Paraty and Rio de Janeiro are in the same region (Rio de Janeiro and Surroundings). Paraty: a colonial historic center and a bay of islands; Rio de Janeiro: mountains, sea and rainforest inside the same city. For this month's weather, Rio de Janeiro has the edge. The two are about 250 km (155 mi) apart, 4h00 by car; you can combine them in a single trip.
The average nightly rate is around R$ 507 in Paraty and R$ 341 in Rio de Janeiro; what changes in practice is each place's season. Check current prices for your dates before deciding.
Compare hotels and places to stay in Paraty on Booking.com, with up-to-date prices and availability, before you book.
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Frequently asked questions
Paraty or Rio de Janeiro: which is better?
Paraty and Rio de Janeiro are in the same region (Rio de Janeiro and Surroundings). Paraty: a colonial historic center and a bay of islands; Rio de Janeiro: mountains, sea and rainforest inside the same city. For this month's weather, Rio de Janeiro has the edge. The two are about 250 km (155 mi) apart, 4h00 by car; you can combine them in a single trip.
What is the best time to visit Paraty and Rio de Janeiro?
The best time to visit Paraty is from June to August; for Rio de Janeiro, it is from May to September, based on INMET's climate normals (temperature and rainfall for each month). If your trip already has a date, check each destination's page for your month.
Which of the two is cheaper to get to?
By car, leaving from São Paulo, Paraty is 280 km (174 mi) and costs about R$ 155 each way (fuel only, tolls not included); leaving from São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro is 430 km (267 mi) and costs about R$ 334 each way (fuel plus tolls). The calculation assumes a car that gets 11 km/L. Lodging and activities vary with each place's season.
Where does it rain less, Paraty or Rio de Janeiro?
Averaged over the year, Paraty has 14 rainy days a month and Rio de Janeiro has 10. Rio de Janeiro is the drier of the two over the year as a whole, but what decides the trip is the month: the rainiest month in Paraty is January and in Rio de Janeiro, January. For temperature, Paraty is the warmer one (average high of 28° versus 27°).
How many days should you spend in Paraty and in Rio de Janeiro?
To see the main sights without rushing, Paraty calls for 3–4 days and Rio de Janeiro, 4–5 days. Since the two are 250 km (155 mi) from each other, anyone with 7 days or more can combine them in a single trip.
Paraty or Rio de Janeiro with kids?
Rio de Janeiro (urban beach, trails in Tijuca, and iconic viewpoints) is the better pick of the two for families. Paraty (colonial historic center, boat trip, and waterfalls in the mountains) is geared more toward adults or couples. With small children, weather matters: Rio de Janeiro has fewer rainy days over the year.
Can you visit Paraty and Rio de Janeiro on the same trip?
Yes. The two are about 250 km (155 mi) apart, 4h00 by car and in the same region (Rio de Janeiro and Surroundings). Combining them in a single itinerary is common, with a few days in each.
What should you not miss in each?
In Paraty: Colonial historic center, "Pé de moleque" streets, Paraty Bay and boat trip. In Rio de Janeiro: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Ipanema Beach. These are the sights that show up most in first-trip itineraries for each destination; the full guide to each has the whole list.
