Located in the state of Rio de Janeiro, the port-city of Paraty (or Parati) is a well-preserved Portuguese colonial and Brazilian imperial town. Strategically located, Paraty experienced a booming era fueled by gold trade and coffee exports, which ended when the mines were depleted and alternate coffee routes were found. Its revival began in the 1970's, when tourists discovered this hidden colonial gem due to a newly built paved road from Rio to Sao Paulo.
