village was lost and abandoned. Only to be “re-discovered” to tourism in the 1960ies with all its charming, original colonial architecture.

Paraty lies in a protected bay inside the big bay of the Ilha Grande. Its backdrop is adorned by high mountains covered with lush rainforest. The sea is calm and the waters clear and warm. Small beaches with fine, white sand can be discovered along the coastline. In short - it is a fantastic place.

Rainfall is frequent in the region. All the humidity in the tropical air and moisty rainforest facilitates the formation of orographic clouds, and thus precipitation, when the seabreeze climbs the mountains in the backdrop. The mountains reach 1000 meters hight. But don't worry. In the tropical weather, the rain sometimes comes as a welcome refreshment.

From childhood on I have had a crush for the place and its maritime history. Specially the canoes and paddles used by the indigenous fishing communities.

The last time we went there, we were accompanied by our Spanish friends Pablo and Yolanda.

Images from our last visit to Paraty, with Pablo and Yolanda.

No cars allowed in the historic center. Isn't that nice?