On the Costa Verde, surrounded by quiet beaches and peninsulas, beguiling Paraty is known for its exceptional colonial architecture. The historical district is a joy to explore, with cobblestone streets winding between whitewashed buildings and baroque churches. Cultural offerings are not limited to the historical, however – Paraty is home to many creative souls and entrepreneurs from around the world, whose restaurants, galleries, and shops give the town a cosmopolitan feel. Nature lovers will enjoy the nearby reserves, parks, and mountains that surround this enticing destination.
Located in the municipality of Paraty in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Saco do Mamangua is a fjord-shaped inlet, Brazil’s only tropical fjord, cutting a narrow 7-kilometre-long channel into the mountains southeast of Paraty. This unique protected marine ecosystem is set within the beautiful Juatinga Peninsular Eco-reserve and shelters the dense vegetation of the Atlantic Forest, bordered by mountains and beautiful beaches with an emerald green sea. Locals make a living from tourism, selling wooden handicrafts and fishing. Visitors can look forward to spotting turtles, exploring the lush mangroves and hiking the Saco do Mamangua sugarloaf peak to soak up the spectacular panoramic views and jump on a boating tour to discover the natural charms of the area.
A dynamic coastal neighbourhood synonymous with leisure, luxury and nightlife, Copacabana is characterised by million-dollar penthouses, stunning neoclassical buildings and tiny apartments set against a magnificent backdrop of jungle-clad mountains in Rio de Janeiro. From its humble origins as a small fishing village, the "Princess of the Sea" is now a leisure seeker's paradise, bursting with restaurants, nightclubs, bars and hotels, and emits a lively, effervescent energy, perfect for the social traveller. To learn its history, visit Forte de Copacabana, a fort and museum that traces the early days of the Portuguese colony through to the mid-19th century. Art enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to The Eva Klabin Foundation (Casa Museu Eva Klabin), a historical home of famous art and antique collector Eva Klabin that houses over 1000 art pieces from all over the world. A visit to Copacabana is incomplete without the world-famous Copacabana Beach, a 4-kilometre stretch of golden sand dotted with brightly-coloured umbrellas, bars and a popular playground for watersports, football, volleyball, or simply lazing in the sun.
