Hidden gems in Paraty

Paraty’s colonial heritage is defined by its 18th and 19th-century architecture and coastal defense systems. This collection features the town’s oldest religious structures, including the 1722 Igreja Santa Rita and the neoclassical Parish Church of Our Lady of the Remedies. Beyond the cobblestone streets, the 1793 Forte Defensor Perpétuo offers historical context on the region's gold trade, while natural sites like Lagoa Azul and Praia Santa Rita provide secluded swimming spots away from the main harbor.

Paraty's Hidden Gems — Map

A

Igreja Santa Rita de Cassia

1722 colonial church housing the Museum of Sacred Art. It is the oldest religious structure in Paraty.

Mike Peel / CC BY-SA 4.0

B

Forte Defensor Perpétuo

1793 fortification built to protect the port and gold trade. The site includes a museum and original powder magazine.

C

Igreja de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios

Main parish church completed in 1873, featuring neoclassical architecture and expansive internal altars.

D

Igreja Nossa Senhora das Dores

1800 colonial church historically frequented by the local aristocracy, located near the waterfront.

E

Lagoa Azul

Natural swimming hole with clear water, typically accessed via boat tours from Paraty bay.

F

Praia Santa Rita

Secluded sandy beach accessible by boat or trail, featuring calm waters and Atlantic Forest surroundings.

G

Penha Church on Rock

Small chapel built directly atop a large granite boulder in the Penha district, located near the historic Gold Trail.

Other Lists

Paraty's Unmissable Treasures Best Beaches Historic Churches Majestic Waterfalls Scenic Viewpoints and Peaks