Paraty from Rio: How to Get There and Best Tours

Q: What is the top-rated activity in Paraty?

The 4x4 jeep ride with waterfalls scores 4.9/5 from 199 reviews. The most reviewed is the waterfalls and distillery jeep tour, with 615 reviews and 4.7/5.

The easiest way to get to Paraty from Rio is the shared door-to-door transfer: €53, about 5 hours, rated 4.7/5 from 505 reviews. Once there, the top picks are the jeep tour to jungle waterfalls and a cachaça distillery (€29, 4.7/5 from 615 reviews), a boat trip around the bay islands (€20, 4.6/5) and a speedboat into the Saco do Mamanguá fjord (€42). The catalogue has 31 activities with Paraty in the title, from €13, with a median price of €33.

Prices, ratings and review counts updated on November 9, 2026 from the GetYourGuide catalogue. Tours Brasil is a GetYourGuide affiliate: booking through our links costs you the same and we earn a small commission.

Paraty is a cobbled colonial town on the Costa Verde, halfway between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, with an island-studded bay on one side and Atlantic rainforest full of waterfalls and cachaça stills on the other. It sits roughly 250 km from Rio, which makes a same-day return trip rushed: plan on at least two nights. All figures below come from the Tours Brasil catalogue of things to do in Paraty, Angra and Ilha Grande.

The 10 best things to do in Paraty

Jeep tour to rainforest waterfalls and a cachaça distillery — €29, 4.7/5 from 615 reviews, 6 hours. Paraty’s most reviewed activity: swimming holes in the forest plus a tasting at a traditional still.
Bay boat trip to islands and beaches with snorkelling — €20, 4.6/5 from 417 reviews, 5 hours. The cheapest way to see the bay, with several swim stops.
4×4 jeep ride with waterfalls — €22, 4.9/5 from 199 reviews, 6 hours, pickup included. The highest rating among activities with 100+ reviews.
Speedboat tour of Saco do Mamanguá — €42, 4.4/5 from 242 reviews, 6 hours. A narrow inlet between mountains, often called Brazil’s only tropical fjord.
Historic centre walking tour with cachaça tasting — €17, 4.8/5 from 122 reviews, 1.5 hours. Churches, colonial mansions and the story of the gold and coffee trails.
Mangrove kayak tour with capybaras — €33, 4.8/5 from 121 reviews, 2 hours. A calm paddle close to town to spot wildlife.
Trindade day trip — €33, 4.7/5 from 78 reviews, 6 hours. Wild beaches and rock pools less than an hour’s drive away.
Jeep tour to waterfalls and the Engenho D’Ouro distillery — €25, 4.7/5 from 155 reviews, 6 hours.
Boat trip to the best beaches and islands — €30, 4.3/5 from 175 reviews, 5 hours.
Shuttle from Paraty to Vila do Abraão on Ilha Grande — €58, 4.7/5 from 419 reviews, 3.5 hours with pickup. The simplest way to link Paraty and Ilha Grande without going back to Rio.

Also worth a look: a private horseback ride in the mountains (€103, 5.0/5 from 20 reviews) and a private speedboat tour (€211 per group, 5.0/5 from 29 reviews).

Quick comparison: price, rating and pickup

Activity	From	Rating	Reviews	Duration	Spanish guide	Pickup
Shared Rio–Paraty transfer	€53	4.7/5	505	5 h	No	Yes
Jeep to waterfalls and distillery	€29	4.7/5	615	6 h	No	No
Bay boat trip with snorkelling	€20	4.6/5	417	5 h	No	No
4×4 jeep and waterfalls	€22	4.9/5	199	6 h	No	Yes
Speedboat to Saco do Mamanguá	€42	4.4/5	242	6 h	No	No
Walking tour and cachaça tasting	€17	4.8/5	122	1,5 h	No	No
Mangrove kayak tour	€33	4.8/5	121	2 h	Yes	No
Trindade day trip	€33	4.7/5	78	6 h	No	No

Catalogue data as of November 9, 2026

Paraty, Angra & Ilha Grande6 h Paraty: tour en jeep a las cascadas de la selva y destilería de cachaça 4.7 (615) from€29

Paraty, Angra & Ilha Grande5 h Paraty: traslado compartido desde/hasta Río de Janeiro Pickup 4.7 (505) from€53

Paraty, Angra & Ilha Grande5 h Bahía de Paraty: tour en barco por islas y playas con esnórquel 4.6 (417) from€20

Paraty, Angra & Ilha Grande3,5 h Desde Paraty: lanzadera hasta/desde el pueblo de Abraão en Isla Grande Pickup 4.7 (419) from€58

Best seller Paraty, Angra & Ilha Grande6 h Paraty: tour en lancha motora por Saco do Mamanguá 4.4 (242) from€42

Best seller Paraty, Angra & Ilha Grande6 h Paraty: Paseo en Jeep 4x4 con visita a cascadas y tour Pickup 4.9 (199) from~~€27~~€22

How to get from Rio to Paraty

Shared transfer: the Rio–Paraty shared transfer costs €53, takes about 5 hours and picks you up at your hotel (4.7/5 from 505 reviews). Coming from São Paulo, the São Paulo–Paraty transfer is €78 (6 hours, 4.8/5 from 172 reviews).

Public bus: direct buses leave Rio’s Novo Rio bus station several times a day along the coastal BR-101 highway, taking roughly 4 to 5 hours depending on traffic. It is the cheapest option, but you handle the transfers to and from each bus station yourself.

Rental car: the BR-101 hugs the coast, so you can stop at Angra dos Reis or bay viewpoints. Drive the winding stretches in daylight, and book accommodation with parking because cars are not allowed in the historic centre.

Day trip: the catalogue has only one private day tour from Rio (€258, 10 hours, 1 review). With 8 to 10 hours of driving, it leaves little time in town. If you only have one free day, an Ilha Grande day trip from Rio is a better use of it.

Which tour suits you?

Waterfalls and rainforest

The jeep tours are Paraty’s signature outing: 6 hours in the hills with waterfall swims and a distillery visit, from €22. Bring swimwear and shoes that can get wet.

Beaches and islands

Choose between the lively shared bay boat (from €19–20) and the quieter Mamanguá speedboat (€42) with mountain scenery. For wild beaches and rock pools, go to Trindade (€33).

Couples and private trips

A private speedboat is €211 per group and the horseback ride €103. For a quiet sunset, book the mangrove kayak tour (€33).

3-day Paraty itinerary from Rio

Day 1: morning shared transfer from Rio (€53), then the historic centre walking tour with cachaça tasting (€17). Total: €70.

Day 2: the bay boat trip with snorkelling (€20, 5 hours) and a late-afternoon mangrove kayak (€33). Total: €53.

Day 3: the waterfalls and distillery jeep tour (€29, 6 hours). Total: €29. With a fourth day, add Saco do Mamanguá (€42) or Trindade (€33).

That is about €152 per person for three days including the one-way transfer, or €205 with the return to Rio. Heading on to Ilha Grande instead? Swap the return for the €58 shuttle to Abraão.

How much does a trip to Paraty cost?

Transport: shared transfer from Rio €53, from São Paulo €78, Paraty to Ilha Grande €58.
Historic centre walking tours: €13–17.
Shared bay boat trips: €19–34.
Jeep tours to waterfalls and stills: €22–36.
Saco do Mamanguá by speedboat: €42–51.
Mangrove kayaking: €33–62.
Private experiences: horseback €103, private speedboat €211 per group, private day tour from Rio €258.

The median activity with Paraty in its title costs about €33, among the lowest on the Rio coast, and a full day by jeep or boat is under €30. Prices refresh daily; you see the final price when you pick a date.

Plan your trip

Getting around: the historic centre is pedestrian-only and easy to cover on foot in a morning; boat piers and nearby beaches are a short walk away. For Trindade, the waterfalls or Mamanguá, book a tour that includes transport.

When to go: April to October is drier and mild, good for the rainforest. December to March is hotter and better for swimming, with frequent afternoon downpours. Where to stay: the historic centre for colonial inns and walkability; Jabaquara or Pontal for quieter streets near the beach; Trindade if you prefer a beach-village vibe.

Practical tips

The old town’s stones are uneven: wear flat, comfortable shoes, especially after dark.
At high tide some streets in the historic centre flood briefly; it is part of the colonial design.
Check the weather before boat trips; operators may change routes or cancel in rough conditions.
Pack insect repellent for the mangroves and waterfalls at dusk.
Book the Rio transfer a few days ahead in high season and over Brazilian public holidays.
Tastings at the stills are strong: if you are driving afterwards, keep it symbolic.

FAQ

How long does it take to get from Rio to Paraty?

About 4 to 5 hours by road. The shared door-to-door transfer allows about 5 hours and costs €53.

Can you visit Paraty as a day trip from Rio?

You can, but it involves 8 to 10 hours on the road. The only day tour in the catalogue is private and costs €258. Two or three nights is far better.

How many days do you need in Paraty?

Two full days cover the old town, a bay boat trip and a jeep tour. Three or four let you add Saco do Mamanguá or Trindade.

What is the top-rated activity in Paraty?

The 4×4 jeep ride with waterfalls scores 4.9/5 from 199 reviews. The most reviewed is the waterfalls and distillery jeep tour, with 615 reviews and 4.7/5.

How do I get from Paraty to Ilha Grande?

Take the shared shuttle (road plus boat) to Vila do Abraão: €58, about 3.5 hours, with pickup and 4.7/5 from 419 reviews.

When is the best time to visit Paraty?

April to October for hiking and waterfalls with less rain; December to March for warm sea and beach days, with afternoon storms.

Do I need a visa for Brazil?

Since 10 April 2025, US, Canadian and Australian citizens need an e-visa to visit Brazil. UK and EU passport holders do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. Always check the official Brazilian consulate website before travelling.

Paraty from Rio de Janeiro: how to get there, tours and what to see