Paraty in 3 Days — Family-friendly, slow-paced itinerary
A practical, caring 3-day plan for families with young children, prioritizing short transfers, stroller-friendly stops, calm beaches and easy boat time. Built for May (Autumn) when temperatures are milder and days are pleasantly warm — less rain than summer and lower humidity, ideal for kids.
Highlights
- Easy, stroller-friendly stroll through Paraty's colorful Historic Centre
- Short family boat cruise to Ilha Comprida with calm swimming spots
- Shallow, protected beaches (Paraty-Mirim and Pontal) for safe kid play
- Gentle waterfall visit to Cachoeira do Tobogã with natural slides and shallow pools
- Local, allergy-aware dining options and relaxed picnic-friendly spots
Itinerary
Day 1
Settle into Paraty and explore the Historic Centre at an easy pace; afternoon beach time at Pontal to let kids run and play before an early dinner.
Stroll the Centro Histórico de Paraty (gentle, stroller-friendly walking tour)
Begin with a slow, sensory-friendly walk through Paraty's cobbled streets — colorful houses, safe pedestrian areas and short stops at shaded squares. Keep pace short and flexible with frequent bathroom and snack breaks.
Tips from local experts:
- Stroller hack: use a sturdy stroller (cobblestones are uneven) and stick to the wider streets (Rua do Comércio and Largo de Santa Rita) to avoid jostling.
- Facilities: most squares have benches and public restrooms nearby — aim for short 10–15 minute stops every 30 minutes to avoid tired legs in young kids.
- Photo & shade tip: stop under the church porticos (Igreja de Santa Rita area) for shade and calm photo moments while kids rest.
Family lunch at Banana da Terra (kid-friendly menu, allergy-aware)
Relaxed lunch in the Historic Centre with kid portions and flexible dishes. Book a table to avoid waits; staff are used to families and can adapt ingredients if you tell them about allergies.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve ahead (even at lunchtime) and mention allergies — staff typically accommodate simple swaps like grilled fish or plain rice for picky eaters.
- High-chair and stroller note: the restaurant has space for a stroller, but request a corner table when booking for easier seating and child access.
- Pacing: order a small sharing plate first (cheese or fruit) to keep hangry kids calm while mains arrive.
Quiet break / afternoon rest at Praça da Matriz (siesta-friendly)
Return to your accommodation or rest at Praça da Matriz for stroller naps, shaded benches and quiet time; build in 1–2 hour buffer for naps and changing diapers.
Tips from local experts:
- Bathroom & changing: Praça da Matriz area has public restrooms and nearby cafés with changing tables — keep a small kit (wipes, spare clothes) handy.
- Nap hack: if your child naps in a stroller, pick a shaded bench area and cover the stroller with a breathable muslin to dim light.
- Snack planning: pack easy snack pouches and water — cafés nearby also sell fruit and rolls if you need quick refills.
Late-afternoon beach play at Praia do Pontal (shallow water, calm entry)
Short transfer (taxi or tuk-tuk) to Praia do Pontal for sand play and gentle wading. Ideal for small kids—flat sand and easy access to shade and toilets.
Tips from local experts:
- Stroller-to-sand: bring a lightweight beach blanket; you can leave a stroller on the promenade and carry kids a short distance to the sand.
- Sun & shade: May afternoons are milder but still sunny — use a pop-up sunshade and reapply sunscreen every 2 hours; look for tree shade along the back of the beach.
- Facilities: there are beach-side kiosks with simple snacks and restrooms; bring water and allergy-safe snacks from town if needed.
Early family dinner in town (relaxed, kid-friendly table)
Return to the Historic Centre for an early, relaxed dinner so kids can be in bed at a usual hour. Choose a restaurant with a simple kids' plate and quick service.
Tips from local experts:
- Timing tip: aim for 18:00 seating — quieter and easier with kids, less waiting for food.
- Allergy & menu flexibility: pick grilled or plain pasta options for picky eaters; ask staff to hold spicy sauces.
- Restroom access: request a table near the entrance for quick restroom and stroller access during the meal.
Day 2
Island day — a short, family-focused boat trip to Ilha Comprida with calm swimming and sand play. Afternoon rest and a gentle evening stroll back in the Historic Centre.
Meet at Cais de Paraty and boarding (easy boarding for families)
Gather at the Paraty boat terminal (Cais) to board a short escuna or boat to Ilha Comprida. Arrive early to choose seats near railing for good views and easy parent access.
Tips from local experts:
- Boarding: arrive 20–30 minutes early to secure seating near shade and easy stroller storage — many local boats have a small shaded deck.
- Bathroom prep: use the terminal restrooms before boarding; small boats may have limited facilities.
- Motion & comfort: bring light seasickness bands or ginger snacks if any child is prone to mild seasickness; bring hats and water for sun protection.
Family boat trip to Ilha Comprida (calm swimming, short stops)
A 3–4 hour family-friendly boat excursion with short stops for shallow swimming and sand play near Ilha Comprida’s calm shores. Choose operators offering shade and lifejackets for kids.
Tips from local experts:
- Operator choice: pick a boat that confirms lifejackets for children of the correct size and shaded seating — ask when booking.
- Food & allergies: carry familiar snacks and any allergy medication; some boats sell light snacks but options can be limited.
- Stroller & nap: small kids may nap on the shaded deck — bring a light blanket and secure a corner seat where you can lie them down.
Lunch back in town at Restaurante Caminho do Ouro (family-friendly)
Return to Paraty for a mid-afternoon lunch in a calm restaurant that accommodates kids. Keep lunch light and familiar — rice, grilled proteins, fruit.
Tips from local experts:
- Timing: aim to be seated by 13:30 so kids have a consistent routine after a morning of activity.
- Allergy note: tell the kitchen about allergies; simple grilled fish/chicken and steamed vegetables are commonly available.
- High-chair & space: request a high-chair and a table with space for stroller parking to keep things smooth.
Afternoon rest and playground time at Praça da Matriz (nap + gentle play)
Quiet time back at the central square; let kids unwind, nap in a stroller or play briefly on soft ground while parents relax.
Tips from local experts:
- Quiet zone: pick a bench under the trees for shade and calmer wind—great for stroller naps after a boat ride.
- Snack swap: refill waters and offer a small carbohydrate snack to prevent late-afternoon meltdowns.
- Toileting: public restrooms near the square are the most convenient after returning from the pier.
Easy evening stroll and light snack in the Historic Centre
An early, relaxed walk through the center — look for a simple pastry or ice cream while kids watch the boats. Keeps the evening low-key.
Tips from local experts:
- Low-crowd route: stroll toward the riverfront (along Rua do Comércio) in the early evening — quieter and stroller friendly.
- Snack choices: pick fruit or pastries from a local bakery to avoid long restaurant waits; carry napkins and wet wipes.
- Bedtime rhythm: plan to be back at your lodging by your child's usual bedtime; aim for a calm wind-down routine after the snack.
Day 3
A gentle inland morning to a nearby waterfall with shallow pools, then a cultural wrap-up in town. Travel kept short and paced with breaks.
Morning drive to Cachoeira do Tobogã (gentle waterfall with natural shallow pools)
Short transfer to the Tobogã waterfall area for safe splashing and a natural slide experience suitable for confident older toddlers and school-age kids (supervision required).
Tips from local experts:
- Age suitability: best for ages 4+ for cautious sliding; younger toddlers can enjoy shallow pools under close supervision.
- Footwear & stroller: bring water shoes for kids and a lightweight foldable stroller or carrier — trails can be uneven.
- Facilities & timing: go early (arrive by 08:30) to avoid crowds and heat; carry water, snacks, and a small first-aid kit.
Return to town and relaxed lunch at Caminho do Ouro (or similar family restaurant)
A calm lunch back in Paraty to change, rehydrate and eat familiar foods after outdoor fun. Choose a quick-service, allergy-aware spot for ease with kids.
Tips from local experts:
- Drying & changing: bring a compact towel and spare clothes to change kids before sitting down; choose a table near restrooms.
- Order simply: pick grilled proteins and plain sides to please picky eaters and avoid long waits.
- Pacing: allow 45–60 minutes for lunch with time for bathroom and sunscreen reapplication before an afternoon stroll.
Visit Forte Defensor Perpétuo and Paraty-Mirim (gentle history + calm shallow beach)
Short drive to Forte Defensor Perpétuo in Paraty-Mirim for a short, stroller-friendly fort visit and then time on the protected Paraty-Mirim beach — ideal for small kids to splash safely.
Tips from local experts:
- Short history: keep the fort visit to 20–30 minutes — tell a simple, fun story about pirates/sailors to engage young children.
- Beach safety: Paraty-Mirim has shallow water and calm conditions — bring a floatation aid and keep to the shallow edge.
- Shade & restrooms: there are shaded spots and small kiosks near the beach; plan a shaded snack break mid-afternoon.
Final snack and souvenir browse in the Historic Centre (slow-paced)
Return to the Historic Centre for one last gelato or pastry, and an easy browse of local crafts — pick one small, meaningful souvenir to remember Paraty by.
Tips from local experts:
- Souvenir pick: choose small, light items (local wooden toys or postcards) to avoid overloaded bags while traveling with children.
- Snack & restroom: sit at a café facing the square to keep an eye on kids and the stroller while enjoying a calm snack.
- Crowd-avoidance: aim for late afternoon (around 16:30–17:00) when the center is quieter; this keeps things calm before heading home or to the airport.
