Backed by steep, jungle covered mountains plunging into an island-studded bay, Paraty enjoys one of Brazil’s most spectacular settings and an exquisitely preserved colonial center. The city of Paraty is full of history marking all the important moments of Brazilian history. The city boasts of a unique architectural ensemble consisting of the churches of Santa Rita, Nossa Senhora do Rosário, Nossa Senhora das Dores and the Matriz de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, besides the Forte Defensor Perpétuo, the Santa Casa de Misericórdia and other townhouses.

Paraty´s Historic Center dates back to the years 1820s when its streets already had their “pé de moleque” (“boy´s foot”) paving. The Historic Center, considered by UNESCO as "the most harmonious colonial architectonic setting ", was declared a National Heritage Site and is preserved by IPHAN (“National Historic and Artistic Patrimony Institute”).

Nowadays, Paraty has become a popular tourist town and its historical center is where you can find all the souvenir shops, nice restaurants, bookshops and places to buy Cachaça!

Planned below sea level, Paraty is considered the Brazilian Venice due to monthly flooding that covers the streets during the full moon, creating a beautiful natural phenomenon.