What to Do in Paraty in 2 Days - Ultimate Weekend Itinerary & Top Sights

Choose a clean room in the historic center for your home base, then roll out on wheels to explore Paraty’s cobblestone lanes. Arrive early, pack light, and keep the pace relaxed so you can savor cuisine flavors, tranquil coves, and cachaças stops.

Day 1, Centro Histórico walk: explore Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário e São Benedito, the gold accents in old façades, and several artisan studios along Rua da Lapa. For lunch, try a moqueca or ribeirinho seafood stew; Paraty offers many options with fresh catches daily. In the afternoon, visit a tiny distillery to taste cachaças and learn about production–some tours reveal tools and other historic touches. If you're looking for more context, ask for a behind-the-scenes explanation. End with a sunset on Jabaquara Beach, where boats drift in tranquil waters.

Day 2 moves to the serra foothills: choose a light hike or an easy trail into the serra near Paraty, with less climb than a summit trek. The route offers sweeping views, shade from trees, and a few cascades for a quick dip. Pack water, snacks, and a camera for breathtaking vistas; you’ll find much beauty in every corner.

Evenings embrace Paraty’s craft and taste: a part of Paraty’s charm is the craft markets where you can sample cachaças and bite-size snacks; several stalls bind the gold accents on wooden carvings with warm hospitality. Tourism-focused hosts serve dishes like peixe na telha and camarao, reflecting the coast’s cuisine. There is also live music and friendly locals who share many stories about Paraty’s history.

Practical tips: even with a tight schedule, in march there are fewer crowds and calmer seas, making it ideal for a relaxed two-day pace. Book a cheaper room in advance, consider a third nearby day option if you want a longer stay, and use a home base to refresh between sights. In any case, Paraty remains a tourism hotspot with clean streets, friendly locals, and plenty to discover–from narrow alleys to boat stops that let you slow down and enjoy the breathtaking coast.

Two Days in Paraty: Practical Weekend Itinerary with a Boat Trip

Book a morning cruzeiro from Paraty's port through civitatis to secure seats on a traditional boat. The crew should speak portuguese and share stories about the town’s past; you’ll reach hidden coves with calm waters and a backdrop of lush vegetation.

1. Day 1 – Historic core + coast cruise
   • Morning: Start at Praça da Matriz, beside the river, and wander the cobbled lanes to see colonial façades and craft stalls; grab a coffee and a pastel while soaking in the atmosphere.
   • cruzeiro: Mid-morning to early afternoon, board the cruzeiro at the port; sail along the coast visiting several hidden coves; swim and bathing in natural pools; snorkel if you like; the crew highlights mangrove vegetation and cliff scenery; this leg lasts about 2–3 hours.
   • Lunch: Return to town for a traditional lunch at a seaside restaurant or enjoy snacks produced locally on board.
   • Evening: Live music along the riverfront; jorge, a captain who has guided them for years, shares sea tales; gabriela performs a few songs; the harbor exudes an encouraging vibe as the sun sinks; a free stroll beside the water rounds out the day and offers breathtaking views.
2. Day 2 – Fjord day and trails
   • Morning: Take a boat or kayak to the Mamanguá fjord or Taquari region; you’ll see natural mangrove vegetation and several birds; expect fascinating views and the chance to swim in clear waters.
   • Lunch: Picnic on a quiet beach; try grilled fish and locally produced sides.
   • Afternoon: Short coastal trails lead to hidden beaches and stunning viewpoints; bring water and a hat; watch the sea and take photos with the beautiful backdrop.
   • Evening: Return to Paraty and enjoy a final stroll in the historic center or along the port; finish with a relaxed dinner before departure.

Historic Centre Walk: cobbled lanes, landmarks, and coffee spots

Begin at Praça da Matriz at 9:00, hire a local civitatis guide, and plan an hour visit to explore Paraty’s Historic Centre, a breathtaking blend of baroque facades and colorwashed lanes.

In the square, Igreja Matriz de Paraty anchors the stroll with a baroque façade, gilded details, and a bell tower that rings softly as you pause for photos.

From there, wander between cobbled lanes toward the Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário, a compact baroque chapel framed by pastel houses and lined with carved wood elements that tell the town’s story.

Between landmarks, drop into two nearby spots for coffee and quick bites: a strong espresso at a shaded patio near Largo do Rosário and a second option with a lighter crema a few doors down. The area is rich with restaurants offering quick options after visits, so you can fuel up and watch artisans at work.

For a light detour, ask about cachoeira branca–a short, accessible option that adds a touch of nature without breaking your rhythm. It’s a simple way to weave greenery into your historic itinerary, especially on sunny days.

To keep the day flexible, you can book additional visits, check the schedule of transfers back by motor, and enjoy the sono breaks that help you absorb Paraty’s pace. This brazils charm, with its services and welcoming locals, makes every step feel natural and back to the heart of the town.

Boat Trip: Lagoa Azul snorkeling excursion (half-day)

Book a guided Lagoa Azul snorkeling half-day to start your Paraty weekend with a perfect mix of clear water, warm currents, and a sense of discovery. This option gives you rich views of fish and coral while keeping things relaxed and flexible.

From the pousada pickup to the dock, the ride lasts about an hour. Your guide leads you through a safe briefing, shares tips on the best snorkel spots, and names the favourite sites you will visit. Budget-friendly gear is provided, and the crew keeps the group small for a warm, personal experience.

In Lagoa Azul, snorkel among schools of tropical fish in calm, sandy shallows. The water is typically crystal clear with visibility that shows the vibrant colour of the reefs and the sand below. In april, departures are popular when seas are mild, so consider booking in advance to secure your preferred hour.

After you rinse off back on deck, you can explore Paraty's cobblestone colonial center, or ride a short transfer back to a beloved pousada. Many visitors spend time in the old town, enter cozy cafés, and sample local cachaças at a favourite spot. This half-day keeps you flexible to spend the afternoon at beaches or researching options for the rest of your weekend.

Lunch Break: riverside menus featuring local dishes

Consider this: head to a riverside spot by Paraty's historic centre and order peixe na telha, a royal caicara staple produced with fresh fish, lime, and herbs. It is considered a must-have in this cuisine, and local guides will point you to the best versions along the water, a tradition built over years.

Cheaper set menus appear in the smaller taverns by the river; ask guides for the prato do dia to keep the bill friendly. Expect white rice, pirão, and moqueca de peixe as common pairings that highlight the coastal flavors. If you're unsure, ask for something lighter like tapioca or a small porção.

Between the igreja and the river, these places stay tranquil, connected, and quick on service, making it easy to grab lunch without slowing your day. In August, the breeze by the water feels especially pleasant, and the scene stays lively without being loud.

English menus appear in several spots; if you watch for keywords, staff will switch to English, or you can point to 'peixe' and 'arroz' to communicate. This time is possible to linger 20-30 minutes, then watch the boats drift by as you finish your coffee.

Jorge, a local guide, says this break takes about 30–45 minutes and pairs well with a short hike along the riverbank afterward. For a lighter option, you can grab a small porção de peixe and a juice to go.

Article note: the best meals are produced by hands that know the estuary. If you want something else, consider sampling tapioca by the promenade or a cooled coconut water to refresh after your trip.

Kayak Adventure: Saco do Mamanguá mangrove and secluded beaches

Rent a private kayak with local guides at dawn and start from Paraty's quay toward Saco do Mamanguá to catch the mangroves in quiet light. This setup lets you control the pace and choose your own route, while guides handle safety and navigation. This option is considered ideal for a weekend escape.

The loop covers about 6-8 km and takes 2-3 hours of paddling, with a third stop at a secluded beach where you can land and rest.

Inside that surrounding mangrove forest, you will see many species of shorebirds and crabs; paddlers can immerse themselves in a quiet maze of channels filled with life.

This year offers calm mornings; plan around the local festival calendar to avoid crowds. Stop at a floating deck for a quick coffee, and if you rent gear at the dock, these moments between mangroves become simple and joyful.

Exploration includes short trails across the shore where trees with smooth wood doors frame tiny fishermen huts. A nearby village offers fresh catches and simple restaurants; you can sample fried fish or a coconut-water drink as you soak in the wealth of biodiversity and the peaceful pace that define Mamanguá. These type experiences reward patience.

Before you go, check gear rental options at the dock (canoe or sit-on-top kayaks), and map the route with canva templates shared by your guides. The private setup lets you adjust pace, stop at several private coves, and avoid crowded spots.

In sum, the experience blends adventure with peace and relaxation, a rare balance for travellers seeking a pretty, quiet escape. You'll leave with rich memories, a heart as full as the mangroves, and new doors to curiosity about Paraty's surrounding coast.

Evening Plan: Sunset views and waterfront dining

Head straight to the Jabaquara quay for sunset views over Paraty Bay; the colorful boats ride on the calm water as natural light softens the hills and the old town silhouettes glow. Sitting on the seawall, grab a cold drink from a vendor and enjoy the moment; locals have been coming here for years, and the mood is encouraging.

After the sun dips, stroll along the promenade toward Praça da Matriz, where the remains of colonial façades catch lantern light. The path climbs through vegetation and the bocaina foothills, with the air carrying a salt-kissed breeze. Each turn reveals a different angle of Paraty’s charm, a unique blend that invites you to linger rather than rush.

Find an excellent waterfront restaurant with views across the bay and book a table on the edge if possible. Try moqueca caiçara, grilled snapper, and casquinha de siri, paired with a local craft beer or caipirinha. If you prefer, rent a bike along the quay or hire a taxi after dinner to stay connected to your hotel or station area; this plan does not require a long trip.

After dinner, consider a quick stop at a distillery in the old town–Paraty’s distilleries offer short tastings that showcase the town’s tradition. Each stop has a different flavor profile, and some spots feature outdoor seating under string lights by the water. For a light finale, walk to the praça area and, if you’re up for a little play, check out a small tobogoã by the riverfront as a playful nod to Paraty’s natural, family-friendly vibe.