Paraty, not to be mistaken for being spelt party, is a small historic town on the Southern coast of Brazil. There are many fun activities you can do in Paraty. Relax on the beach, join a caipirinha fuelled boat tour, explore the cobbled Portuguese colonial historic streets of Paraty, kayak through the mangroves, or sliding down a waterfall and to drink Cachaça at distilleries.
We opted for the latter, having had rain throughout our stay. And honestly, doesn’t sliding down a waterfall and drinking shots sound like you can’t go wrong? Read on to find out what to expect, what other fun activities there in Paraty, and how to travel from Paraty to Rio.
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WHAT TO EXPECT FROM SLIDING DOWN A WATERFALL AND DRINK CACHAÇA IN PARATY
Visiting The Cachaça Distilleries.
The tour guide was fifteen minutes early, which was a first. We were picked up by a jeep and embarked on a short journey to the first of two Cachaça distilleries we were going to visit that day. An English-speaking guide was walking us through the distillery explaining all the processes in detail, followed by a cheese, chocolate, and flavoured Cachaça tasting.
Then we drove to a short jungle trail and two rough waterfalls, where the guide half-jokingly asked if we want to slide down them. There is an additional charge of R$ 5, but you can happily skip this part and not miss out.
The next stop was another Cachaça distillery, where we were able to try different flavours of the liquor – try banana it was my favourite! At this point, I started to feel a little tipsy and I was ready to slide down that waterfall.
The Lunch Break.
There was one more stop before we could prove our bravery. Lunch at a restaurant chosen by the tour operator. A big plate cost R$ 29.90, which included two pieces of meat. There was a catch if you don’t finish your plate you get charged an extra R$ 20. No to food waste, YAY.
Sliding Down Cachoeira Do Toboga Waterfall.
The next stop was the long-awaited natural waterslide. Once we were stood at the bottom of the Cachoeira do Toboga waterfall, most people from our group quickly changed their mind and decided to just sit back and watch. Maybe, they just had a few less Cachaças then me?
The whole experience was scary for two seconds, very exhilarating, and over too fast. There was a local boy who was sliding down with scared visitors for a tip. I would recommend embracing the moment of fear. Sliding down these rocks was one of my all-time, favourite unusual experiences. And, how many people can say they slid down a waterfall?
Although the stream will be much stronger, when it has been raining!
Poco Do Tarzan.
There was one last stop a little bit further upstream before heading back to the hostel. There is a rope bridge at the Poco do Tarzan leading you to a small café and behind the giant rock, there is a swing. We skipped the rope swinging because of the rain. But overall, this tour is one of the most fun activities in Paraty for when the weather is poor.
THE COST OF SLIDING DOWN A WATERFALL AND DRINK CACHAÇA IN PARATY
The tour cost R$ 60 through Rodrigo Paraty. The tour guide didn’t speak English. Other agencies charge R$ 100 for tours in English, but it’s unnecessary in my opinion.
A cheaper and faster option would be to skip the distilleries and take the bus to Cachoeira do Toboga waterfall. Buses leave hourly from the bus terminal and head towards Penha. Tell the driver you want to get off at the ‘cascata’, and the bus will stop right by the path that leads to the waterfall. The ride takes approximately 20 minutes and costs R$ 5.
OTHER FUN ACTIVITIES IN PARATY
Other than caipirinha boat tours and beach hopping, Paraty also has the Jabaquara Mangroves to offer. You have to hire a kayak to make your way through the mangroves to get to the crystal-clear bay Saquinho do Combe.
WHAT TO BRING TO SLIDING DOWN A WATERFALL AND DRINK CACHAÇA
Wear trainers as you will be walking along sub-tropical trails. Bring a towel and if you don’t want to sit in your wet clothes on the way back, you will need to bring a change of clothes. You can also bring your own lunch to save money.
WHERE TO EAT
Sarau Paraty.
Head to Sarau Paraty restaurant for some Brazilian food, delicious cocktails, and live music. R. Mal. Deodoro, 241 – Centro Histórico, Paraty – RJ, 23970-000
WHERE TO STAY
Geko Hostel & Pousada.
The hostel is located right by the beach on the other side of the bridge from the historic city centre. The breakfast is one of the best I had, many different fruits, cakes, juices and so on. The hostel is a far walk from the bus terminal, or a couple of minutes by taxi. The only downside was the poor wifi. Praia do Pontal – Av. Orlando Carpinelli, 111 – Pontal, Paraty – RJ, 23970-000
PARATY TO RIO
Heading to the metropolitan city of Rio next? There are two ways to get from Paraty to Rio. You can take a bus for R$ 80 or you can book a door-to-door transfer through your hostel for R$ 110.
Do you feel like sliding down a waterfall and drink Cachaça In Paraty now? Still no clue what Cachaça is? It’s a Brazilian spirit made of fermented sugarcane juice.
Now go ahead and explore! Try not to lose your towel.
