Fun fact: you may recognize this door in the art on our Save the Date!

Paraty holds a special place in our hearts. This photo is from 2018 when we first experienced the charm of the historic center, the amazing food, and the beautiful beaches and the emerald sea. It truly is a dream come true to have our wedding here. We look forward to sharing it with you and enjoying magical moments with our friends and family. We love you!

Paraty, Brazil, is a charming town located on the Costa Verde in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Its history dates back to the 16th century when it was founded by the Portuguese. Paraty became an important port during the Brazilian Gold Rush in the 18th century, serving as a key point for transporting gold to Europe. The town’s name originates from the indigenous Tupi language, referring to a local fish abundant in the region.

Paraty is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and rich cultural heritage. In 2019, the historic center of Paraty was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, which designates the area with international legal protection and landmarked as having cultural, historical, and scientific significance. Paraty features cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings with colorful doors and windows, and beautiful, historic churches. The town is also surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including lush rainforests, mountains, and pristine beaches. There are more than 60 islands and 90 beaches in Paraty, most of them accessible only by boat or trails.

During the wedding weekend, you will notice a local religious festival called “The Festa de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios”, or the Festival of the Saint of Remedies. This is an annual celebration in Paraty, Brazil, that has been held for over 300 years. The festival honors the The Lady of Remedies (Nossa Senhora dos Remédios), the patron Saint of Paraty. It is the second most traditional festival in the city. The festival is characterized by a mix of religious and cultural activities. The religious program includes daily prayers, processions, and masses, with the main festivities occurring from August 30 to September 8. A large stage with street vendors will be set up and will include cultural presentations by local musicians featuring music, dance, and other performances, creating a vibrant atmosphere for both locals and visitors. The main performances take the stage at 9 PM each night.

· Van Gogh $

· Margarida Café $$

· Thai Brasil $$

· Fugu Japanese (located in Sandi Hotel) $$

· Banana de Terra $$$

· Refugio Restaurante $$$

· PuPu's Restaurante (located in Sandi Hotel) $$$

· Quintal das Letras $$$$

Please note:

- Credit Cards are widely accepted.

- A 10% tip is automatically included on your restaurant bill, so you do not need to leave a tip.

- Reservations are recommended.

· Cafe Pingado

· Cafe Cafe Paraty

· Restaurante Cafe Paraty

· Miracolo Gelato (located in Sandi Hotel)

· Dessert carts are available on the streets at night offering delicious local sweet treats.

There are several tours and experiences you can book while in Paraty:

Explore the Historic Center: One of the best things to do when visiting Paraty is to walk around the Historical Center and visit the hundreds of local shops. You can also purchase handmade items from the street vendors (cash only). You can also book a Guided Walking Tour of the Historic Center using one of the agencies linked below.

Please note:

- Wear comfortable shoes such as sandals, tennis shoes, and short, block heels due to the uneven cobblestone streets.

- It is strongly encouraged to walk only within the Historic Center (where no cars are allowed).

- You can reach anything in the Historic Center in a 2-3 minute walk.

· Private Boat Tours: The area is known to be one of the best boating experiences in all of Brazil, with the bay of Paraty alone having over 65 islands and clear waters that you can go island hopping in a private boat tour (highly recommended). The boat can also stop at restaurants that are exclusively accessible by boat. Our favorites are called Recanto Caicara and Restaurante do Hiltinho on ilha do Algodao. Reservations are required.

At Sandi Hotel, the front desk can help you contact a local guide to schedule a boat tour or any other activity. You can also contact Paraty Tours at +55 24 9 9974 2734 or visit their website here.

· Beach trip to Praia de Fora, Trindade (By taxi ~25min)

Ask the driver to drop you off at one of our favorite restaurants, called Jajigo Restaurante. This will put you near the village where more restaurants, shops and calmer waves are available.

· Enjoy a coconut by the ocean: Typically, a cart serving fresh coconuts is available by the water near where the boats are docked. Cash only.

OTHER

· Spas:

We recommend the Shambala Spa located in Pousada do Sandi (Sandi Hotel) or Spa Poesia located in Pousada Literaria.

· Cachaça Tasting Tour:

Cachaça is the most popular spirit in Brazil and is made from fermented sugarcane juice. Paraty produces some of Brazil's top brands and is a crucial part of the town’s history. Book a walking tasting tour in the Historic Center (~$20 per person) here or a historic guided tour + Cachaça tasting here.

· Hiking (by taxi or boat):

Many trails are available including the infamous Gold Trail, known as, Trilha do Ouro. Alternatively, you can explore the trail by booking a guided tour.

· Fazenda Bananal: (~25 min by taxi):

A 19th century historical farmhouse in the heart of the rainforest and a great place to connect with nature and enjoy lunch! (family friendly). Fazenda Bananal - Forest, Culture and Gastronomy

There are many other activities you can book using one of these tour agencies:

- Paraty Tours

- Local City Guides

- If you are staying at Sandi Hotel, they can assist you with these excursions.

- And of course, we are always available to help with questions or provide suggestions :)

For any activities that require a taxi, the front desk at Sandi Hotel can assist with transportation.

You can also use Uber or you can message any of the following taxi drivers on WhatsApp and schedule a pick-up time:

- Elter: +55 24 98180-1913

- Eliezio: +55 24 99226-0374

- Erick: +55 24 99291-1747

- Josiel: +55 24 99215-2652

Caipirinha

Brazil’s national cocktail, is a concoction known for its simplicity and refreshing taste. The caipirinha is composed of three essential ingredients: cachaça, lime, and sugar. Cachaça, the cornerstone of this cocktail, is a Brazilian spirit made from fermented sugarcane juice. While limão (lime) is the most traditional, other popular flavors include maracujá (passionfruit) and morango (strawberry).

Moqueca

Moqueca is a tasty slow-cooked stew typically containing shrimp or fish, coconut oil and milk with added vegetables, tomatoes, onions, and coriander, and served piping hot in a clay pot. There are several regional variations of this dish.

Pão de queijo

Light, fluffy baked cheese rolls. The dough is made from cassava flour and queijo Minas, a Brazilian soft cheese. They can be eaten at any time of the day and are also popular for breakfast.

Pastel

These pastry pockets are filled with stuffing that can include cheese, ground beef, chicken, or heart of palm.

Tapioca

A white dough made from the manioc plant. It’s served like a crepe with fillings varying from the traditional tapioca served with a stick of butter to more elaborate ones, such as cheese, ham, fruit jam, chocolate, or even meat. Very popular for breakfast.

Coxinha

A wildly popular street snack and appetizer, a coxinha (little thigh) is a crunchy croquette stuffed with chicken and cream cheese, shaped into a teardrop, bread-crumbed and deep-fried.

Brigadeiro

Brigadeiro is Brazil’s version of the chocolate truffle. This classic dessert is made of condensed milk, cocoa powder, butter, and then shaped into balls and covered in chocolate sprinkles. The traditional brigadeiro is milk chocolate, yet there are also white chocolate versions available, too.

Ovomaltine Milkshake

Malty, comforting, delicious. One of the most popular treats in Brazil.

Cocada (Coconut Candy)

Cocada is a sweet made out of grated coconut, condensed milk, and sugar, cooked at a low temperature. In Paraty, street carts come out at night and sell delicious Cocada.