How to Get Around Paraty Without a Car

Here's some good news if you're not planning to rent a car: Paraty's Historic Center doesn't want you driving through it anyway, it's largely closed to traffic, and most of what makes the town special is easy to reach without your own vehicle. Here's how to get everywhere, from the cobblestone streets to the beaches and waterfalls outside town.

Walking: the Historic Center itself

Within the Historic Center, walking is not just an option, it's genuinely the best way to experience it. The cobblestone streets aren't built for cars, restaurants and shops sit a few minutes apart, and the whole area is compact enough to cross on foot in under 20 minutes. Comfortable shoes are the only real requirement, see our packing guide for more.

Local buses: beaches and nearby villages

For destinations just outside town, Trindade, Paraty-Mirim, and the trailhead for Praia do Sono, local buses departing from Paraty's bus terminal are the standard, affordable option. They run multiple times a day, though schedules can be less frequent than you'd expect from a bigger city, so check timing before you go, especially for the return trip.

Our Tip: Arrive at the bus stop a little early on weekends and holidays. Once a bus fills up, you're waiting for the next one, and the queue can get long during busy periods.

Water taxis and boats: islands and remote beaches

For anywhere reachable only by water, the islands in Paraty Bay, Saco do Mamanguá, or Praia do Sono if you'd rather skip the hike, water taxis leave from the harbor throughout the day. You don't necessarily need to book a full boat tour for this, shared water taxis are a genuinely useful, more affordable way to reach specific beaches without a car or a full private charter, covered in more detail in our Best Beaches guide.

Rideshare apps: Uber and 99

Uber operates in Paraty (via the UberX option in the app, rather than a dedicated local taxi product), useful for shorter hops within town or to nearby areas like Jabaquara without waiting on a bus schedule. 99, Brazil's other major ride-hailing app, is also worth having installed as a backup, since availability for either can be a little less consistent than in a major city.

Bike rental

Several shops around town rent bikes, a pleasant, flexible way to reach nearby beaches like Jabaquara or explore at your own pace without waiting on bus schedules or rideshare availability. It's not the right choice for longer trips like Trindade, but for anything within a few kilometers of the center, it's a nice middle ground between walking and waiting for a ride.

For the furthest destinations: private transfer or tour

For destinations that involve a genuine logistics puzzle, waterfalls like Tobogã and Tarzan, the Gold Trail, or day trips further afield, a private transfer or a guided tour is usually the most efficient option without a car, handling transport, timing, and often local knowledge you wouldn't get navigating public transport alone. You can book a private transfer directly with us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a car in Paraty?

No. The Historic Center is largely car-free anyway, and local buses, water taxis, rideshare apps, and tours cover nearly everywhere else visitors want to go.

Does Uber work in Paraty?

Yes, UberX is available in Paraty through the app, useful for shorter trips within town and to nearby areas.

How do I get to Trindade without a car?

Local buses run from Paraty's bus terminal to Trindade several times a day. See our Trindade guide for full details.

How do I reach the islands without a car?

Water taxis leave from the harbor throughout the day, or you can book a boat tour, no car required either way.

Is bike rental a good option in Paraty?

Yes, for nearby destinations like Jabaquara. For longer trips like Trindade or the waterfalls, a bus, transfer, or tour is more practical.