Paraty in 3 Days — Fun, Food & Friends
A lively, social 3-day Paraty itinerary for a group of friends: historic streets, beach time in Trindade, an active kayak adventure, cachaça culture, and evening live music or trivia-style hangouts. Designed for groups of 4–6+, with shared-cost options and upbeat pacing.
Highlights
- Sunset stroll and live music in the Centro Histórico
- Group kayak across Paraty Bay (shared-cost tour)
- Beach hopping and a playful hike in Trindade
- Cultural stops at Casa da Cultura and the Museu de Arte Sacra
- Cachaça tasting farewell and a lively final-night option
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival, historic wandering, easy beach sunset, and a live-music night to kick off the trip.
Check in at Pousada do Sandi (arrive & drop bags)
Settle into a centrally located pousada so your group can walk everywhere. Pousada do Sandi is a classic, group-friendly option steps from the historic center.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for adjoining or nearby rooms for easy group coordination and shared arrival/checkout.
- Drop a small group stash (snacks, sunscreen) in one room to share costs and avoid repeated buys.
- Confirm luggage storage with reception if you plan a late-night arrival or early first-day activities.
Walking tour of the Centro Histórico (self-guided & social)
Wander cobbled lanes, colorful colonial houses, artisan shops and plazas — perfect for group photos and casual hopping between cafes.
Tips from local experts:
- Split into pairs to explore different little shops, then regroup every 20–30 minutes so you stay social without bottlenecks.
- Bring cash: many small stalls and bars in the historic center favor notes and small change.
- Watch for the classic photo spot at the Igreja Matriz and the old stone streets — golden-hour light is unbeatable for group shots.
Lunch at Banana da Terra (shared plates & local flavors)
A beloved Paraty restaurant with group-friendly service and a menu that showcases regional seafood and tropically inspired dishes.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a large table when you arrive — the staff know how to seat groups comfortably.
- Order a few shared starters and a couple of mains to split; it’s more social and keeps costs down.
- Ask for house recommendations (seasonal fish or moqueca) — they’ll often have a local special worth sharing.
Casa da Cultura de Paraty (easy cultural stop & live events check)
A short cultural visit to see rotating exhibits or local crafts; check notice boards for evening music or shows you can join.
Tips from local experts:
- Scan the events board on arrival — local gigs, short shows or pop-up markets often appear with same-day notice.
- This is a great spot to pick up small artisan gifts as group souvenirs — split the cost of heavier items if you want to share.
- Keep voices low in exhibition rooms but feel free to socialize in courtyard areas where groups are welcome.
Golden-hour walk to Praia do Pontal and sunset photos
A short stroll from the historic center to a waterfront spot ideal for group photos and a relaxed pre-dinner drink.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a lightweight jacket — Paraty’s winter evenings are mild but can be breezy near the water.
- Coordinate a single phone with a tripod or ask a friendly passerby to take a few group shots so everyone’s in the frame.
- Grab an inexpensive bottled drink from a kiosk rather than a sit-down bar to keep the vibe casual and affordable.
Evening live music at SESC Paraty (check program & join a show)
SESC Paraty often hosts concerts, theatre and social evening events — a lively, local-friendly place to enjoy music and meet residents.
Tips from local experts:
- Call ahead or check the SESC program the same day to book a small block of seats for your group.
- Entry fees are often shared; consider pooling cash for quick payment at the door.
- If there’s a standing-room show, agree on a meetup spot outside before it ends so your group doesn’t get separated.
Day 2
Active day: kayak across Paraty Bay, beachside lunch in Trindade, scenic hike to Cachadaço, and a relaxed evening with local bar options.
Group kayak tour across Paraty Bay with Paraty Kayak
Half-day guided kayak adventure exploring nearby islands, mangroves and calm bays — social, active, and great for photos.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a double kayak per two people to split cost and encourage conversation during paddling.
- Bring a small dry bag for phones and an extra shirt; wets or rash guards are optional in winter but a light layer helps.
- Arrive 20 minutes early to sort gear and get a grouped safety briefing so your party stays together on the water.
Transfer to Trindade & beachfront lunch (group seating)
Short drive to Trindade for lunch by the sea — lots of beachside restaurants and kiosks with shareable dishes and chilled vibes.
Tips from local experts:
- Taxi vans or a booked minivan can split the transfer cost fairly; ask drivers about a round-trip price for groups.
- Pick a beachside restaurant with large tables — mention your group size when you arrive to avoid split seating.
- Order a few family-style mains and sides so everyone gets to taste local seafood without large single-plate bills.
Beach time at Praia do Meio (swim, sun and social games)
Relaxed beach stop for swimming, beach games (frisbee/volleyball) and regrouping before the hike — great for friendly competition.
Tips from local experts:
- Pack a small frisbee or travel volleyball — light group games are perfect for a few friends and keep energy high.
- Use reef sandals for easy transitions from sand to rocky paths; some beaches have uneven access.
- Keep a shared cooler with water and snacks to lower costs and stay hydrated during group play.
Hike to Praia do Cachadaço (scenic viewpoints & photo ops)
A moderately easy coastal hike from Trindade with dramatic cliffs and a secluded beach — playful exploration and great for group photos.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear sturdy shoes; the trail has rocky sections where a secure sole prevents slips and keeps the group moving.
- Plan small pace groups (faster hikers up front, slower ones in back) and agree on regroup points so nobody gets left behind.
- Bring a portable speaker for low-volume tunes at the top, but respect other hikers and natural ambiance.
Return to Paraty; casual dinner in the Centro Histórico
Head back for a relaxed group dinner — pick a restaurant with communal plates or tapas-style options for easy bill splitting.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a restaurant that can provide split checks or accept card-swipes per person to simplify payment.
- Reserve a bigger table in advance if you want to sit in a livelier corner of the historic center.
- Try a few shared appetizers so the table experience is social and everyone can taste multiple dishes.
Optional low-key nightlife: neighborhood bar with live music or trivia
Finish the night at a local bar that welcomes groups — ask your hotel or Casa da Cultura for the best spot hosting live music or trivia that evening.
Tips from local experts:
- If you’re chasing live music, ask SESC or Casa da Cultura staff for the neighborhood bar hosting that night — they often know the most social venues.
- For trivia nights, split teams of 3–4 and bring a small prize (a round of caipirinhas) — great for bonding.
- Keep an eye on closing times; winter nights are lively but many local bars wind down earlier than big-city venues.
Day 3
Culture, local flavors and a friendly farewell: museum visit, cachaça tasting, last-minute shopping and a sunset send-off.
Visit Museu de Arte Sacra de Paraty (morning culture)
A compact museum showcasing religious art and local history — a calm, interesting group stop before afternoon activities.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy a single group ticket or ask about a small discount for multiple visitors to keep costs fair.
- Short guided stops (15–20 minutes) let the group hit highlights without museum fatigue.
- If someone needs a quieter moment, the museum courtyard is a good regrouping space where people can chat.
Cachaça tasting and mini-distillery visit (learn & taste as a group)
A short guided tasting to try regional cachaças and learn about their production — ideal for friends who enjoy sampling local spirits responsibly.
Tips from local experts:
- Pre-book a tasting for a small private group or check whether the distillery offers shared tasting flights to split the bill.
- Pace the tasting — try sips and water between samples so the whole group enjoys the experience.
- Ask for a mini bottle as a souvenir to split the cost among friends or to bring home as a shared memento.
Lunch and last-minute shopping in the Centro Histórico
Enjoy a relaxed lunch with time to browse artisan shops for souvenirs, local sweets and handicrafts — split purchases for bulk souvenirs if you like.
Tips from local experts:
- Set a small per-person shopping budget so the whole group can browse without pressure.
- Consider buying a souvenir in bulk (spices, sweets) and dividing it to keep individual costs low.
- Pick a cafe with tables big enough for 4–6 so everyone can sit together and compare finds.
Afternoon break & beachside coffee (recharge before farewell)
Slow afternoon coffee or juice at a waterfront spot — perfect for packing up, recharging and planning the evening.
Tips from local experts:
- Use this time to consolidate payments (shared taxis, dinners) so final checkout is smooth.
- Store shopping bags at the table or a trusted hotel staffer to keep the group mobile during a quick final walk.
- Pick a table in the shade or inside depending on the wind — Paraty’s winter afternoons can be pleasantly cool.
Farewell sunset at the Porto and optional group send-off dinner
Gather for a final sunset over the bay and decide on a communal farewell dinner — pick a place with shareable platters and upbeat music.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a restaurant with a combination of plated and shared dishes so everyone gets what they like and costs are easier to split.
- If you want live music, check the Casa da Cultura or SESC schedule one last time; small evening shows can be a fun final event.
- Plan a public meetup time (e.g., 19:00 at the port) to make departures and last photos easy for the whole group.
