Paraty

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Paraty is a small town which until recently was only accessible by boat. Perhaps for that reason it has remained as it is now - a settlement full of antique and beautiful churches and colonial buildings. The city then grew in the early 18th century in the state Minas Gerais when gold was found and it was used as a stopover between Rio de Janeiro and the mines.

Inhabited by the Guianas Indians in the 16th century, the Portuguese settled here. Because the area was inhospitable Paraty became a mandatory stop for the gold which went to coast to be exported worldwide. The city became rich and as everywhere it was exhibited by building beautiful churches. When a direct road was built between the mines and the coast so that days of traveling was "saved", Paraty was almost forgotten. 

The bus station is located about 500 meters to the west of the old center and is surrounded by small shops.

Paraty - Rio de Janeiro: 4 hours by bus from the bus station.

• Name: Tabernaculo hostel

Address: R. Abílio Avelino Coelho, 8

Price: R $ 27 (9 bed dormitory) including breakfast

Tel: +55 24 9905-4254

Content:

Not far from the bus station, this is a friendly, relaxed family hostel. Many musicians come here which is not so strange when you consider that Renate, the owner, has been a guitarist and plays a lot. The dormitory is large enough (there are two) and there is also a good shower and toilet. Above there seem to be other rooms (including a double). The shared space is not large but cozy and Renate herself (and her daughter, son and cat) are also frequently found here - in other words, there is not much privacy.

You can also use the kitchen if the water does not run in the garage. In the evening there is sometimes a jam session organized in the garage behind if there are several guests who have taken their musical instrument. The breakfast is reasonable.