Paraty Fort and Old Town














 I met up with my island hostel mate at Matriz square to tour the Fort and the Paraty beach front. Forte Defensor Perpétuo dates back to 1822. The fort and the nearby battery were built to protect the first settlement in Paraty from invaders like the French and Dutch.

Today, the fort houses a museum with English translations, offering insight into Paraty’s history and culture. The climb to the Fort was rewarded with beautiful views of Paraty Bay. The beach near to town was small and kind of muddy due to the mangrove tree. I went back in the historic center to revisit the cobbled streets, old buildings, churches etc. during day light, and continued free-tasting cachaça in the remaining 5 stores for other favors like Brazilian blueberry, cheesecake, pudding, corn,  pistachio, etc. There was Chocolate with Pepper (Pimenta) favor not for free tasting. I don’t like those straight 40-50% cachaca, yet those blended with fruit and cream were tasty. 

My favorite is Licor de Abacaxi com Coco Paratiense, a pineapple and coconut flavored liqueur.  Paraty is one of the famous producers in Brazil, as in fact a century ago cachaça was known as parati.  The prices in the stores in old town are lower than Rio or São Paulo. 


In Brazil, most stores close on Sunday, so two recommended restaurants were closed as well. I bought fish and sausage from a cafeteria on Main Street to pair with the bread I have for lunch. The weather forecast called for afternoon rain, so I didn’t sign up with any tour today, but I will do a boat tour tomorrow. 

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