Paraty, the brazilian haven of peace
03 September 2017 - Destinations
Paraty - New Saint-Tropez n°2
At the heart of an exuberant nature
In the 60's, the young English lady Liz Calder, model and journalist in Brazil, discovered the little colonial town of Paraty and fell immediately in love with it. Located at 250km from Rio de Janeiro, the fishing port is like frozen in time. Nestled in the middle of a unique bounty of nature, between hundreds of islands, deserted white sand beaches, an ocean whose color will give its name to the coast, Costa Verde, and a lush rain forest, Paraty gives meaning to the proverb "A secret life is a happy life".
Listed as a UNESCO Wold Heritage Site
In the 17th century, the village was already a holiday destination for local aristocracy. Rediscovered by many artists and intellectuals in the 60's, this destination became very popular but stayed more discrete than its cousin Búzios, made popular by Brigitte Bardot. And it was in Paraty, classified as a world heritage site for humanity, that Liz Calder, a famous author agent decided to create in 2003 an International Literary Festival. Writers could only be sensitive to a place unaffected by the passage of time.
Our Addresses
Hotels
Casa Cairuçu : Located within a 15 minutes boat ride from Paraty, the Casa Cairuçu is lost in the abundant Brazilian nature. The environment is splendid, away from time and from the world. From the house, we can go and swim in a beautiful turquoise water. It's not unusual to cross turtles or some dolphins. Our favorite address in Paraty !
Casa Turquesa: Located in the colonial center of Paraty, the Casa Turquesa has the same incredible charm as this little sleepy village where it feels good to take your time. To celebrate your arrival, the staff kisses you on both cheeks and offers you a pair of Havaianas before walking you to one of the nine amazing rooms decorated in a Mediterranean style.
Restaurants
The Punto Divino : Excellent Italian restaurant. It seems surprising to recommend an Italian restaurant in Brazil, but once you have stepped foot on this land of contrast, you know that the best Italian restaurants (and Japanese) are in Brazil. Located in the heart of the city, where the tourists and the locals meet in the evening, we enjoy live music in the garden on weekends.
R. Mal. Deodoro, 129 - Centro Histórico, Paraty
The Banana da Terra : The Brazilian chef Ana Bueno suggests a delicious Brazilian cuisine. Sophisticated and creative. Don't miss the ceviche with coconut emulsion.
http://restaurantebananadaterra.com.br
Le Gite d'Indaiatiba : A restaurant located in the heart of the rain forest where you can taste the famous moqueca, a traditional dish from North Brazil, made with palm oil and coconut oil. Between the main course and the dessert, you can even go for a refreshing swim in the waterfalls located nearby !
http://www.legitedindaiatiba.com.br/
Bar
Casa Coupê : Located in front of the Matriz central square, the Casa Coupê is the meeting place of the whole village of Paraty.
http://www.casacoupe.com
To do
- International Literary Festival of Paraty (FLIP) : from July 26th to July 30th 2017. The global meeting place for literature with the presence this year of Patrick Deville and William Finnegan, among others.
- Visit the Santa Rita Church facing the sea.
- Take a boat : to go and explore all the surrounding islands and their turquoise water. Our favorite: Saco de Mamangua. For snorkeling: Ilha do Mantimento, Ilha Comprida, Ilha dos Cocos and Paraty Mirim.
- Hike : in the Mata Atlântica; this rain forest is unique in the world.
- The Cachoeira Toboga or Cachoeira da Penha waterfalls.
You can't leave Paraty without
- Cachaça : the Brazilian rum used to make caïpirinha.
- Ceramics from Lulu Silva Telles : crafts from the indigenous tribes from the Armazem Paraty shop, and some azuleros.
Before leaving
Movies to see
- Gabriela Gabriela from Bruno Barreto (1983) adapted from a Jorge Amado novel. Featuring Marcello Mastroianni. The story of a passionate love struggling with faithfulness, freedom and the burden of conventions.
- Brazil Ano 2000, a movie from Walter Lima Jr (1969). Granted the Silver Bear award in Berlin. Music Director: Gilberto Gil. After World War III, a mother and her daughter discovered a devastated Brazil.
Bring in your suitcase
- Our favela dress.
Your trip's soundtrack
Paraty from Tùlio Borges.
