Unearth The Voyage
Paraty, a colonial jewel on Brazil’s Costa Verde, is far more than its cobblestone streets and pastel façades. Nestled between lush mountains and a sheltered bay, this UNESCO-protected town offers a rare mix of culture and wilderness. Behind its 18th-century churches and island-dotted shoreline lies a world of jungle trails, secret waterfalls, and traditional communities untouched by modern sprawl. From natural waterslides to oceanfront cascades, Paraty’s surroundings reveal the wild beauty of the Atlantic Forest at every turn. Whether you’re seeking adventure, history, or a quiet swim in a hidden pool, this coastal town delivers unforgettable experiences where rainforest meets sea.
1. Paraty: A Colonial Gem by the Sea
Tucked between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, Paraty is a preserved colonial town where cobblestone streets meet lush mountains. Once a bustling gold port, today it’s a hub for travelers seeking both history and nature. Beyond its colorful houses and churches, the town is framed by the Serra da Bocaina National Park, where rainforest trails lead to hidden waterfalls. Paraty’s protected bay is dotted with 365 islands, perfect for boat excursions. What makes it unique is the seamless blend of culture and wilderness – you can admire baroque architecture in the morning and swim beneath jungle cascades in the afternoon. Its mix of Atlantic rainforest, crystal-clear rivers, and coastal charm makes Paraty a rare treasure in Brazil.
2. Cachoeira do Tobogã: A Natural Waterslide
Just outside Paraty lies one of its most thrilling natural attractions: Cachoeira do Tobogã. This waterfall isn’t known for dramatic drops but for its smooth, sloping rock face that functions as a natural waterslide. Locals and visitors alike take turns sliding down into the cool pool below. The surrounding rainforest adds to the adventure, with tropical bird calls and dense greenery framing the site. Accessible by a short hike or jeep tour, the waterfall is often combined with a visit to nearby distilleries producing cachaça, Brazil’s famous sugarcane spirit. It’s a perfect example of Paraty’s adventurous side, offering a playful mix of nature, adrenaline, and local tradition in one unforgettable stop.
3. Gold Trail (Caminho do Ouro)
For history lovers, Paraty’s jungle hikes include sections of the legendary Gold Trail. Built in the 18th century by enslaved Africans, this cobbled path once carried gold from Minas Gerais to the coast. Today, parts of the trail are open to hikers, winding through the Atlantic rainforest. Walking it feels like stepping back in time, with moss-covered stones and towering trees creating a living museum. Along the way, you’ll encounter waterfalls, streams, and viewpoints over the mountains. Guided tours often share stories of colonial exploitation and resistance, giving the hike a deeper cultural layer. The Gold Trail connects Paraty’s natural wonders with its pivotal role in Brazil’s colonial history.
4. Cachoeira da Pedra Branca
Cachoeira da Pedra Branca is one of Paraty’s most picturesque waterfalls, offering both tranquility and adventure. Its cascades tumble into a series of natural pools, perfect for swimming on hot afternoons. The setting is serene, surrounded by towering trees and large mossy rocks that create shaded resting spots. The hike to reach it is moderately easy, making it accessible to most visitors while still feeling secluded. Many tours include stops at local farms and cachaça distilleries nearby, giving travelers a taste of rural Brazilian life. With its refreshing waters and lush backdrop, Pedra Branca offers a peaceful counterpoint to Paraty’s bustling historic center.
5. Serra da Bocaina National Park
Spanning over 100,000 hectares, Serra da Bocaina National Park is the vast green heart behind Paraty. It preserves one of the last great stretches of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, a biodiversity hotspot teeming with wildlife. Visitors can explore trails leading to waterfalls, mountain ridges, and hidden valleys. Some treks connect directly to traditional communities, such as the Caiçara and Quilombo people, offering cultural immersion alongside natural beauty. The park also shelters jaguars, toucans, and countless plant species, making it a paradise for eco-tourists. Whether hiking to panoramic viewpoints or camping in the jungle, Serra da Bocaina reveals the untamed side of Paraty’s coastal paradise.
6. Cachoeira da Usina
A lesser-known gem near Paraty is Cachoeira da Usina, where a small dam creates a broad cascade into emerald pools. Unlike the more popular Tobogã, this spot remains relatively uncrowded, making it ideal for those seeking a quieter nature escape. The surrounding area features smooth rocks perfect for sunbathing, and the pools are shallow enough for families to enjoy. A short hike through the rainforest brings you here, often accompanied by sightings of colorful butterflies and small monkeys in the treetops. Many visitors bring picnics to linger by the falls, combining swimming with relaxation. It’s a tranquil retreat that showcases Paraty’s balance of natural beauty and peaceful seclusion.
7. Ponta Negra Trail
For those craving a longer adventure, the Ponta Negra Trail offers one of Paraty’s most rewarding hikes. Starting from Laranjeiras, the path winds along the coastline through dense Atlantic rainforest and small fishing communities. The highlight is reaching Ponta Negra, a traditional Caiçara village accessible only by foot or boat. Here, pristine beaches meet jungle cliffs, and fresh seafood is served in family-run eateries. The trail includes river crossings and occasional uphill climbs, but the reward is a glimpse into Brazil’s coastal traditions far removed from mass tourism. Combining cultural encounters with breathtaking landscapes, the Ponta Negra Trail epitomizes Paraty’s off-the-beaten-path charm.
8. Cachoeira do Saco Bravo
Saco Bravo is perhaps the most dramatic of Paraty’s waterfalls – an oceanfront cascade that plunges directly into a natural pool carved from coastal rocks. The trek to reach it is demanding, requiring several hours through rainforest and rugged terrain, but the payoff is extraordinary. Standing at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, you can swim in the pool while waves crash nearby, creating a surreal blend of jungle and sea. This hike is recommended with a local guide due to its length and difficulty, but for adventurous travelers, it is the ultimate hidden treasure of Paraty. Few places in Brazil combine rainforest, mountains, and ocean so seamlessly.
9. Cachoeira do Iriri
Tucked deeper in the Paraty-Mirim area, Cachoeira do Iriri offers another secluded oasis. The falls create a series of cool, clear pools that invite swimmers after the trek through the forest. What sets Iriri apart is its intimate atmosphere – surrounded by dense greenery, it feels like a private corner of paradise. The hike often reveals birds such as toucans and parrots, as well as vibrant tropical plants. Many visitors combine a visit here with Paraty-Mirim Beach, where colonial ruins meet turquoise waters. Together, they form a day trip that blends nature, history, and coastal beauty in a way that only Paraty can deliver.
10. Jabaquara Mangroves and Trails
Beyond waterfalls, Paraty also offers unique jungle hikes through the mangroves of Jabaquara. Wooden walkways and nature trails lead travelers through this coastal ecosystem where crabs scuttle across roots and herons glide above the water. The mangroves serve as a natural classroom, highlighting the importance of these habitats for both marine life and climate regulation. Kayak tours often start here, allowing visitors to paddle between channels framed by tangled roots and leafy canopies. It’s a different kind of jungle experience – less about waterfalls and more about quiet discovery. Jabaquara shows the diversity of landscapes surrounding Paraty, where the rainforest meets the sea in surprising ways.
