You’ve arrived in São Paulo, spent some busy days in this global city, and now you are ready to dive into the natural wonders of Brazil. And naturally, your first stop is Paraty. Your road trip from São Paulo to Paraty will serve as a trailer for the upcoming days you’ll spend in Paraty, and will leave you eager to explore more of Brazil. The distance of 167 miles (269 km) is traveled only in four hours, which you’ll more than likely prolong with all the places you’ll stop by to explore.
Definitely add Campos do Jordão to your list of places to see on the way; its fame as the highest city in Brazil makes it a popular spot for travelers. As you leave São Paulo, you’ll quickly find yourself descending the Serra do Mar, a dramatic mountain range draped in Atlantic Forest. Once you reach Guaratingueta, you’ll start going directly towards the coast, and Paraty by the sea will be waiting for you down there.
About Paraty
Once you get from São Paulo to Paraty, you’ll understand why this town has to be on everyone's bucket list. A precious treasure on the southeastern coast of Brazil, Paraty is rich not only with its history evident in architecture but also with its incomparable natural surroundings. The most interesting fragment of history is the Camingo do Ouro, meaning the Gold Trail.
After Paraty was founded in the 16th century and became an important port during the Brazilian Gold Rush, this cobblestone road was built by African slaves. It still exists today and stands as a significant historical trek through the thick green Atlantic Forest. Another thing Paraty is known for is its streets that flood at high tide. And it’s nothing sort of negative—on the contrary, the streets are clean, and the photos are highly picturesque thanks to it!
From São Paulo to Paraty: travel tips
Before setting off for any trip, it’s helpful to keep some travel tips in mind. Here are the ones for traveling from São Paulo to Paraty, which can boost the fun and the comfort of your trip.
### Plan for weather and tides
Paraty's weather can be unpredictable, with sudden rain showers typical in the tropical climate. Pack a light rain jacket and waterproof footwear to walk the streets, which can become slippery. Check the tide schedules before starting to explore the historical center, as some streets flood during high tide. It is surely a great sight to see, but a harder condition to walk in.
### Explore beyond the town
Paraty's colonial charm is a major draw, that’s no question. But don’t miss the surrounding natural beauty being captivated by the center. Rent a car or join a tour to discover the beauties around, like the Serra da Bocaina National Park for hiking and waterfalls, or take a boat trip to the islands and beaches in the Bay of Paraty.
### Stay in a pousada for an authentic experience
Stay in a pousada, a traditional Brazilian guesthouse, to get more into the local culture. Many pousadas in Paraty are located in restored colonial buildings, so you’ll find historical beauty and modern comfort in one place. They often provide personalized service and local breakfast delicacies, which will make your stay a highly enjoyable one.
How to get from São Paulo to Paraty
The way we get to a place often determines the time we spend there, so choose your way to travel carefully. Here are the main alternatives to get from São Paulo to Paraty:
### São Paulo to Paraty by car
Driving from São Paulo to Paraty can be done around four to five hours. You’ll be driving along the BR-116, also known as Rodovia Presidente Dutra, which is the most common route. From there on, you’d follow the RJ-155 and RJ-165 towards Paraty. Mountainous and coastal areas will be passing you by, and you’ll have the flexibility to stop and explore them. But take driving in a foreign country with different traffic rules, parking in Paraty, and dealing with renting a car into consideration before going for this option.
### São Paulo to Paraty by bus
You can take a bus ride from São Paulo to Paraty without transfers. There are direct bus connections on this route three or four times a day, one of them usually being a night one, leaving you in Paraty very early in the morning the next day. You’d spend around six to seven hours on the bus if you choose this alternative, which can be tiring considering there are usually no long stops to stretch or explore around. The average cost for a bus ticket from São Paulo to Paraty ranges from $15 to $40 depending on the day, time, and season.
### São Paulo to Paraty by Daytrip
Traveling with Daytrip, the door-to-door private car service, combines the flexibility of driving with the direct route of a bus ride and adds the utmost convenience and comfort to the experience. Daytrip helps you travel stress-free since your local driver takes the responsibility of driving, navigating the route, possible tolls and fuel costs. Plus, you won’t have to worry about parking in Paraty. The average cost of door-to-door private car service is around $225.
Things to do when you get to Paraty
You’ll be glad to have traveled from São Paulo to Paraty at the end of your trip, thanks to all the unique experiences. Here are some of the unmissable things to do when you get there:
### Attend the literary festival FLIP
The Festa Literária Internacional de Paraty (FLIP) is a must-attend event if you are a literary enthusiast. Every year, typically in July, Flip transforms Paraty into an even livelier place full of intellectual and cultural activities. If you plan your trip according to the festival, you’ll enjoy a diverse lineup of events, author readings, panel discussions, book signings, and workshops. Street performances and art installations carry the festival atmosphere through the town.
### Delve into the Art of Cachaça
The high-quality cachaça, a traditional Brazilian spirit made from fermented sugarcane juice, is a specialty of Paraty. Visit one of the local distilleries, such as Engenho D’Ouro or Paratiana, for a fantastic experience learning about the history and production process of this icon. These distilleries often have guided tours available that take you through the steps of cachaça production, from harvesting the sugarcane to the distillation process. You’ll also have the chance to sample different varieties of cachaça, each with its unique flavor profile.
### Pay a visit to the House of Culture Gallery
The Casa da Cultura de Paraty is the place for art lovers who are visiting Paraty. A rotating selection of exhibitions displaying contemporary Brazilian art, traditional crafts, and historical artifacts reside in this culture house. Here is a dynamic space for both locals and travelers thanks to its cultural events, music performances, film screenings, and workshops. The Casa da Cultura is a comprehensive look into Paraty’s rich artistic heritage and contemporary cultural scene.
When is the best time to visit Paraty
Going from São Paulo to Paraty is a great idea year-round, thanks to its consistently warm weather and inviting waters.
In the summer months, from December to March, it’s quite sunny and ideal for beach activities, but it also brings frequent rains and very hot temperatures. If you mainly want to enjoy the beaches without the interruption of rain and extreme heat, other months may be more suitable for your trip to Paraty. Outside of summer, you’ll find less rain and milder temperatures, making it more comfortable overall.
All in all, while Paraty’s warm climate makes it suitable for visits throughout the year, choose the right season based on which type of weather and activities you enjoy more.
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Luxembourg
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Canada
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Conor M.
United States
2024년 6월 3일
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Brazil
2024년 5월 10일
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United States
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United States
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Rory S.
United Kingdom
2023년 8월 24일
"This was more than a daytrip. This ride meant I got to be with my family and with my best friend on her wedding. I know that is cheesy but it literally meant the absolute world to me!!!! I will forever be grateful! It was easy to use! It was safe! It was PERFECT!! It was affordable! It was wonderful! I will recommend it to everyone! It saved me so much stress!
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Alyson C.
United States
2023년 8월 16일
"It was a great journey thank you. Osmar was punctual and friendly. Made a long journey stress free, knowing someone was pre-booked to get us there.
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Marianne H.
United Kingdom
2023년 7월 3일
"Alessandro was fantastic! He gave us recommendations for paraty and São Paulo, gave us scenic route to our destinations, and overall was great to get to know during our trip. Thank you, Alessandro!
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United States
2023년 6월 27일
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James G.
United States
Sao Paulo에서 파라티까지 여행에 대한 질문과 답변
You can travel from São Paulo to Paraty by bus, car, or a private car service. The bus trip takes around six to seven hours while driving takes about four to five. A private car service like Daytrip stands out as the most fun and comfy option out of the three main alternatives.
The most scenic route from São Paulo to Paraty is via the coastal highway BR-101. This drive comes with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, and coastal towns. It’s a longer journey compared to other routes, but the scenery makes it worthwhile.
Spending three to four days in Paraty is ideal. You’ll have enough time to explore the center, enjoy boat tours and beaches, visit waterfalls, and experience local culture. A longer stay is of course better for relaxing and having a glimpse of living in this beautiful part of Brazil.
No, you cannot fly directly from São Paulo to Paraty. The nearest airport is in Rio de Janeiro. You can fly from São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro and then take a bus or drive to Paraty, which takes approximately four to five hours by road. There are several flights operating between the airports of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo daily but better check the official websites for the schedule of the flights.
Yes, Paraty is worth visiting for its well-preserved colonial architecture, the unmatched natural beauty, and a dynamic cultural scene. Paraty is full of beautiful beaches, deep and green forests, and so many activities that can be done outdoors, including boat tours, waterfall hikes, and cachaça distillery tours.
To get to Paraty, Brazil, you can travel by bus or car from major cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Buses from São Paulo take six to seven hours, while driving takes about four to five hours. Alternatively, you can fly to Rio de Janeiro and take a four to five-hour bus ride to Paraty.
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