Ilha Grande to Paraty tickets

About the ride from Ilha Grande to Paraty

You might not be ready to leave Ilha Grande just yet, but rest assured, Paraty is well worth the journey. To make parting a little easier, Ilha Grande and Paraty are jointly recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site — so in a way, you're not leaving Ilha Grande behind; you're simply exploring the other half of this dynamic duo.

It's no surprise that its cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and brightly painted doors have been added to the list to be preserved for future generations. 

Located on Brazil's stunning Costa Verde, Paraty is a small coastal colonial town that proves that charm and character aren't measured by size. It offers idyllic beaches, hiking trails, waterfalls, Indigenous communities and art galleries to explore. 

There's only one way to get from Ilha Grande to Paraty, and that's with a combo option of a van and ferry. The journey takes 2-3 hours, and prices start from $44 per person. 

Keep reading to find out more about this scenic journey, what to do when you arrive, and other great tips for planning your trip. 

Five unforgettable things to do in Paraty

Paraty may be home to only 45,000 people, but don't let its small size trick you into thinking there isn't much to do. It's the ideal place to enjoy a few laidback days of sightseeing, culture and history with a dash of adventure. 

Here are the top things to do in Paraty:

1. Enjoy the historic center. Wander through Paraty's UNESCO-listed old town, filled with colorful colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, and charming squares. Don't miss landmarks like the Church of Santa Rita and the Casa da Cultura.
   
   

2. Take a boat tour. Paraty Bay is a big part of the town's charm with its turquoise waters, secluded beaches, and islands like Ilha Comprida and Ilha do Pelado. Along the way, you'll stop at some stunning snorkel and swim spots.
   
   

3. Head to Trindade. You'll find some of the region's best beaches in this nearby village. While Paraty does have its own beaches, they're not as pristine and idyllic as Praia do Meio and Praia do Cachadaço in Trindade. The natural swimming pool here is so flawlessly formed that it almost seems man-made.
   
   

4. Go hiking and discover waterfalls. Trek through the nearby Atlantic Forest to hunt down picturesque waterfalls like Cachoeira do Tobogã and Poço do Tarzan. 

The Caminho do Ouro (Gold Trail) offers unforgettable views with a story to tell. This cobblestone trail was built by enslaved people in the 17th and 18th centuries to transport gold and precious stones from Brazil's interior to the port of Paraty.

5. Tour a local cachaça distillery. Once a significant economic hub, Paraty was home to over 250 distilleries producing cachaça, a distilled spirit made from fermented sugarcane. Visit one of the few remaining distilleries to learn how it's made, taste it, and buy a few bottles to take home. 

How to get from Ilha Grande to Paraty

There is only one way to get from Ilha Grande to Paraty: a combined journey of a van and ferry. 

The journey takes 2-3 hours, and prices start from $44 per person. Top Transfer and Paraty Tours offer multiple departures throughout the day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Your journey begins at Abraao Tourist Pier on Ilha Grande, where you'll hop on a 30-minute ferry to Santa Luzia Pier. From here, an air-conditioned van will take you to your hotel in Paraty. However, depending on the number of people and hotel drop-offs, this portion of the trip can take 1.5-2 hours.

One piece of hand luggage and a 50 lb/23 kg bag is also included with your ticket. 

What to expect on the journey from Ilha Grande to Paraty

Compared to other journeys in the huge country of Brazil, the trip from Ilha Grande to Paraty is a relatively short one — and enjoyable. 

Sit back and enjoy your last panoramic views of Ilha Grande as it disappears into the distance. Don't look at the ferry ride as just a way to get from A to B. It's an activity in itself!

The journey can take longer during the high season, from December to March, due to traffic. 

The duration can also be extended depending on the number of passengers and hotel drop-offs.

When is the best time to visit Paraty?

The best time to visit Paraty is during the dry season (April to September), when temperatures range from 64–81°F (18–27°C), offering sunny days perfect for hiking, exploring the historic center, and boat tours. 

The popular FLIP (Festa Literária Internacional de Paraty) festival happens in July. It attracts authors and readers from around the world. 

The rainy season on Paraty (October to March) sees warmer temperatures of 72–86°F (22–30°C), lush greenery, and energetic waterfalls, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. This is actually the busiest time on Paraty as visitors flock to Brazil for its summer months. You'll just have to be prepared for occasional downpours. 

How many days should you spend in Paraty? 

Based on its size, many assume you only need a day or two to see Paraty. While you can explore the historic center easily within a day, you'll need more time if you want to visit nearby beaches, take on some hiking trails, enjoy a boat tour and immerse yourself in the culture of this UNESCO town. 

If you're keen to do it all, give yourself three to five days in Paraty. 

Where should you visit after Paraty? 

Those who want to continue enjoying Brazil's small beach towns, head 1-hour down the coast to Ubatuba, where you can enjoy more incredible beaches and epic surfing. 

From Paraty, you can journey to two of Brazil's most iconic cities, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, which take around five and seven hours by bus, respectively.