Your driver will meet you at your address in Sao Paulo.
You’ll travel in comfort for 4 hours.
Your driver will drop you off at your address in Paraty.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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, 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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Walk through a living gallery in this historic art colony. Where Art Lives
Walk around the world through the diverse flora of this quaint garden. The World in Flowers
Get whisked away to the European Alps in Brazil’s highest city. A Bit of Bavaria
Be humbled by the godly scale of the world’s largest cathedral. Marian Mass
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Nov 1, 2024All Daytrip drivers speak English* as well as their native language (and sometimes additional languages too!). They'll be happy to discuss local history and culture with you, as well as answer any questions you may have. And because they speak the language, they're able to provide you with a unique opportunity to connect with local culture. *Drivers for Lite service aren't required to speak English but must meet all other standards.
We screen all our drivers for criminal and traffic records, and personally interview each one. We also inspect their cars for safety, comfort, and reliability. All cars must be less than ten years old, in excellent operating condition, and insured as required by local law. And because our drivers are locals, they're familiar with the rules and customs of the road.
If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!
Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.
Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).
Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.
Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!
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