Seaside Resort Paraty and Rio State's Emerald Coast

After three full days staying in the Iguaçu Falls area (including that unpleasant trip to Paraguay), we started our long journey again. Driving more than 1200 km, we headed toward my final destination of this trip - Rio de Janeiro. But before arriving in Rio and say adios to our truck, we would have three relaxing days in the coastal resort town of Paraty.

Lying 261 km west of Rio de Janeiro along the South Atlantic Coast, Paraty (pronounced pa-RA-chie) is right at the center of Costa Verde (Emerald Coast). Even though we were at our last of camping days (we would stay in a hotel after arriving in Rio), most people in our group eventually opted to wave our tents early goodbye and paid extra money to stay in a hotel nearby (Thanks God I avoided to share a same room with Miser Mike this time). Yes, I had not been "sleeping with" with my tent since then...

Aside from a full-day boat trip of Paraty Bay, I practically did not do much in these three days, which is what a real beach vacationer should do - nothing. Because of Paraty's colonial past, it has many nice small Portuguese styled churches and squares. It was lovely just to wander around aimlessly. Or just sit in a roadside cafe and watch the world goes by (or in my case, watching the rain pouring down). Due to its status as a popular resort town, meals and drinks here are quite pricey, almost on par with the cost in the US. I even found a Thai restaurant (I had not have any Asian food for more than a month at that point), but the price tag of a 35-real ($16) Pad Thai noodle turned me away.

Well, it was nice and relaxing before the final and grand climax of my South American trip - the Carnival in Rio.

Please click the thumbnail on the pictures to see enlarged images

A quiet cove along the Paraty Bay. No, the weather was not very nice that day.

A lot of small islets in the Bay.

Sitting on the boat. From left to right: Andy (our Dragoman driver), me, Kathryn, and Amy. I did not look too happy because I just found out my wine had spoilt...

Some nice colonial buildings and cobblestone streets in Paraty's old town.

Looking for bargain souvenirs at Paraty's night markets.

Stroll the streets of Paraty at night.