Port information & tips for Parati
Paraty is an architectural jewel on Brazil's Costa Verde and delights as a UNESCO World Heritage site with a fascinating journey back in time to the colonial era. The city captivates with its unique flair of whitewashed houses, ornate window frames, and characteristic cobblestone streets, which are regularly and picturesquely washed by seawater thanks to the tides. Cultural highlights include the iconic Igreja de Santa Rita church by the water as well as the lively Centro Histórico with its charming galleries and boutiques. Cruise ships drop anchor in the bay, so guests arrive comfortably via tender boat at the Cais de Paraty, which is located directly at the Porto de Paraty and at the same time provides immediate access to the historic heart of the city.
Parati, a charming UNESCO World Heritage site on Brazil's Costa Verde, is a so-called tender port, which means that cruise ships anchor in the picturesque bay and guests are brought ashore by tender boat. Arrival from the DACH region typically takes place by plane, followed by a comfortable transfer to the small port town.
Airplane
The nearest international airports for traveling to Parati are Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport (GIG) and São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU). GIG is about 245 kilometers away, while GRU is around 254 to 306 kilometers away. Since travel times from both major cities can take four to seven hours, an overnight stay in the greater Rio or São Paulo area, or directly in Parati, is recommended for international guests to start your cruise experience in a relaxed manner.
Transfer & Shuttle
Comfortable transfer options are available for the onward journey from the airports. Numerous providers offer both private shuttles and shared transfers that bring you directly from the GIG or GRU airports, as well as from hotels in Rio de Janeiro's Zona Sul or Sao Paulo's city center, to your accommodation in Parati. The journey from GIG to Parati takes about 3 hours and 56 minutes with a private transfer, and from GRU it is approximately 3 hours and 49 minutes. In addition, regular buses operated by the Costa Verde company run from Rio's Novo Rio bus station, and Reunidas Paulista or Primar run from the Tietê bus station in São Paulo to Parati.
Car
Parati is easily accessible via the scenic coastal road BR-101, also known as the Rio-Santos Highway. This highway connects Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo and leads along the breathtaking Costa Verde. The drive offers beautiful views, but can be more time-consuming due to the many curves and traffic. The historic center of Parati is car-free, but parking facilities are available on the edge of the old town, for example at the "Estacionamento Centro Histórico". Some hotels in Parati also offer parking spaces.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the cruise: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as berthing and departure times can change at short notice.
Parati, a charming UNESCO World Heritage site on Brazil's Costa Verde, is a so-called tender port, which means that cruise ships anchor in the picturesque bay and guests are brought ashore by tender boat. Arrival from the DACH region typically takes place by plane, followed by a comfortable transfer to the small port town.
Airplane
The nearest international airports for traveling to Parati are Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport (GIG) and São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU). GIG is about 245 kilometers away, while GRU is around 254 to 306 kilometers away. Since travel times from both major cities can take four to seven hours, an overnight stay in the greater Rio or São Paulo area, or directly in Parati, is recommended for international guests to start your cruise experience in a relaxed manner.
Transfer & Shuttle
Comfortable transfer options are available for the onward journey from the airports. Numerous providers offer both private shuttles and shared transfers that bring you directly from the GIG or GRU airports, as well as from hotels in Rio de Janeiro's Zona Sul or Sao Paulo's city center, to your accommodation in Parati. The journey from GIG to Parati takes about 3 hours and 56 minutes with a private transfer, and from GRU it is approximately 3 hours and 49 minutes. In addition, regular buses operated by the Costa Verde company run from Rio's Novo Rio bus station, and Reunidas Paulista or Primar run from the Tietê bus station in São Paulo to Parati.
Car
Parati is easily accessible via the scenic coastal road BR-101, also known as the Rio-Santos Highway. This highway connects Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo and leads along the breathtaking Costa Verde. The drive offers beautiful views, but can be more time-consuming due to the many curves and traffic. The historic center of Parati is car-free, but parking facilities are available on the edge of the old town, for example at the "Estacionamento Centro Histórico". Some hotels in Parati also offer parking spaces.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the cruise: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as berthing and departure times can change at short notice.
Since Paraty is a tender port, boats take you directly to the centrally located Cais de Paraty, putting you within immediate reach of historical treasures.
On Foot
The historic center directly adjoins the pier and can be reached on foot in just two to five minutes thanks to short distances. A stroll through the car-free alleys also instantly conveys the town's special colonial flair.
Water Taxis (Escunas & Botes)
Numerous colorful boats and water taxis await right at the pier to take you comfortably to the idyllic islands and hidden beaches of the bay. These traditional means of transport also offer a beautiful view of the coastal landscape from the water.
Taxi
Official taxis are located at the entrances to the historic zone, offering a quick connection to nearby destinations such as the famous waterfalls. They are also readily available to transport guests comfortably to the bus station, located slightly outside town, or to more remote stretches of beach.
To make the most of your limited time in Paraty, a combination of exploring the historic town center and discovering the paradisiacal islands or the lush hinterland is recommended.
Centro Histórico
The historic heart of Paraty enchants with its snow-white colonial buildings and colorful accents, while the car-free cobblestone streets invite you to a relaxed stroll through small galleries and handicraft shops.
Baía de Paraty
A boat trip through the emerald green waters of the bay leads to dreamlike islands and secluded beaches, making this tour the ideal experience for sun worshipers and snorkelers in a tropical setting.
Caminho do Ouro
This historic Gold Path leads deep into the dense Atlantic Rainforest and, thanks to its historical stone paths, offers a fascinating connection between cultural heritage and impressive natural diversity.
Centro Histórico of Paraty
The fascinating Centro Histórico of Paraty is located directly at the tender pier and can be perfectly explored on foot thanks to its compact size. The UNESCO-listed old town enchants with its well-preserved colonial architecture, iconic white facades with colorful door frames, and car-free streets that radiate a wonderful tranquility. Here you will also find an excellent selection of art galleries, exclusive boutiques, and inviting cafes, which are ideal for a break with local specialties such as fresh Brazilian coffee or handmade sweets. It is best to start your visit directly in the morning to admire the architectural details in peace, and be sure to wear comfortable, flat shoes for the historic cobblestones. Ideally, plan your return path to the pier for the early afternoon to let your stay end in a relaxed manner and return to the ship in time.
Returning to the pier in Parati is straightforward and safe thanks to the central location of the docking point right next to the historic city center.
Tender Boats and Excursion Boats
Since Parati is a tender port, the ship's own boats will take you from the central pier Cais de Paraty back to your cruise ship. This pier is also the final stop for almost all local boat excursions, allowing you a direct and convenient transition for your return journey to the ship.
On Foot through the Historic Center
The entire historic core of Parati is closed to car traffic and can be wonderfully explored on foot, allowing you to reach the port easily in just a few minutes' walk. The prominent chapel Santa Rita right on the waterfront serves as an ideal landmark and guides you safely and via a short route back to the pier.
Taxi
For trips from more remote beaches or attractions, taxis are available for you at the central square Praça do Chafariz as well as at the bus station Rodoviária. The drivers will drop you off right at the border of the pedestrian zone, and from there you can enjoy a comfortable and direct stroll to the nearby port area.
