 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
Paraty (also spelled "parati") is a colonial relic, a national historical monument with a well preserved and architecturally unique city centre. The village was founded in 1667 and became an important outlet for gold and precious stones in the 18th century, brought on horseback from the State of Minas Gerais to be shipped to Portugal. Besides its important harbor, Paraty had a significant economic importance due to its sugar cane mills, and the name "paraty" was at a certain time synonym of a very good sugar cane rum. Constant pirate assaults, attracted by the abundance of gold, led to the abandoning the gold route, and marked the end of Paraty's prosperity. The town has been trapped contentedly in a time warp since then. A walk through its cobble stoned streets, witch are laid down in such a way that the high tide washes away the dirt, is like a walk back in time. The prohibition of motorized vehicles in the Center certainly adds to this feeling of a "time travel". Paraty has lots of bars, restaurants, shops and boutiques and is known for its delicious cuisine as well as being one of the principal Cachaça (sugar cane spirits) distilling regions in Brazil. The village is located on the tropical green
coast, where the green mountains kiss the ocean, on a huge bay with hundreds
of little forested islands and crystal clear waters. There is are no beaches
at the city itself, however, there are numerous tropical islands off the
coast. A schooner trip to visit some of these little paradises is a must.
Moreover, there are possibilities to make ecological hikes to the nearby
beaches of Trinidad.
|
 |
