MARCH 6-9, 2019

Rio · Paraty

4 Days From $1599, including transportation

Paraty is the colonial jewel of Brazil, a small gay-friendly town on the west coast between Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. With beautiful beaches and undisturbed nature it also boasts over 400 years of history. It was one of the most important ports of Brazil and it's name was synonymous with cachaça. Today, it is known as one of the most gay-friendly places in Brazil, largely because of its openly gay mayor! 

Paraty was one of the most important towns in Brazil during the Gold Rush. Today Paraty is a small historic town with elegant stores and many quaint hotels and inns that receive visitors from all over the world. From Paraty, one can easily get to over 65 islands, many with private beaches, swimming coves, and charming, rustic restaurants.

Paraty (para-chee) is a popular destination for European tourists but is unknown by most Americans. The old colonial homes are white-washed, embellished with intricate colored moldings. The roads are paved with river stone and cars are not allowed on the streets in the historic center. In the evenings, jazz music spills out from yellow-lit doorways, and impeccable cuisine abounds in authentic restaurants.

Package Highlights:

• Services of a Zoom Concierge throughout your trip

• Round trip transfer by luxury motorcoach (about 3.5 hours through stunning scenery) with tons of food, drinks, movies, etc

• Fabulous Boutique Accommodations in the historic city center

• Walking tour of historic Paraty

• Island hopping by boat among 65 scenic islands

• A fabulous lunch on a private island

• Unique dining experience with a famous Brazilian chief using local ingredients from the Brazilian Amazon. You are invited into the private home of Yara Castro Roberts, where using local ingredients, Yara demonstrates the preparation of a typical Brazilian meal.  The experience is enhanced as guests participate and share in the preparation of this incredible culinary experience. The stories, the fun and the drink flow to make this a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Dinner, drinks, and wine included

• Optional horseback riding through the tropical rainforest, past beautiful waterfalls 

Space is limited. Call us today to book this tour:  773.772.9666.

Paraty Itinerary

Day 1 ~ Rio de Janeiro and Paraty
Breakfast is served at the hotel

Morning:          Check out of the Ipanema Plaza Hotel, meet at the Ipanema Plaza Hotel Lobby, and load luggage onto bus for departure to Paraty.

Afternoon:          Check in at the pousada (historic bed and breakfast), Paraty.

6:20 PM:          Meet at the pousada Lobby prior to the Privately Guided Historical Tour of Paraty
6:30 PM to 8:00 PM:      Privately Guided Historical Tour of Paraty 
Our expert guide will make Paraty come to life as you discover the history that lies behind the 17th façades of this beautiful national treasure town.   Learn why Paraty was one of the most important ports of Brazil during the gold rush, why its name was synonymous with cachaça, and why today it’s known as one of the most gay-friendly places in Brazil with elegant stores and many quaint hotels and inns that receive visitors from all over the world.  Your guide, Richard, will end the tour at Yara Castro Roberts’ kitchen.  Suggested attire:  casual.

Accommodations:     Pousada do Sandi 
Meals Included:     Breakfast

Day 2 ~ Paraty
6:30 AM-10:30 AM:     Breakfast is served at the hotel

9:30 AM:          Our Zoom Captain will meet you at the pousada Lobby prior to departure for the Paraty Islands Tour.  Bring your sunglasses, sunblock, bathing suit, camera, and some Reais for buying drinks onboard.  
9:45 AM to 3:00 PM:      Paraty Islands Tour.  During our day of island hopping, we will explore private islands and beaches while grooving to sultry, sexy music.  Plus Zoom is including lunch at our favorite island restaurant at no additional charge to you (beverages on own account).  Suggested attire:  shorts, swimwear, T-Shirt, and long-sleeve in case it gets cold.

Accommodations:     Pousada do Sandi 
Meals Included:         Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 ~ Paraty
6:30 AM-10:30 AM:     Breakfast is served at the hotel

Day at leisure to explore the town, visit a cachaca brewery, horseback ride through the jungle, and more.

8:00 PM:                Authentic Brazilian Dinner Party:  Unique dining experience with a famous Brazilian chief using local ingredients from the Brazilian Amazon. You are invited into the private home of Yara Castro Roberts, where using local ingredients, Yara demonstrates the preparation of a typical Brazilian meal.  The experience is enhanced as guests participate and share in the preparation of this incredible culinary experience. The stories, the fun and the drink flow to make this a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Dinner, drinks, and wine included! Suggested attire:  casual.

Accommodations:     Pousada do Sandi 
Meals Included:         Breakfast and Dinner

Day 4 ~ Paraty and Rio de Janeiro 
6:30 AM-10:30 AM:     Breakfast is served at the hotel

Morning:          Meet at the Hotel Lobby prior to the departure for Rio.  Please verify that your bags are in the lobby prior to loading on the bus, and departure home
Late Morning:          Departure for Ipanema Plaza Hotel
Afternoon:          Arrival at Ipanema Plaza Hotel or airport for flights home.

Meals Included:         Breakfast

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