Things to Do in Paraty, Brazil: Walking Guide

Paraty is a beautifully preserved port town in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, where colonial history, Atlantic rainforest, and coastal landscapes come together beside the calm waters of Ilha Grande Bay. Known for its whitewashed buildings, brightly painted doors, and uneven cobblestone streets, it offers an incredible journey into the past. Explore the town at your own pace with the free Neywo audio guide for Paraty, featuring 8 narrated places in 11 languages.

What to See in Paraty: Landmarks and Heritage

Travelers looking for what to see in Paraty will find a historic center filled with significant religious architecture, museums, and natural highlights.

Santa Rita de Cássia Church

Standing in a square facing Paraty Bay, the Santa Rita de Cássia Church is closely connected to the Museum of Sacred Art of Paraty. The museum presents art within the context of Portuguese colonization in Brazil and forms part of the cultural institutions maintained by IPHAN, Brazil’s National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage.

Church of Our Lady of the Rosary and Saint Benedict

Also known in Portuguese as Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosário dos Homens Pretos e de São Benedito, this church is recognized as part of Brazil’s national cultural heritage and is protected by IPHAN.

Mother Church of Our Lady of Remedies

Located in Paraty in the state of Rio de Janeiro, the Mother Church of Our Lady of Remedies—known locally as the Igreja de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios—is another key landmark in the historic center.

Church of Our Lady of Sorrows

The Church of Our Lady of Sorrows, referred to in Portuguese as Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Dores, is a local landmark situated right in the historic center of Paraty, reflecting its deep religious heritage.

Museu Forte Defensor Perpétuo

Occupying a military construction from the beginning of the nineteenth century known as Forte Defensor Perpétuo, this museum preserves the military, urban, and cultural history of the region. Its collections connect the fort’s past with social memory and local cultural traditions.

Pedra da Macela

Rising to 1,840 meters in the Serra do Mar, Pedra da Macela is the highest point in this part of the range, marking the boundary between Cunha in São Paulo and Paraty in Rio de Janeiro. Tourist infrastructure here includes two designated camping areas and a water tap. Near the summit, an installation belonging to the energy company Furnas features radio-frequency retransmission antennas used to communicate with the nuclear power plants at Angra dos Reis, though that specific area is private and closed to visitors.

Church of Our Lady of the Conception of Paraty Mirim and Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Penha

Further exploring the area reveals additional sacred architecture, including the Church of Our Lady of the Conception of Paraty Mirim and the church building of Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Penha.

Explore Paraty with a Self-Guided Walking Tour

Download Neywo to explore Paraty with a free audio guide. The app features 1 walking tour covering 5 stops over 1.54 km and 59 minutes, including Santa Rita de Cássia Church, the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary and Saint Benedict, the Mother Church of Our Lady of Remedies, the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows, and Museu Forte Defensor Perpétuo.

Each story plays automatically as you reach the place, letting you walk at your own pace with no group and no schedule. For more destinations across the country, check out our guide to Brazil, or plan visits to nearby cities like Rio de Janeiro, Ouro Preto, Salvador, Recife, Olinda, São Luís, Fortaleza, and Manaus.