Planning a trip to Paraty
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.
Special Events
Cachaça Festival
The region around Paraty is very well known for its cachaça (also known as pinga), the Brazilian booze made from sugar cane. Several distilleries are nearby, and each year, on the third weekend of August, the city celebrates the Festival da Pinga. Events include live music and lots and lots of tastings. Tip: If you miss the festival, make sure to stop at the Emporio da Cachaça, Rua dr. Samuel Costa 22 (tel. 024/3371-6329), a specialty store with over 300 types of cachaça from all over Brazil.
The FLIP Festival
Paraty's most important event is annual writer's festival, flippantly referred to as the FLIP (Festa Literária Internacional de Paraty). This event takes place in early July and includes numerous well-known foreign authors. Readings and presentations are often in English. For more details on upcoming FLIPs see www.flip.org.br. Book early if you plan to attend the FLIP. This event has quickly become the toast of the town and it's even outselling New Year's or Carnaval. Contact the tourist information office (tel. 024/3371-1897) or the FLIP festival office in Paraty (tel. 024/3371-7082) for details.
