Learn the history of Brazil walking in a UNESCO World Heritage site while supporting local community projects
Paraty Historical Walking Tour
Paraty, walking through Brazilian history
Delve Into Brazilian Past
Discover beauty & history
Join us on a 2-2.5 hour walking tour through the picturesque streets of Paraty, a city renowned for its unique 19th-century colonial urban planning and architecture. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Paraty's rich biodiversity and cultural heritage make it the perfect destination for intellectually curious travelers from around the world and Brazil.
A journey through time
The Paraty Historical Walking Tour delves into the city's role as a pivotal portal for travelers and its impact on Brazil's development through several historical eras. Learn about the 800 km "Golden Road" that financed the Portuguese empire for many years and explore how Paraty's history is interwoven with the history of the entire country.
Engaging & interactive experience
Our Paraty Historical Walking Tour is designed to spark your intellectual curiosity with interactive discussions and captivating stories. Say goodbye to scripts and rehearsed narratives; this tour offers a fresh, engaging, and genuine experience for those seeking to delve deeper into Brazil's history.
Visit Important Landmarks and Make Positive Impact
During the tour, we’ll visit iconic landmarks and uncover hidden gems, giving you an insider’s perspective on the best places to dine, relax, and explore. With our local expertise, we’ll provide recommendations tailored to your interests, ensuring you make the most of your time in Paraty.
By joining our Paraty Historical Walking Tour, you’ll not only be enriching your travel experience but also supporting local community projects. Together, we can make a positive impact on the city and its people.
What to bring
- Confortable clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes that can withstand being wet
- Rain-gear
- Sunscreen & mosquito repelent
What else to know
- In case of rain, the tour can still proceed if you wish
- The cobblestone streets are very uneven and can be difficult to walk on if you're not wearing proper shoes
- The city is prone to flooding, so there's always a risk of wet feet and slippery floors
Other details
- Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours
- Languages: English, Spanish and Portuguese
- We accept all Credit and Debit cards
Meeting Point
Praça da Matriz (Mother Church Square)
Located in the north end of the city, next to the river, is the largest church in the city, named after Our Lady of the Remedies. We will meet right in front of the entrance in the Main Square.
Reviews
Toronto, Canada.
January, 2019
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“Juanjo provided an outstanding tour of Paraty filled with insightful details on topics including history, architecture, geography, urban design, and music. The big picture overview of the city was also excellent, and the maps and pictures Juanjo brought along added a nice touch. This was a rich and unforgettable experience worthy of more than a five star review!”
Bristol, UK
August, 2019
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"What a fabulous tour we had with Juan. We are so thrilled that we had this experience, learning many fascinating facts about this wonderful city and country. Juan was fantastic, so passionate, enthusiastic, friendly and knowledgeable, not just with the history for Paraty and Brazil, but he also pointed out interesting historical and architectural details that we certainly wouldn’t have known about had we wandered around ourselves. (You’ll have to go on the tour yourself to find out what these are). Also he recommended great restaurants and other attractions for us to do. Just before Juan took us to a delicious Cachaça tasting, he gave us a brilliantly fun lesson in Capoeira. Highly recommended and definitely worth going. First class tour."
Manchester, England
August, 2019
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"Our tour with JJ was one of the highlights of our trip across Brazil. We thought we had a good understanding of the country’s history. We were wrong. JJ explained everything with great enthusiasm and showed us to hidden corners of the city. He also gave great recommendations for things to do and places to eat. Definitely a must do to appreciate why Paraty is so special."
Korea
February 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Methodical, patient & kind, Juanjo (aka JJ) is the PERFECT teacher of the Art of Capoeira ... and the Art of Living.
Our hands-on workshop was conducted by the beach.
What a PERFECT location!!!
We found ourselves playing with our hands and feet ... and laughing like kids again.
The green grass felt soft on our palms and soles of our feet as we were gently guided through the basic steps & body movements.
And the trees embraced us in their cool shade while a sea breeze caressed our skins."
Neatherlands
September, 2019
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"Followed a workshop with JJ today. He first explained about capoeira (as I didnt know anything about it), then we practiced the ‘dance’ and we made music together. Now I cant sing or play an instrument and I dont have rhytm either. But JJ and his wife made me feel at ease. Im really glad I booked this experience. I now know more about capoeira (THE sport in Brazil) and I got to practice it a bit myself. In a very nice environment and with very nice people. Can definitely recommend this experience!"
U.S.A.
February 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Multi-lingual Juanjo is one of the best guides we have had the honour to meet during our 5-month trip throughout Brazil.
Insightful, candid and entertaining.
Juanjo (aka JJ) has a most creative and imaginative narrative ... providing interesting connections in history and culture.
His personal perspective of the historical events of Paraty and how they relate to the entire country of Brazil is most refreshing.
The title theme of the tour by Juanjo could very well be "Learn the Entire History of Brazil by walking through Paraty with me".
We highly recommend Juanjo to everyone visiting Paraty for the first time ... or for the umpteenth time."
Other Services
A Capoeira Workshop or a Walking Tour of the historic center is only the beginning of what we could do together on your visit to Paraty. There is so much more to see and experience, and creating a private custom tour of Paraty is perhaps the best way to fit it all in. We can design a range of experiences that suit your interests.
- Annotated meal at a traditional Brazilian restaurant.
- Brazilian cuisine food experience.
- Nature hikes to waterfalls and rivers.
- Boat ride on the bay of Paraty.
- Visit to an artisanal cachaça distillery.
- Brazilian music and rhythms class.
- and many more…