Paraty in a Day — Friends' Fun & Active Loop (Historic + Kayak + Live Music)
A lively, social one-day plan for a group of friends: cobblestone wandering in Paraty's historic center, a relaxed lunch at a top local restaurant, an active kayak tour to nearby islands, quick beach time for sunset, then dinner with live music. Pacing is social and energetic with venues that welcome groups and options to split costs.
Highlights
- Walk the cobbled Centro Histórico and grab lively coffee spots
- Fresh seafood lunch at Banana da Terra
- 2-hour guided sea-kayak adventure around nearby islands
- Sunset chill at Praia do Pontal
- Evening live music, shared plates and drinks
Itinerary
Day 1
A full, energetic day for friends: morning historic wandering and coffee, cultural stop, group lunch, an active afternoon kayak, quick beach sunset, then dinner and live music.
Morning walk: Centro Histórico de Paraty + coffee meetup
Meet in the atmospheric cobbled streets of Paraty's Historic Centre for a relaxed stroll, photo ops, and grab coffee/snacks from a local kiosk. Perfect for warming up and syncing plans for the day.
Tips from local experts:
- Plan to walk — the Centro Histórico is mostly pedestrian-only; choose comfortable shoes for cobbles and easy group mingling.
- Look for kiosks around Praça da Matriz for quick coffees and pastries to keep the group moving and split the cost.
- Photograph the colorful colonial houses along Rua do Comércio early to avoid crowds; pick a bench in the shadowed arcades for shade if it heats up.
Cultural stop: Casa da Cultura de Paraty
Quick cultural visit to a local arts space for rotating exhibitions, small galleries and handicraft stalls — a good way to support local artists and grab a handcrafted souvenir.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask staff where local artists hang out — it's an easy way to find group-friendly workshops or short demonstrations you can join.
- Bring small change for crafts and avoid carrying large parcels in the cobbled streets; ask staff about safe storage or nearby lockers if needed.
- If someone in the group is interested, see if there's a short group pottery/print demo you can join (often by appointment) to make a shared keepsake.
Group lunch: Banana da Terra (fresh seafood & group-friendly dining)
Sit down for a flavorful, locally rooted lunch at Banana da Terra — known for regional cuisine and dishes built for sharing. Reserve a table for 4–6+ to enjoy communal plates.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve in advance for a midday table for 4–6+; mention you're a lively friend group and request a larger table if possible.
- Order a few shared dishes (ceviche, moqueca or tasting plates) and split the bill — it keeps portions varied and costs even.
- Bring some cash — while cards are accepted, small staff tips or market purchases nearby are often cash-friendly.
Active fun: 2-hour guided sea kayak tour (islands & snorkeling)
A guided, group-friendly sea kayaking trip exploring nearby islands and calm bays — playful, photo-rich and great for teams. Operator provides equipment and basic instruction.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear a quick-dry outfit and water shoes; take a small waterproof bag with phone and ID to share photos without worrying about splash damage.
- Check with the operator about group discounts and split the cost into smaller shares to keep it budget-friendly for everyone.
- Ask the guide for the best selfie spots and shallow snorkeling points for the group — guides know calm coves sheltered from wind in winter (June).
Sunset break: Praia do Pontal — beach hang & chilled drinks
Short transfer to Praia do Pontal to relax after kayaking, watch the winter sunset over the bay, and enjoy chilled drinks from a beach bar. A relaxed social cooldown before evening plans.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive early to grab a group-friendly spot; winter sunsets come earlier (around 17:15–17:30), so plan for quick setup and photos.
- Bring a light windbreaker — Paraty’s winter evenings can feel cooler by the water after an active afternoon.
- If anyone wants snacks or more drinks, split orders between a couple of people so you don’t wait for separate tabs at the beach bar.
Dinner & live music: Quintal das Letras — shared plates + live local sounds
Return to the Historic Centre for an evening at a convivial venue that mixes food, drinks and live music. Perfect for a lively friends' night with dancing or relaxed listening.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a table early (7pm) and ask for a corner or larger table so your group of 4–6 can be lively without blocking walkways.
- Check the night's program—many nights feature live acoustic sets or local bands; opt to arrive when the set starts to catch the energy.
- Split a few shareable appetizers and alternate drink rounds to make paying easy; cash is handy for quick tips to performers or staff.
