Getting There

By Bus -- From Rio de Janeiro, Costa Verde (tel. 024/3371-1326; www.costaverdetransportes.com.br) has eight departures per day, from Rio's main bus station (Novo Rio) the first at 6am, the last at 9pm. Cost is R$49. The trip takes approximately 4 hours. From São Paulo Reunidas Paulista (tel. 0300/210-3000; www.reunidaspaulista.com.br) has six departures per day from the Tietê station, beginning at 8am and finishing at 10pm. The trip takes about 6 hours and costs R$44.

By Private Transfer -- Paraty Tours (tel. 024/3371-2651; www.paratytours.com.br) offers private transfers from Rio de Janeiro with set times for a minimum of two people at 8:30am, 12:30, and 5pm; airport pickups are available anytime between 8:30am and 5pm. Rates per person R$145. For three people or more you can set your own pickup time.

Getting Around

On Foot -- The historic center of Paraty is perfect for exploring on foot. The city center is closed to cars (parking is on the outskirts), making walking a traffic-free dream. Wear comfortable shoes as the big cobblestones make for a bumpy stroll.

By Taxi -- Taxis in Paraty can be hailed outside of the car-free historic city center, or call tel. 024/9999-9075 or 3371-2411.

By Rental Car -- Car rentals are available from Alugue Brasil Paraty, Av. Roberto Silveira 99 (tel. 024/3371-0019; www.paratyturismo.tur.br).

Visitor Information

The official Paraty Tourist Information, Av. Roberto Silveira 1, on the corner of Rua Domingos Gonçalves de Abreu (tel. 024/3371-1897; www.paraty.com.br), is open daily 9am to 9pm. Paraty Tours operates an information kiosk downtown, just a block down from the historic center at Av. Roberto da Silveira 11 (tel. 024/3371-2651; www.paratytours.com.br). They provide general tourist information as well as suggestions on hotels, tours, and excursions.

Fast Facts -- Banco do Brasil, Av. Roberto Silveira s/n (tel. 024/3371-1379), is open Monday through Friday 10am to 3pm. ATMs are open 24 hours. Paraty Web Internet Access is located inside the Quero Mais Restaurant, Rua Marechal Deodoro 243 (tel. 024/3371-7375). Connection cost is R$4 per hour. There's also Wi-Fi in much of the old historic center, R$20 for 2 hours, with www.paraty.com.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.