Located on the Costa Verde, Paraty is a beautifully preserved 18th century colonial city of cobblestone streets set against the backdrop of a tropical paradise of tropical rainforest, lagoons, pristine white sand beaches, waterfalls and bays with clear blue-green waters. About three hours south of Rio and a truly incredible place to relax, the charming town has become popular with European vacationers and an artsy crowd. Stay for at least two nights to enjoy everything on offer or extend your visit and journey on to Ilha Grande (Big Island) nearby, closed to vehicular traffic and home to one of the world's most beautiful beaches -- Lopes Mendes, consistently voted into the world's top 10.