Famous for its colorful and splendidly preserved colonial architecture, the town of Paraty is a flashback to 17th-century Brazil.
Gerard SIOEN/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images
No cars allowed —
Paraty's beautiful colonial architecture and streets remain well-preserved. No cars are allowed on the cobblestone streets.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
Festival central —
Paraty's vibrant festival season runs from late spring to early summer. The annual Bloco da Lama or Mud Block carnival (pictured) sees participants dress up with rags, skulls and bones and dive into the mud.
Victor Moriyama/AFP/Getty Images
Ilha Grande —
On this tropical island where cars are banned it's not uncommon to hear of travelers who, intending to spend a day or two, changed their minds and decided to stay a week or more.
Marilia Kimie Shimabukuro/getty images
Atlantic Forest —
Ilha Grande is a great place to see Brazil's Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlantica), a World Biosphere Reserve that's home to many endangered species.
from Iamhao
Buzios —
Buzios became popular with the jet set in the 1960s when Brigitte Bardot became a regular at what was then a small fishing village. Geriba, pictured here, is the most popular surf spot.
courtesy Casas Brancas
Beach playground —
Accommodations on Buzios range from high end Casas Brancas (in this photo) to budget pousadas such as Vila Pitanga.
