For people travelling to Brazil, the tiny costal town of Paraty is a must. Located on the Costa Verde (green cost) in Rio de Janeiro state, it’s got the perfect mix of beautiful beaches and islands as well as amazing Portugese colonial architecture and a rich history.

There are no cars in the historical district, presumably to help preserve the extremely cobbled cobblestones. It’s a nice place to wander around but you really have to watch your footing.

The streets open out to the bay, which was an important port during the gold rush in the 17th century.

Dotted along the jetty are hundreds of colourful boats waiting for tourists to take to the nearby islands.

Tourists like us!

Just to look even more like a tourist, I bought a Panama hat and wore it everywhere. Travelling with a Panama hat is difficult. Any tips?

For about $50 each we got our own private vessel for two hours. We were taken to two beaches and two snorkelling spots.

Our mighty ship

The further out we got the more insane the colour of the water got.

We got to the creatively named Blue Lagoon and went snorkelling.

Looks more green to me

Plenty of fish

Our time was up and we made our way back to dry land.

So pretty

The next day I wore my Panama hat again. That’s pretty much the only thing worth mentioning.

Oh and we ate a delicious pineapple, which is definitely worth mentioning.

The day after that we got the bus to Trinidade to check out the beach there. Even though I’m pretty much allergic to going to the beach in cloudy weather I gave it a go.

The Panama hat came too!

The beach was amazing; thick green jungle leading right onto the sand, massive granite boulders and wild rough surf.

Then the sun came out! Which totally justified wearing the hat. It actually provides decent coverage from the sun, which is good.

Bae Watch

What would I do without me Kindle?

The next day we got the bus to Rio de Janeiro city. It was the only bus we took in Brazil that didn’t run overtime by 2 hours! Much excite.

Be good.