Planning
Paraty on a Budget: How to Enjoy It for Less
Free beaches, no-cost trails and a historic center that charges no admission. How to see the best of Paraty without blowing the budget.
Paraty has a reputation as a charming, pricey destination, but much of what makes the town special is free — or nearly so. With a bit of planning, you can experience the best of the region without spending much.
What's free
- The historic center — walking the cobblestones and seeing the churches costs nothing.
- Several trails, like Pão de Açúcar, are free (some only ask for a guide).
- Town beaches like Pontal and Jabaquara, walkable from the center.
- Sunset on the pier and the full-moon tide flooding the streets.
How to save on tours
The schooner tour is usually the cheapest per person, since it splits the cost among many — far better value than a private speedboat. Traveling outside high season lowers prices, and larger groups get better rates. Bring your own snorkel so you don't have to rent.
Eating and sleeping for less
Avoid the restaurants on the center's main street: a few blocks away, prices drop. Set lunch plates (pratos feitos) and bar snacks stretch far. To sleep, pousadas and hostels outside the historic quarter cost less and sit a few minutes' walk away.
