Paraty, Brazil Cruise Port

Within the state of Rio de Janeiro on the Costa Verde (Green Coast) is colonial cruise port of Paraty, Brazil, flanked by tropical rainforests, mountains, and the Atlantic Ocean. Founded in 1597 by the Portuguese, the land was already inhabited by the Guaianás people. They called the area Paraty, which means "river of fish" in the Tupi language and refers to the Brazilian mullet that spawn in nearby rivers. A gold rush in 1696 led to more developments in the town, and the growth of coffee in the 19th century created another economic boom. Tourism is an important industry today, thanks to its cobblestone streets and historic building, including the city's oldest church: the popular Capela de Santa Rita, completed in 1722. With parks and nature preserves (such as the Serra da Bocaina National Park) among its attractions, here are some of our favorite experiences when cruising to Paraty, Brazil: