Paraty: A Picturesque Artist’s Paradise in Brazil
After I extended my first trip to Brazil, I was eager to explore what the Estado (State) of Rio de Janeiro had to offer. It didn’t take much research to decide I’d take the next bus from Rio’s city center to Paraty, located on the Costa Verde (Green Coast). During the four hour ride, the air conditioned coach bus winded along coastal highways, leaving the chaos of the city behind with every mile we ventured on. After learning Paraty was an artist enclave, which only used to be accessible by boat, I knew it was where I was headed next. Suddenly, I found myself surrounded by lush, green jungle, and excitedly anticipated the final hour of the journey.
Walking into historic old town Paraty was like a dream. Nestled in a beautiful bay, I would quickly come to learn the streets still flood as the tide comes in. Built in the 19th Century, Paraty was designed exactly for this natural phenomenon. The cobblestone streets were built lower than the foundations of the colorful, colonial homes. Strolling through the town in late afternoon, a newcomer may start to panic as water slowly trickles and rises where they are walking. Fear not! This is but a daily occurrence in a town full of culture, art, and culinary infusions.
After a night of rest at a lovely beachfront BnB, I booked a boat cruise to a few of the uninhabited islands in the bay. As we set out, I found myself surrounded by festive Brazilians. The Cachaça (rum) was flowing, and the music seemed to be dancing along with the sunlight on the turquoise water. It was a bliss filled afternoon; highlighted by jumping off our ship, and swimming to the shore of a pristine tropical island. We enjoyed delicious seafood, and cruised back to the picturesque town with the magical, green mountains greeting us in the background.
I advise anyone making the trek to Paraty to not only take a cruise, but to join the free walking tour as well. There are two tours that run regularly, one is in Portuguese, and another in English. They meet in front of the large Catholic church in the old town. Just remember to tip your knowledgeable tour guides for the historical insights they share. While the day time can be remarkable, it was the evenings that really brought out the quaint charm of Paraty.
Artisanal shops and restaurants set up their patios on the cobblestones, and there are no cars allowed on the ancient streets. Though you may run into a gaúcho (cowboy) on a horse! Street performers and traveling artists share their crafts, and art galleries complement them as the town comes to life. I stopped to enjoy a local singer-songwriter, and was eventually invited to play a few songs once they learned I was a traveling artist from the States. I will forever be grateful for the kindness and warmth extended to me from the countless Brazilians I met during my travels there. If you haven’t heard the story of how I performed with the great Mauro Albert, you can check it out here: https://www.freesmilesproductions.com/blog/how-a-chance-encounter-led-to-performing-with-mauro-albert-in-brazil. Also, I recorded a music video in Florianópolis, Brazil with the local filmmaker, Thai Okumura Vinaver. It was edited by Matt Nemetz at Focal Fuse. Watch the official music video for “Tower Hill” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lI73z_G-GU.
I often find myself dreaming of the week I spent in Paraty, wandering along the canal after a perfect dinner, with the lingering sunset painting the mountains. I knew it was one of those hidden gems a traveler discovers, and is all but certain they will return to. Simply put, Paraty was a tropical paradise. A perfect destination for those seeking refuge from a bustling metropolis. For now, I will dream of returning someday soon. Saudades, Parati!