Written by Hugo García Gil
Founder of Taivas Signature · Travel Advisor (Fora Travel, Virtuoso) · 50+ countries visited
Published in September 2026
A UNESCO World Heritage site for both culture and nature, halfway between Rio and São Paulo. September 2026 · A colonial town, an emerald bay and 365 islands to sail.
Why Paraty in September
Paraty was the port through which the gold of Minas Gerais sailed to Portugal, and its cobbled streets, baroque churches and colonial mansions remain intact: it is the only place in Brazil declared World Heritage for both its culture and its nature. In front, a bay of emerald-green waters dotted with 365 islands and hundreds of beaches reachable only by boat; behind, the Mata Atlântica with trails, waterfalls and artisanal cachaça distilleries. September brings luminous days, calm seas for sailing and a quiet town after July's FLP literary festival. It is four and a half hours by road from Rio or São Paulo, or 45 minutes by helicopter: the perfect escape after the intensity of the city.
Taivas Tip
Since the town has no beach of its own, the trip happens by boat. Minimum three nights with land transfer; up to eight if you want to explore properly. We reserve a private vessel to match the group (traditional fishing boat with the day's catch for lunch, fast launch for remote islands, schooner for large groups or sailboat for several days) and combine the bay with Brazil's tropical fjord, Saco do Mamanguá, Cotia island by kayak or the scallop farm at Pouso da Cajaíba. For grandparents, the guided tour of the historic centre and the Brazilian cooking class are always a hit.
Climate in September · Paraty
Daytime temperature: 24–27 °C • Night temperature: 17–19 °C • Rain: moderate, short showers • Sea: warm, approx. 23 °C • Atmosphere: bay, Atlantic rainforest, colonial • Ideal for: boating, history, nature
Recommended hotels
Casa Turquesa — a nine-suite maison d'hôtes in a historic-centre townhouse (@casaturquesa) • Pousada Literária de Paraty — elegant, with library, spa and the Quintal das Letras restaurant (@pousadaliteraria) • Pousada do Sandi — classic and family-friendly, in the heart of the old town with pool (@pousadadosandi) • Private villas on the bay — seafront houses in Paraty-Mirim and Mamanguá, reachable only by boat (ask for our selection)
Through the eyes of those who live there
Information and photography courtesy of Matueté, our on-the-ground partner for Brazil from São Paulo. © Matueté · All rights reserved.
Key Highlights
- ✦365 islands and an emerald bay: full days of private sailing, snorkelling and deserted beaches
- ✦Saco do Mamanguá, Brazil's only tropical fjord, with hiking to the local Sugarloaf and kayaking among mangroves
- ✦UNESCO historic centre, artisanal cachaça and a Brazilian cooking class with chef Yara Roberts
Photography courtesy of Matueté
