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.
