The historic centre of Paraty is one of the best-preserved colonial ensembles in the Americas. Enclosed by a low wall and closed entirely to motor traffic, it covers just a few blocks — but every street rewards slow walking. The architecture is a mix of 17th and 18th century Portuguese colonial: thick whitewashed walls, deep-set windows with blue or yellow frames, and heavy carved doors that hint at the wealth that once flowed through this port.
At high tide, especially during full and new moons, the lower streets flood to ankle or knee depth as seawater pushes up from the bay through the old drainage channels. Locals wade through unconcerned; visitors take off their shoes and join them. It is one of those rare urban experiences that is both completely inconvenient and completely charming.