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Costa Verde

South and west of Rio - this part of the coast is known as the Green Coast (Costa Verde) due to the jungle lined coastline which rolls down the hills to perfect white beaches. Paraty (pronounced Para-chi) is possibly the best known place in this part of Brazil. The historic cobble-streeted centre of the town is now a protected world heritage site by UNESCO. The whole area is perfect for relaxing, swimming and snorkelling inside its subtropical vegetation and crystal clear waters.

It takes four hours to get to Paraty from Rio (125 miles) by car or you could take a short flight. Paraty, a very pretty colonial town, was founded in the first half of the seventeenth century. In the 1700's when the mines of Minas Gerais were pouring out gold, the bay at Paraty was a bustling port, the second most important in Brazil during the Ciclo de Ouro, or Golden Century. It was a hard overland trip from Minas Gerais and when a new road was built to another port in Espiritu Santo state, Paraty was all but forgotten. This time of neglect kept so many of the colonial buildings intact, almost as they were when the last gold-laden ship sailed for Portugal.

Pousada Naturalia is small and rustic, simple and charming. On Ilha Grande located just off Abraão beach at the edge of town - the place is quiet and all you can hear is birdsong and the waves lapping on the beach. The pousada is surrounded by lush, tropical gardens built amongst a number of large boulders that have been cleverly incorporated into the whole design. More...

Pousada Picinguaba is a beautiful, small hotel set overlooking stunning, forested coastline half way between Rio and Sao Paulo. The 10 comfortably simple, yet chic rooms overlook tropical gardens which surround the swimming pool. The food served is fresh and local. There are no other hotels in the vicinity and the surroundings are totally unspoilt. More…

Pousada Casa Turquesa is a new boutique hotel located in the historical centre of Paraty (opened in May 2008). It is a charming place to stay with comfortable and neutrally decorated guest bedrooms. The original building, which has been tastefully restored, dates from the eighteenth century. More...

Hotel Pestana Angra dos Reis is a charming and exclusive spa resort in the ecological paradise of Angra dos Reis occupying a lovely spot of land between the Atlantic Forest and the sea. There are 27 bungalows decorated with comfort, elegance and sea views in mind. It is perfect for a relaxing holiday. More…

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