Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Several hundred mud-covered Carnival revelers paraded in the sleepy seaside town of Paraty in southeastern Brazil on Saturday a decades-old tradition that has grown ever larger since its first edition nearly 40 years ago (AP video shot by Maycron Abade and Thiago Mostazo) Brazil (AP) — Several hundred mud-covered Carnival revelers paraded in the sleepy seaside town of Paraty in southeastern Brazil on Saturday Joyous partygoers threw themselves into the silty shallows in front of one Paraty beach They danced on the beach and grunted cavemen chants -- “Uga Revelers cheer during the Mud Block carnival party in Paraty A reveler rolls in the mud during the traditional Mud Block carnival party in Paraty It’s not often that you can get muddy and go around dancing and singing Carnival in Brazil is a combination of world-famous parades by samba schools who spend all year around preparing and eccentric street parties Friends were playing in the mangroves at Jabaquara Beach They went strolling into the city’s historic center and caused a stir A reveler holds a tiki torch shooting out red smoke during a Mud Block carnival party in Paraty Revelers share a kiss during the traditional Mud Block carnival party in Paraty a group lathered themselves up with mud to present themselves as a prehistoric tribe for Carnival vines and bones as they uttered their chants Its growth has forced organizers and Paraty’s tourist office to promote awareness ahead of the event regarding the importance of not dirtying the city’s colorful walls SBM Offshore announces it has signed a non-recourse sale and leaseback financing agreement for FPSO Cidade de Paraty for the total amount of US$400 million and with a tenor of 8 years The transaction is expected to be completed before the end of April 2025 following the fulfillment of certain closing conditions FPSO Cidade de Paraty is owned by a special purpose company owned by affiliated companies of SBM Offshore (63.125%) and its partners (36.875%) the special purpose company will transfer the ownership to four Chinese leasing companies SBM Offshore and its partners continue to operate and maintain the asset until the end of the initial charter and operate contracts for the remaining period of 8.5 years commented:“We are very pleased to have signed the refinancing of FPSO Cidade de Paraty the Company’s first sale and leaseback financing With this strategic transaction we are demonstrating once again the value of our unique lifecycle offering not only from an execution and operation standpoint but also in our ability to continue to provide innovative long-term financing solutions for our clients We appreciate the continued support from our Chinese leasing partners.” Wouter HoltiesCorporate Finance & Investor Relations Manager Giampaolo ArghittuHead of External Relations This press release may contain inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation Some of the statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements based on management’s current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those in such statements These statements may be identified by words such as ‘expect’ Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties The principal risks which could affect the future operations of SBM Offshore N.V Risks and Opportunities’ section of the 2024 Annual Report Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect actual results and performance of the Company’s business may vary materially and adversely from the forward-looking statements described in this release SBM Offshore does not intend and does not assume any obligation to update any industry information or forward-looking statements set forth in this release to reflect new information Nothing in this release shall be deemed an offer to sell directly and indirectly owns investments are separate legal entities In this release “SBM Offshore” and “SBM” are sometimes used for convenience where references are made to SBM Offshore N.V These expressions are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular company or companies “emissionZERO®” and “F4W®” are proprietary marks owned by SBM Offshore SBM Offshore has signed a non-recourse sale and leaseback financing agreement for FPSO Cidade de Paraty for the total amount of US $400 million and with a tenor of 8 years FPSO Cidade de Paraty is owned by a special purpose company owned by affiliated companies of SBM Offshore (63.125%) and its partners (36.875%) “We are very pleased to have signed the refinancing of FPSO Cidade de Paraty the Company’s first sale and leaseback financing," said Douglas Wood "With this strategic transaction we are demonstrating once again the value of our unique lifecycle offering not only from an execution and operation standpoint but also in our ability to continue to provide innovative long-term financing solutions for our clients A searchable database of oil and gas debt and equity offerings Prices for top E&P stocks and commodities Rextag database of energy infrastructure assets SBM Offshore holds a 63.125% interest in FPSO Cidade de Paraty SBM Offshore has signed a $400 million non-recourse sale and leaseback financing agreement for FPSO Cidade de Paraty for an 8-year duration Cidade de Paraty is owned by a special purpose company owned by SBM Offshore and its partners —Brazil’s QGOG and Japan’s Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha and Itochu SBM Offshore holds 63.125% and the others hold the remaining 36.875% the special purpose company will transfer the ownership to four undisclosed Chinese leasing companies which has been in operation since June 2013 is currently located in the Lula Nordeste development in the presalt area offshore Brazil Cidade has installed topside facilities with a weight of approximately 14,000 tons to process 120,000 bbl/d of oil; associated gas treatment of 5 MMscm/d with compression; and a CO2 removal and a water injection facility for 150,000 bbl/d The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of April 2025 This conversation is moderated according to Hart Energy community rules. Please read the rules before joining the discussion. If you’re experiencing any technical problems, please contact our customer care team. and exclusive coverage you need to keep your industry edge Subscribe for free to our newsletters for the latest energy news in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited SBM Offshore has announced a significant financial agreement signing a US$400 million non-recourse sale and leaseback financing for FPSO Cidade de Paraty with a tenor of 8 years The transaction is set to complete by end of April 2025 The FPSO is currently owned by a special purpose company with SBM Offshore holding a 63.125% stake and partners owning 36.875% ownership will transfer to four Chinese leasing companies while SBM Offshore and partners will continue operations and maintenance for the remaining 8.5 years of the initial charter This marks SBM Offshore's first sale and leaseback financing demonstrating the company's capability to provide innovative long-term financing solutions while maintaining its operational expertise in deepwater ocean infrastructure SBM Offshore ha annunciato un importante accordo finanziario firmando un finanziamento di vendita e leasing non ricorso di 400 milioni di dollari USA per l'FPSO Cidade de Paraty con una durata di 8 anni La transazione dovrebbe completarsi entro la fine di aprile 2025 L'FPSO è attualmente di proprietà di una società a scopo speciale con SBM Offshore che detiene una quota del 63,125% e i partner che possiedono 36,875% la proprietà sarà trasferita a quattro società di leasing cinesi mentre SBM Offshore e i partner continueranno le operazioni e la manutenzione per i restanti 8,5 anni del contratto iniziale Questo segna il primo finanziamento di vendita e leasing di SBM Offshore dimostrando la capacità dell'azienda di fornire soluzioni di finanziamento innovative a lungo termine mantenendo la propria esperienza operativa nelle infrastrutture oceaniche in acque profonde SBM Offshore ha anunciado un acuerdo financiero significativo firmando un financiamiento de venta y arrendamiento sin recurso de 400 millones de dólares estadounidenses para el FPSO Cidade de Paraty con un plazo de 8 años Se espera que la transacción se complete a finales de abril de 2025 El FPSO es actualmente propiedad de una empresa de propósito especial con SBM Offshore poseyendo una participación del 63,125% y los socios poseyendo 36,875% la propiedad se transferirá a cuatro empresas de arrendamiento chinas mientras que SBM Offshore y los socios continuarán con las operaciones y el mantenimiento durante los restantes 8,5 años del contrato inicial Esto marca el primer financiamiento de venta y arrendamiento de SBM Offshore demostrando la capacidad de la empresa para proporcionar soluciones de financiamiento innovadoras a largo plazo mientras mantiene su experiencia operativa en infraestructura oceánica en aguas profundas SBM Offshore는 4억 달러 규모의 비상환 판매 및 임대 금융 계약을 체결했다고 발표했습니다 SBM Offshore와 파트너들은 초기 계약 기간의 나머지 8.5년 동안 운영 및 유지 관리를 계속 수행할 것입니다 회사가 심해 해양 인프라에서 운영 전문성을 유지하면서 혁신적인 장기 금융 솔루션을 제공할 수 있는 능력을 보여줍니다 SBM Offshore a annoncé un accord financier significatif signant un financement de vente et de location sans recours de 400 millions de dollars américains pour le FPSO Cidade de Paraty d'une durée de 8 ans La transaction devrait être finalisée d'ici la fin avril 2025 Le FPSO est actuellement détenu par une société à but spécial SBM Offshore détenant une participation de 63,125% et les partenaires détenant 36,875% la propriété sera transférée à quatre sociétés de leasing chinoises tandis que SBM Offshore et les partenaires continueront les opérations et la maintenance pour les 8,5 années restantes du contrat initial Cela marque le premier financement de vente et de location de SBM Offshore démontrant la capacité de l'entreprise à fournir des solutions de financement innovantes à long terme tout en maintenant son expertise opérationnelle dans l'infrastructure océanique en eaux profondes SBM Offshore hat eine bedeutende Finanzierungsvereinbarung bekannt gegeben und ein 400 Millionen US-Dollar nicht rückzahlbares Verkaufs- und Leasingfinanzierung für das FPSO Cidade de Paraty mit einer Laufzeit von 8 Jahren unterzeichnet Die Transaktion soll bis Ende April 2025 abgeschlossen sein Das FPSO gehört derzeit einer speziellen Zweckgesellschaft wobei SBM Offshore eine 63,125%-Beteiligung hält und die Partner 36,875% besitzen Im Rahmen der neuen Vereinbarung wird das Eigentum an vier chinesische Leasinggesellschaften übertragen während SBM Offshore und die Partner die Betriebs- und Wartungsarbeiten für die verbleibenden 8,5 Jahre des ursprünglichen Vertrags fortsetzen werden Dies ist die erste Verkaufs- und Leasingfinanzierung von SBM Offshore und zeigt die Fähigkeit des Unternehmens innovative langfristige Finanzierungslösungen anzubieten während es seine operative Expertise in der Tiefseeinfrastruktur beibehält Already have an account? Login and operation of offshore floating facilities has made its first foray into sale and leaseback financing with a multimillion-dollar refinancing of a floating production and offloading (FPSO) vessel operating off the coast of Brazil While disclosing the signing of a non-recourse sale and leaseback financing agreement for the FPSO Cidade de Paraty with a tenor of eight years SBM Offshore confirmed the timeline for the completion of the transaction which is expected to be before the end of April 2025 following the fulfillment of certain closing conditions This FPSO is part of a special purpose company’s portfolio owned by affiliated companies of SBM Offshore (63.125%) and its partners (36.875%) the Dutch player and its partners will continue to operate and maintain the asset until the end of the initial charter and operate contracts for the remaining 8.5 years The FPSO Cidade de Paraty has been formally on hire since June 2013 highlighted: “We are very pleased to have signed the refinancing of FPSO Cidade de Paraty the company’s first sale and leaseback financing “With this strategic transaction we are demonstrating once again the value of our unique lifecycle offering not only from an execution and operation standpoint but also in our ability to continue to provide innovative long-term financing solutions for our clients The unit works under a twenty-year charter and operate contract on the Lula Nordeste development in Brazil’s pre-salt area within the Santos Basin in block BM-S-11 located approximately 300 kilometers offshore in 2,100 meters of water depth The FPSO Cidade de Paraty has installed topside facilities with a weight of around 14,000 tons to process 120,000 oil barrels per day (bpd) associated gas treatment for 5 million standard cubic feet per day with compression and carbon dioxide removal and a water injection facility for 150,000 bpd This financing arrangement comes a month after SBM Offshore confirmed the arrival of another FPSO to the pre-salt layer of the Santos Basin This will be the fifth addition to one of Petrobras’ oil fields off the coast of Brazil once it flows its first oil later this year Daily news and in-depth stories in your inbox The Pioneers of Offshore Engineering GustoMSC part of NOV’s Marine and Construction business is recognized for providing advanced design & engineering consultancy for mobile offshore units and reliable equipment and technical knowledge into realistic & innovative ideas The performance of new and existing jack-ups Casa Quinta by Brazilian studio Arquipélago appears to float at canopy level in the heart of the rainforest that flanks the picturesque town of Paraty on the coast between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro Casa Quinta is designed to float like a boat at canopy level; a private home in the heart of one of the last remaining stretches of Brazil’s coastal rainforest The home sits perched at 100m above sea level on the outermost reaches of the picturesque colonial town where the landscape climbs dramatically upwards to the lush flora and fauna of the Mata Atlantica The tropical rainforest used to extend for thousands of miles in the south-east of Brazil but now only preserves 10 per cent of its former glory The town and the forest are both heavily protected and have been declared Unesco World Heritage Sites requiring the architects to tread lightly when drawing up plans for the single-storey house situated on a rocky outcrop that peeks out of the jungle as the forest descends to the ocean The challenges of building in such a thriving ecosystem required Arquipélago to think carefully about the house’s footprint opting to build the main house on a wooden structure built on eight stilts supported by the rock and concrete columns It is connected to a service extension that preserves the original layout of the towering trees on the site whether in transporting materials or executing and implementing [plans] on-site led to a lightweight architecture using industrialised wood to facilitate the desire for a single-storey house in this sloped context supported by just a few points on the ground,' says one of Arquipélago’s two founders sequential manner within a geometric structure contrasting with the natural surroundings: four triangulated beams form spatial pyramids organising the base for the continuation of the structure with beams and columns Elevated above the ground to create views of the forest the house is accessed by a walkway from the highest point to the rear escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox Isolated from the town but enveloped by the forest three-bedroom layout of the house was designed for an elderly woman and her friends and family 'The main part of the house resembles a boat floating above the forest The bedroom functions as the cabin of a captain at the bow of the boat,' says Tavares with shutters that allow the house to open up to the verdant forest surroundings The house’s structure was formed by glue-laminated eucalyptus timber engineered and manufactured in São Paulo then transported to the site and assembled to give Arquipélago more control over the execution in the remote location The stilts helped elevate the house from the humid floor of the forest but the choice of material required a series of design strategies to produce the final The timber frame was enclosed by lightweight drywall partitions chosen in response to the difficulty of access to the site and set back from the overhanging eaves of the roof; these gestures protect the house from the humidity of its setting Furniture and fittings throughout reflect the choice of working with wood The bathroom also plays with the verdant surroundings its peppermint tiles blending into the forest backdrop a narrow swimming pool traps water from the roof at the lowest point of the steeply inclined plot The project marks a break from the studio’s previous work in the interior of São Paulo state where it has garnered a following and received awards for its earthy brand of architecture working on modular designs for houses that often deploy pressed earth in their construction Arquipélago was formed in 2013 by Tavares and Marinho Velloso and it recently completed the refurbishment of a cinema in the historic centre of Paraty which led to the opportunity to create Casa Quinta 'We always approach our projects with a kind of analysis of the specific context we aimed to disturb the ground as little as possible Building a lightweight house able to endure the testing conditions without disturbing the ecosystem resulted in a striking yet harmonious interaction with the jungle ‘I like the contrast between the rigorous forms of human construction and the natural landscape the entire geometry of the house's structure alongside the natural forms of the adjacent forest this relationship between geometry and nature,' says Tavares the structure is predominantly built in locally sourced stone and wood The textured limewashed walls and green envelope of the abundant nature on site add a tactile dimension to the composition arquipelago.co Rainbow Blue Nelson first landed in Colombia in search of Tintinesque adventures in 1996. Subsequent forays from his Caribbean base in Cartagena have thrown up a book about Pablo Escobar and the Wallpaper* City Guides for Santiago Bogota and Miami. Currently completing a second book about Colombia whilst re-wilding 50 hectares of tropical rainforest on the country's Caribbean coast he’s interviewed some of South America's most influential figures in art design and architecture for Wallpaper* and other international publications Indigenous peoples and traditional communities walk side by side in a historic meeting in Paraty (RJ) telegram Join our Telegram channel! telegram Representatives of indigenous peoples and traditional communities from all over Brazil walked side by side in the act “the fight for Good Living” which took place through the streets of Paraty (RJ) during the 1st International Meeting of Territories and Knowledge (EITS) Purposefully highlighting a contrast with the strong colonial remains of the city's historic center the walk in defense of the guarantee of fundamental rights was one of more than 70 activities carried out between September 09th and 13th at the meeting evaluated by the movements and partners as “historic” including representatives of indigenous peoples and traditional communities from 22 countries across five continents strengthened resistance and showcased the cultural richness of their ways of life and territories especially with regard to ways to conserve life on the planet The meeting was marked by complaints about “the immense damage that the capitalist colonialist model has generated and continues to generate” in each original and traditional territory in Brazil And the objective was to draft a letter presenting solutions that are already practiced in the territories by the hands and minds of traditional peoples and communities A Final Letter of the 1st International Meeting on Territories and Knowledge (EITS) is explicit: “Basically the solutions to postpone the end of the world already exist in the territories we need to leave our offices and step onto the lands where traditional knowledge resists It is urgent to learn from what traditional territories say.” The letter and all other activities proposed by EITS had a very clear role It was the organizations of traditional peoples and communities that invited universities civil society institutions and government representatives have preserved and pointed out the paths towards a greener and more diverse Brazil Because we need to ensure that there is a cross-cutting construction of policies for traditional peoples and communities territories and ways of life are being attacked by mining companies large enterprises or integral conservation units that destroy the communities,” denounces Dauro Marques do Prado a resident of Jureia and member of the National Coordination of Traditional Caiçara Communities (CNCTC) and the Forum of Traditional Peoples and Communities of the Ribeira Valley In the assessment of the organization of the meeting the EITS fulfilled its proposal to establish a historical milestone in the articulation between the movements and to demarcate the importance of their traditional and ancestral knowledge for scientific knowledge especially in the context of climate changes that undertake extreme events around the world The 1st International Meeting of Territories and Knowledge was an initiative of the Forum of Traditional Communities of Angra dos Reis Paraty and Ubatuba (FCT) and the Observatory of Sustainable and Healthy Territories of Bocaina (OTSS) in partnership with the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) the São Paulo State University (Unesp) and Colégio Pedro II Against the backdrop of the finalization of the letter of incidence at COP 30 the meeting was an attempt to amplify what the traditional peoples and communities of the region did back in 2007 when the Forum of Traditional Communities of Angra dos Reis caiçaras and quilombolas in resistance for their territories and in the fight for the many common rights historically denied to these collectives Paraty is the first Mixed World Heritage Site (natural and living cultural not in ruins) recognized by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Latin America For UNESCO's cultural coordinator in the country holding the event in the city “is of unique international representation.” “This meeting is extremely important at this time when one in three cultural heritage sites is being affected by climate change And it is not possible to face this reality without valuing the knowledge and ways of life of traditional peoples and communities We need to emphasize that when people lose their land they lose their culture and their ways of life Let us remember the UN motto: leave no one behind,” says the coordinator One of the strategies proposed by the organization was awareness-raising through experience the first two days were dedicated to experiences in the indigenous caiçaras and quilombola territories of the region which gave all “non-community members” the opportunity to experience the cultural richness productive diversity and accumulation of knowledge held by traditional peoples and communities the program discussions took place around five strategic thematic axes: “Network Articulation” “Ecology of Knowledge for the promotion of Good Living” “Oceans and Rivers - networks of life and knowledge” and “Health which took place in three spaces set up in different parts of the city the FCT intended to demonstrate the strength of the community's ability to work together when it comes to coming together as well as stages for cultural presentations and a fair selling handcrafted products All participants were fed free meals prepared by Cozinha das Tradições an organization of women from the FCT who are dedicated to strengthening traditional food cultures and highlighting the richness and productive diversity of the territories by keeping alive typical dishes prepared with local ingredients and ancestral techniques We live in a region where we have preserved the largest continuous area of ​​Atlantic Forest left in Brazil it is the poorest region in the state of São Paulo So all of this is connected: the maintenance of this space the maintenance of culture and the maintenance of future generations.” The speech was given by Laudessandro Marinho da Silva leader of Quilombo Ivaporunduva (Eldorado-SP) during the discussion “Culture and identity: preservation and safeguarding of cultural heritage as a strategy for defending traditional territories” “We are here providing support so that those who go to the government know what each community needs the government does not accept our presence from Quilombo Pedro Cubas de Cima (Eldorado-SP) who commented on the experience of the quilombola communities in the Ribeira Valley region (SP) whose Traditional Agricultural System (SAT) was recognized as Brazilian Cultural Heritage by the National Institute of Artistic and Historical Heritage (Iphan) “These modified seeds that are in agricultural stores require a lot of inputs to be cultivated. But our native seeds, which we have preserved for over 400 years, do not. They are resistant to our management. That is why we made our 15th Seed and Seedling Exchange Fair of Traditional Seeds of the Quilombola Communities of the Ribeira Valley This is part of the guarantee of the quilombolas in the territory With the end of the activities, at the weekend participants were able to get to know part of the tourist itineraries that will be offered by Nhandereko Community-Based Tourism Network caiçaras and quilombola territories on the south coast of Rio de Janeiro and the north coast of São Paulo Created by the Forum of Traditional Communities of Angra dos Reis the network is entirely articulated and managed by the communities and was launched during the EITS as the first product to be sold at Armazém do Território a physical store located in the historic center of Paraty for the sale of products from the communities The most relevant news for you to form your opinion on the socio-environmental agenda LAST ISSUE SBM Offshore has signed a $400 million sale and leaseback financing agreement for the FPSO Cidade de Paraty which it aims to conclude by the end of this month At present, the platform, which has been operating at the Tupi oil field in the presalt Santos Basin offshore Brazil This is in turn owned 63.125% by affiliated companies of SBM Offshore and 36.875% by its partners the special purpose company will transfer ownership to four Chinese leasing companies SBM Offshore and its partners will continue to operate and maintain the FPSO until the end of the initial charter and operate contracts in collaboration with Janela Livraria and the publishing house Mapa Lab announce the Casa de Histórias for the 22nd edition of the Festa Literária Internacional de Paraty The partnership aims to celebrate great storytelling in its many forms Netflix will share news of upcoming original productions based on literary masterpieces from Brazil and Latin America Netflix seeks to explore the power of stories that transcend the page and come to life in new formats The magazine piauí will bring together its journalists and celebrated writers to discuss the creative writing process the literary label Janela + Mapa Lab will be attending Paraty for the third time in a row with the aim of fostering discussions and reflections as well as of focusing on new talents and on other forms of dialogue between books One of the great hits of last year's edition was the launch of Season One of Aqui + Agora a project involving 18 titles and close to 30 writers Season Two will be presented to readers — with the launch of 12 fiction Casa de Histórias will also be a gathering place for those who are passionate about powerful storytelling in its countless formats The full program of speakers and panel discussions will be announced shortly Email: fmaciel.comunicacao@gmail.com netflix@agora.site Brazil, the largest country in South America, is known for its culture, landscapes, and history. With a vast territory that encompasses the Amazon Rainforest Brazil offers an array of travel experiences Beyond the well-known cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo there are many smaller towns that showcase the country’s welcoming spirit and heritage These towns often retain much of their traditional architecture making them inviting destinations for those looking to explore Brazil's lesser-known gems Paraty, established in 1667 in the state of Rio de Janeiro, played a key role in Brazil's colonial economy as a major port for gold exportation to Portugal The town's significance grew with the Caminho do Ouro (Gold Trail) a historic route that facilitated the movement of gold from Minas Gerais to Paraty’s port This historic pathway and the town’s well-preserved Portuguese colonial architecture including the cobbled streets and churches set Paraty apart as a living museum of Brazil’s colonial era Paraty's welcoming nature is reflected in its blend of cultural heritage and the natural surroundings of the Atlantic Forest and the Bay of Paraty fostering a community that values both preservation and hospitality Founded in 1727 during the Brazilian Gold Rush, Pirenópolis in Goiás emerged as an important mining hub The town is also notable for its colonial architecture including the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary exemplifies the town's historical significance Pirenópolis is also renowned for its cultural traditions which reenacts the medieval battles between Moors and Christians It shows the town's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage and welcoming visitors to partake in these traditions Cachoeira do Abade is a private natural reserve in Pirenópolis It gives visitors a chance to experience the region’s biodiversity evidences the town's colonial architecture and houses religious artifacts that date back to the 18th century For those interested in geology and hiking Serra dos Pireneus has trails that lead to the peak of Pico dos Pireneus makes it a welcoming destination for nature enthusiasts and conservationists where visitors can observe stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years Campos do Jordão, located in the state of São Paulo was established in the 19th century as a health resort due to its high altitude and cool climate it had gained popularity as a retreat for those seeking relief from the summer heat and a place for patients with respiratory conditions What sets Campos do Jordão apart is its distinct European architectural influence often earning it the nickname "Brazilian Switzerland." This Alpine-style town attracts visitors year-round particularly during the winter festival in July when the town becomes a hub of cultural activities Horto Florestal (State Park), established in 1941, spans over 8,000 hectares of preserved Atlantic Forest and features hiking trails, picnic areas, and a range of native flora and fauna. The Amantikir Gardens, inspired by various international garden styles, is a diverse botanical experience with over 700 Brazilian plant species spread across 60,000 square meters has panoramic views of the town and surrounding Serra da Mantiqueira mountain range São Miguel dos Milagres, a small town on the northern coast of Alagoas, is known for its beaches and tranquil environment. Unlike many coastal destinations in Brazil, São Miguel dos Milagres has remained relatively untouched by mass tourism, which has preserved its nature and local culture. The area is part of the Coral Coast, home to one of the largest coral reefs in Brazil The welcoming nature of São Miguel dos Milagres is evident in the town’s small-scale family-run accommodations and community-focused tourism efforts Among the attractions in São Miguel dos Milagres, the beach of Praia do Toque is a place for visitors to enjoy warm, clear waters and explore the coral reefs at low tide. Foz do Rio Tatuamunha, a protected area, has guided boat tours to observe the native manatee population part of a conservation program aimed at protecting these endangered marine mammals is a coastal road that connects a series of small Founded in 1875 by German and Italian immigrants Gramado in Rio Grande do Sul is recognized for its European architectural influence and well-preserved traditions The town’s development as a tourist destination began in the mid-20th century with the establishment of parks such as the annual Festival de Cinema de Gramado one of the most significant film festivals in Brazil and culinary offerings make it a welcoming destination that feels distinctively different from other Brazilian towns Key attractions in Gramado include the Mini Mundo, a miniature park created in the 1980s. It has meticulously crafted replicas of world-famous buildings and landmarks. Lago Negro, an artificial lake surrounded by pine trees brought from the Black Forest in Germany is great for paddle boating and also has scenic walking paths It is a cozy spot for visitors to enjoy Gramado's culinary offerings and artisanal goods especially during the town's festivals and events located in the state of Rio Grande do Norte was originally a quiet fishing village that gained recognition in the 1970s when surfers and backpackers discovered its beaches and waves derived from the Portuguese word for "keg," comes from a rock formation along the coast that resembled a barrel to the early Portuguese explorers Its welcoming atmosphere is enhanced by the town's laid-back vibe a mix of local and international influences and a community that is open and accommodating Praia do Amor (Love Beach) is known for its heart-shaped bay visible from the cliffs above, a popular spot for surfers due to its consistent waves, and a favorite for sunbathers who appreciate the scenery. Baía dos Golfinhos (Dolphin Bay) is an ideal place to see dolphins swimming close to shore in their natural habitat especially during the early morning or late afternoon hours a private reserve with several hiking trails lets visitors explore the coastal forest to observe local wildlife including monkeys and a variety of bird species situated in the Serra Gaúcha region of Rio Grande do Sul was established in the late 19th century by German and Italian immigrants The town developed alongside its neighbor Gramado and shares a similar European architectural influence which is evident in its timber-framed buildings and alpine-style streets Canela distinguishes itself through its focus on natural attractions and outdoor activities The town has cultivated a reputation for its beautiful parks making it a welcoming destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat in a scenic setting Visitors to Canela have several notable attractions to explore is known for its facade and stained-glass windows Parque do Caracol is home to Caracol Waterfall a 131-meter-high cascade that can be viewed from an observation tower or via a staircase that descends to the base of the falls Alpen Park provides outdoor adventure activities like zip-lining blending natural scenery with family-friendly entertainment options Exploring Brazil's smaller towns provides an intimate look at the country Paraty is a blend of colonial history and coastal charm where visitors can wander through cobblestone streets that speak of a rich past tied to the gold trade Pirenópolis showcases the legacy of the Brazilian Gold Rush with its preserved colonial architecture and cultural traditions like the Cavalhadas festival all set against a backdrop of waterfalls and mountainous landscapes Lençóis stands as a gateway to the Chapada Diamantina region where the transition from a mining town to an eco-tourism hub reflects a commitment to sustainability and nature conservation Each of these destinations illustrates the welcoming nature of Brazil's smaller towns—they have warm atmospheres and enriching experiences for travelers photos and original descriptions © 2025 worldatlas.com The Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Programme has published a ranking of the fifty technology companies with the highest percentage growth in revenue over the last four years in Spain marking it the first time that the multinational Deloitte performs the ranking in the country Two companies from Malaga have been included in this list: Paraty Tech and Data Seekers Both are pioneers in their fields of innovation which revolutionised hotel reservations more than a decade ago is currently one of the main players in driving direct hotel reservations worldwide with a client portfolio of more than 3,000 hotels a presence in more than 40 countries and a sustained average annual growth of more than 35% founded by brothers Gina and Franz Matheis is based in Torremolinos and has branches in Albufeira (Portugal) and Cancún (Mexico) where the booking engine already manages the most beds The company also has sales offices in Colombia and the US Paraty Tech is the parent company of the Paratyworld technology group and its main tools and solutions include its booking engine for hotels its status as a digital marketing agency and its own contact centre programmed to provide service in five languages is a company specialising in the extraction focused on the development and implementation of customised business intelligence tools Its 100% in-house technology has found application areas in diverse sectors: car rental companies a segment in which it shares the title of world leader with Price Seeker; price intelligence solution; hotels which use DIP Insights - its 360º digital intelligence platform - to improve their management processes and increase their profitability the Data Seekers team currently comprises more than 120 professionals who benefit from some of its indisputable hallmarks: flexibility The ranking was led by Abacum - the fintech that offers financial planning solutions aimed especially at small and medium-sized enterprises which has registered a 6,733% growth in the last four years In second place is Taxdown - the online consultancy that helps customers manage their tax obligations and personal finances the third position on the podium is occupied by Cubicup - the 'scaleup' focused on digitising and automating processes by carrying out comprehensive home renovations within cities There are five Andalusian companies among the 50 most scalable technology companies in Spain's entrepreneurial ecosystem: the two companies from Malaga mentioned above; Twsnix an Almerian platform for learning professional English managing director of Deloitte and head of StartmeUP and M&A Tech at Deloitte highlighted that "scale ups are engines of growth for the Spanish economy attract investment and promote innovation in various sectors" He stated that "the Deloitte Fast50 programme serves as recognition for these Spanish companies that boost international competitiveness and contribute to the digital transformation of the country" Comentar es una ventaja exclusiva para registrados “It was like my dream wardrobe walking past me It felt so nostalgic – like how the brand felt in the early ’00s.” Surely it’s a matter of time, then, before Kamali reissues Chloé’s iconic bags from the Noughties. Rewind to then, and you’d often see Miller with a Paraty, featuring its signature U-shaped hardware, or studded Silverado on her arm. Meanwhile, the brand’s most famous bag from the early Aughts was of course the Paddington with everyone from Kate Bosworth and Mischa Barton to Jennifer Lopez and Halle Berry spotted with the style the padlocked model was so popular that all 8,000 bags created for spring/summer 2005 sold out before they even arrived in store reissued during Gabriela Hearst’s time at the helm) and the Kerala – proving that the more under-the-radar styles are gaining traction Halle Berry with the Chloé Paddington in 2006 Sienna Miller with the Chloé Silverado in 2012 “Chloé has a strong feminine identity and the luxurious bohemian chic that we have known is coming back with Chemena,” says Sophie Hersan Vestiaire Collective’s co-founder and fashion director noting that searches for the brand’s bags have gone up 220 per cent in the past two years “People are falling in love again with Chloé.” It’s not just boho lovers who are rediscovering Noughties Chloé bags, though. Vogue’s street style photographer Acielle Tanbetova has been spotted carrying her mini Paddington of late, which she’s customised with her Monchhichi monkey bag charm “I love the compact size and chic shape,” she explains of the style’s appeal “I searched for ages and then found one in mint condition on Vestiaire Given Sienna’s penchant for bringing back out her Noughties staples (see her lace-up camel boots), you can expect to see her with her worn-in Chloé bags in the near future. Until then, get ahead of the curve and shop Vogue’s edit of the best vintage Chloé bags to invest in now. Everything You Need To Know About The Met Gala 2025 Join The Vogue Newsletter For The Latest Fashion, Beauty And Street Style Trends Straight To Your Inbox Read Billie Eilish’s May 2025 Cover Interview In Full The Key Spring/Summer 2025 Trends To Know Now Join British Vogue’s Met Gala Community Ahead Of Fashion’s Biggest Night. This link redirects to a third-party website. As lawmakers tussle over the future of Indigenous land rights in Brazil’s capital Indigenous people in a municipality in Rio de Janeiro state are fighting off attacks and threats by settlers who reject their ancestral land rights over a territory being processed for official recognition Indigenous people in the Tekohá Dje’y territory in Paraty a municipality a four-hour drive from Rio’s capital received death threats and heard gunshots in their village last week according to a statement and interview with the group The attacks came as the community — made up of 40 Indigenous people from the Guarani Mbyá and Nhandeva ethnicities — blocked off the entrance to the reserve in a peaceful protest over the alleged theft of an identification plaque installed to mark the territory said there were attempts to run her nephew over with a car while she was threatened with arrest military police were on the scene but did not stop the attacks the attackers come around our homes in the village they fire shots,” Neusa Porã told Mongabay in a phone interview installed after a three-day traditional ceremony in early June was forcibly removed by non-Indigenous settlers opposed to the reserve’s demarcation The process for obtaining official recognition of the Indigenous reserve began in 2017 and is still ongoing “We’re facing a violent process of demarcation,” said Neusa Porã noting that she has received multiple death threats there’s very strong land speculation within our territory … They are trying to paralyze Indigenous leaders say their community has been suffering constant attacks and intimidation for nearly two years They blame farmers and land grabbers who do not recognize their rights to the land “The [Tekohá Dje’y] is under daily attacks landowners and under the widespread neglect of the federal and municipal governments with an openly anti-Indigenous policy,” the community wrote in a statement Authorities have failed to provide robust protection to their community claiming these settlers enjoy the support of local lawmakers who have repeatedly spoken out against the demarcation The Federal Police told Mongabay in an email it has been “acting within the limits of its prerogative investigating any offenses within federal jurisdiction promoting dialogue between those involved and supporting the responsible bodies and authorities.” Funai the federal agency tasked with protecting Indigenous interests The Guarani Nhandeva people once occupied swaths of southern Brazil an NGO that defends environmental diversity and the rights of Indigenous peoples Guarani territories became the scene of disputes due to the region’s strategic importance for the settlers The Tekohá Dje’y reserve was officially recognized in 2017 by Funai Non-Indigenous residents are not obliged to leave until the reserve is fully demarcated and the government issues an eviction order The Federal Public Ministry said federal prosecutors had urgently requested the government to move forward with the demarcation last year “This is an area of ​​interest for several tourist and agribusiness ventures, which increases land conflicts,” federal prosecutor Ígor Miranda warned in a statement last year Miranda also  called for the process to be concluded within 24 months and for fines to be imposed in case of delays The office of Paraty Mayor Luciano Vidal did not respond to a request for comment. In a Facebook post last year Vidal said he had formed a task force to mediate the conflict between the settlers and the Indigenous community an umbrella group of Indigenous organizations The Munduruku Indigenous Reserve in Pará state has also been under attack, with illegal miners firing shots and setting fire to the homes of Indigenous leaders in late May authorities arrested the head of an association of illegal miners and the deputy mayor of the municipality in connection with the attack according to Federal Police and Indigenous groups The violence on Indigenous reserves comes as roughly 800 Indigenous leaders gathered in the capital Brasília this week to protest several anti-Indigenous proposals currently before Congress These include a bill that would allow illegal miners to exploit Indigenous reserves https://twitter.com/AmazoniaProteja/status/1405521843780390918 On June 16, Indigenous leaders were pepper-sprayed and tear-gassed by police while demonstrating at the entrance to the Funai headquarters in Brasília, according to Indigenous groups https://twitter.com/CoiabAmazonia/status/1405291030501416960 In a statement, Funai said it does not condone “illicit conduct and rejects any form of violence,” insisting it is open to dialogue with Indigenous people Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court was also poised to hear a landmark case this week that will decide if Indigenous people can only claim lands they were physically living on when Brazil’s Constitution was signed in 1988 But the case was postponed indefinitely when one of the justices took it off the agenda The marco temporal’ could have far-reaching implications for reserves like Tekoha Dje’y Indigenous residents there only reclaimed their ancestral land in the early 2000s four decades after being forcibly expelled when their homes were burned down and villages destroyed Banner image: Indigenous people in the Tekohá Dje’y territory in Paraty installed a plaque marking the area in a three day sacred ceremony in early June But the plaque was forcibly removed and the community is facing threats and attacks by settlers opposed to the demarcation Image courtesy of the Tekohá Dje’y community FEEDBACK: Use this form to send a message to the author of this post The “fortress conservation” model is under pressure in East Africa as protected areas become battlegrounds over history and global efforts to halt biodiversity loss Mongabay’s Special Issue goes beyond the region’s world-renowned safaris to examine how rural communities and governments are reckoning with conservation’s colonial origins and trying to forge a path forward […] The UTMB World Series headed to Brazil for the first time with Paraty Brazil by UTMB at the weekend The municipality in the state of Rio de Janeiro hosted UTMB World Series races across three categories and saw a host of domestic talent secure medals Rogerio Silvestrin and Giovanna Martins triumphed in the respective men’s and women’s 100K race while Chile’s Nicolas Ignacio Benavides Bohle was the only foreign winner as he took victory in the men’s 50K Silvestrin has recorded a number of wins in Brazil over the last three years while Martins took fourth at the UTMB MCC last month – a result she also achieved in 2021 – and was a top-25 finisher at the UTMB CCC in 2022 Both 100K podiums comprised purely of Brazilian runners with Silvestrin completing the 110km race through the Atlantic Forest in 11:54:38 He was well over half an hour clear of Diego Silva who bested Claudio Clasen Schlindwein by just more than 20 minutes The women’s 100K was a much tighter affair with Martins crossing the line in 13:56:06 – just over two minutes ahead of Ivania Rambo Susany Perardt completed the top three more than hour further back The men’s 50K produced three foreign podium finishers with Benavides Bohle covering the 55km route in 11:54:38 to overcome compatriot Nicolas Palacios and Argentina’s Ezequiel Alexis Pauluzak Palacios was just under four minutes adrift of Benavides Bohle but needed to work hard to hold onto second as Pauluzak came home only 11 seconds later Brazilians reigned supreme once again as Francieli Kiekow finished in 6:32:43 Second-place Ana Paula Silveira was around 45 minutes behind Kiekow and just over two minutes ahead of third-place Rovana Lampert Ayslan Miragaia and Mariana Scarpelli were the two winners in the PTR 35 – the longer of the two 20K races – while Eduardo De Brito Ramos and Leticia Saltori were victorious in the shorter PTR 20 Paraty Brazil was one of two UTMB World Series events over the weekend, with Grindstone also taking place in the USA Paraty Brazil by UTMB 100K (UTSB 110) men’s results Paraty Brazil by UTMB 100K (UTSB 110) women’s results Paraty Brazil by UTMB 50K (PTR 55) men’s results Paraty Brazil by UTMB 50K (PTR 55) women’s results Paraty Brazil by UTMB 20K (PTR 35) men’s results Paraty Brazil by UTMB 20K (PTR 35) women’s results Paraty Brazil by UTMB 20K (PTR 20) men’s results Paraty Brazil by UTMB 20K (PTR 20) women’s results Full results available HERE. The tourist town of Paraty in the south western corner of the state was one of the worst affected areas Local officials reported that a landslide in the Ponta Negra neighbourhood destroyed 7 houses burying at least 8 residents from the same family 7 people had died in the incident with one person rescued alive Paraty’s Municipal Department of Social Assistance said it had helped 219 affected families in 22 neighbourhoods Around 71 families had been displaced and move to temporary shelters The municipality declared a State of Public Calamity on 02 April 2022 Parts of neighbouring municipality of municipality of Angra dos Reis saw a record 809 mm of rain in 48 hours to 02 April 2022 Floods and landslides have caused severe damage and fatalities and the municipality also declared a State of Public Calamity on 02 April 2022 Brazil’s National Civil Defence reported 8 fatalities and 3 people missing in Angra dos Reis A total of 181 people have moved from their homes to temporary accommodation Local media also reported a weather-related fatality in Mesquita where a man was electrocuted in flood waters whilst trying to help another person Municipal authorities said the cause of death was still being investigated Roads have been closed and homes damaged by floods landslides Authorities have assisted dozens of affected families Mesquita recorded 266 mm of rain in about six hours on 02 April Over 230 people lost their lives in two spates of floods and landslides in Petrópolis in the Fluminense Mountain Region of the state State in February and March this year Richard Davies is the founder of floodlist.com and reports on flooding news Cookies | Privacy | Contacts © Copyright 2025 FloodList 2023Autumn Sonnichsen/National Geographic for DisneySave this storySaveSave this storySaveLifting the curtain on some of the season's most exciting new releases destined (as the show's title might suggest) for the middle of nowhere we wouldn't be in a stick shift,” and the wheels are rolling again “but it's the people that are really special.” Below Kish takes us through each of the restaurants and gives us her best travel tips co-owner and chef of the floating restaurant Sem Pressa What pulled you towards making this highly adventurous food show Each episode is highly focused on the food and the people that make the food But I think the beauty of what the show is—what I gravitate towards beyond the adventurous stuff and the cooking obviously—is a deeper human connection very fortunate that we were surrounded by good people in every location that we went to You genuinely want to hang out with them and have conversations not just for the camera because with food it’s like—we'll get there but what I do need to prompt and be good at is making sure I'm the vehicle for someone else to tell their story Can you tell me one thing you remember about each of your guests there was Rolando and Gabriella and their two kids Isabella and Leonard at Hacienda Mamecillo He built that house to move his family from the city and to raise his children in a different way and he and his wife really created the space to live in it but Rolando is an adventurous type and he realized that it was too special of a place not to share it He has loads of land out there—it’s not just his house and garden What was this idea to raise his family in the middle of nowhere turned into an idea for sharing He was not a trained chef—he’s a family guy—but they just started inviting people into their home Chef Carolynn Ladd makes Southern cuisine with a Maine twist at Turner Farm in North Haven Kish and Schmitt aboard a smaller boat on a sourcing trip during their time together in Paraty We ended up in Brazil at Sem Pressa with [Gisela Schmitt], who is one of the most well-rounded business people I've ever met. She runs multiple restaurants, in addition to this one on the boat. What I found most admirable about her is that she has relationships with all of her suppliers, and the people sourcing her food; she learns from them and educates them and the care is reciprocal. She is in direct contact in a way that is quite rare to find these days. Turner Farm sits on a small island off the coast of Northern Maine. What was your most treacherous journey during the making of this show? Kish plating a sururu (mussels) dish aboard Sem Pressa Isfjord Radio Adventure Hotel, and its restaurant, where Rogier Jansen presides, can be found on a remote coast in Svalbard, Norway. What’s your advice for anyone preparing to set out on a wild adventure of their own? up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse We understand that time is the greatest luxury which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world Pan-African Forum for the Culture of Peace Public access to information is a key component of UNESCO's commitment to transparency and its accountability. Based on human rights and fundamental freedoms, the 2005 Convention ultimately provides a new framework for informed, transparent and UNESCO’s e-Platform on intercultural dialogue is designed for organizations and individuals to learn from shared knowledge or experiences from infl Established in 2002, the GEM Report is an editorially independent report, hosted and published by UNESCO. To recovery and beyond: The report takes stock of the global progress on the adoption and implementation of legal guarantees on Access to Info Addressing culture as a global public good For almost 75 years, the UNESCO Courier has served as a platform for international debates on issues that concern the entire pla Lifelong learning is key to overcoming global challenges and to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. As a Creative City of Gastronomy, Paraty envisages: Join the conversation You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page The streets in the 17th-century Brazilian colonial town are paved in uneven cobblestones that were laid out in a deliberate fashion Designed by the Portuguese to sit below sea level Laid by slaves at haphazard angles and grades as owners would struggle to find footing in pursuit Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience and not just to ensure that you don’t take a tumble on the cobblestones Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. you have to walk slowly and wander,” says our guide Michael Smyth an English expat who fell in love with the town’s charms thirteen years ago The whitewashed buildings in the pedestrian-only town interrupted by colourful doors and window frames painted in bright shades of turquoise We stopped frequently to take pictures of tropical flowers and crayon-colored doors and finishing our tour at an artisanal cachaca distillery its 17th- and 18th-century buildings dating to its golden age as a busy hub for the Brazilian Gold Rush cachaca (a sugar cane-derived spirit) and finally coffee filled the trading houses and ships of this deep-water port a new rail link behind the mountain range between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo spelled the end of Paraty’s port and wealth It became a forgotten open-air museum until the coastal road from São Paulo was built in the 1970s focused nearly exclusively on the trade of cultural tourism and adventure experiences boutiques and restaurants populate the city’s 33-block historic quarter Well-positioned as it is on the edge of the South Atlantic Ocean Paraty is an ideal jumping off point for many soft adventures along the Green Coast much of which is protected parkland in the state of Rio de Janeiro hike and kayak in the islands and tropical fjord area south of the historic port town was just a boat ride away After soaking in the culture and drinking caipirinhas We headed out in a small boat across Paraty Bay and entered the relatively unknown Saco do Mamanguá surrounded by steep mountain cliffs covered in dense rainforest It’s a welcoming off-grid destination for those seeking to discover the heart of Brazil’s Green Coast We docked at the tiny beachfront hamlet of Cruzeiro where we enjoyed an al fresco lunch of freshly caught fish a delicious side dish of toasted manioc flour The inlet’s waters gently lapped the white sand beach as we swapped flip-flops for hiking shoes and began the 1.4 km hike to the top of Pão De Açucar a sugarloaf-shaped mountain that overlooks the entrance to the fjord Our hike passed through protected rainforest alive with the songs of tropical birds “There are more than 75 species of birds here,” said Clara Simoni The steep 400 m elevation gain was worth every one of my huffing steps – the view – the fjord sparkled in a bright turquoise blue complemented by the deep green of the dense rainforest A short boat ride across the inlet brought us to our home for the night This ten-suite pousadainn sits on the edge of the jungle where guests can unplug in comfortable rooms overlooking the inlet and Cairuçu mountains As friends swam with a curious turtle in the warm salt water sourced locally from the waters and land of the region The Refugio is an excellent home away from home for discovering the Mamanguá by boat The fjord waters and the air were calm as we made our way towards the mangrove forest at the southernmost end of the inlet and I spotted large red crabs darting on the banks of the grey decomposing forest floor After thirty minutes of slowly paddling up the shallow river and we walked through the forest towards a cachoeira As I slipped into the cool water from the rocks friends made a more splashy entrance via the pool’s natural waterslide of boulders It dawned on me that we might have found the lush alien world of Pandora in Brazil Many of the small rivers feeding the Mamanguá lead to remote fishing villages that can’t be found on a Google map We paddled to a village that was just a cluster of three or four houses with a communal kitchen and were welcomed by the same warm hospitality that exists everywhere in Brazil Village matrons served us a feast of fried fish homemade cacao candies and coffee that could match any restaurant in Paraty in awe of how such a delicious meal had come together in such splendid isolation If Paraty is a place to slow down the pace of life the hidden paradise of Mamanguá encourages visitors to savor  it to its fullest transmission or republication strictly prohibited This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. 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By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy You can manage saved articles in your account a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) and China Shipbuilding Industry Trading have delivered liquified natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel large containership CMA CGM Paraty to French shipping major CMA CGM the delivery ceremony was held together with the naming ceremony on April 9 which was designed by China Shipbuilding Group’s 708th Research Institute The containership has a designed service speed of 21 knots and a maximum load capacity of 13,200 TEUs It incorporates an LNG dual-fuel power system and is equipped with a 14,000 cubic meter LNG cargo tank with Mark III-type cargo containment system the intelligent control by exhaust recycling (iCER) system installed onboard the ship could reduce methane slip in gas mode by 50% and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by more than 28% The ship is specially equipped with a huge bow windshield which could save 2%-4% of fuel consumption during actual operation an energy-saving device is installed at the stern of the ship that is expected to improve propeller propulsion efficiency and reduce energy consumption by about 1,5% the ship was launched in September last year Another 13,000 TEU containership CMA CGM Belem was launched in January this year at Hudong-Zhonghua The 13,000 TEU containerships are part of CMA CGM’s $2.3 billion dual-fuel LNG-powered containership order from April 2021 the French shipping heavyweight returned to Chinese shipyards with a massive order worth $3.06 billion in April 2023 with a contract with the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) for the construction of 16 large container ships The order comprises twelve 15,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel and four 23,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessels Best in Travel is here! Discover 2025’s destinations The 30 best countries, cities and regions to visit in 2025 Plan your trip with Elsewhere, by Lonely Planet See where a Lonely Planet Membership takes you Subscribe to our weekly newsletters to get the latest travel news, expert advice, and insider recommendations Explore the world with our detailed, insightful guidebooks Stay ahead of the curve with our guidebooks Uncover exciting new ways to explore iconic destinations Every month, we release new books into the wild Search Search Close search menu Explore Best in Travel 2024 Africa Close menu Countries Antarctica Antarctica Close menu Regions Asia Asia Close menu Countries Australia & the Pacific Australia & the Pacific Close menu Countries The Caribbean The Caribbean Close menu Countries Central America Central America Close menu Countries Europe Europe Close menu Countries Middle East Middle East Close menu Countries North America North America Close menu Countries South America South America Close menu Countries Strolling through Paraty feels a little like you're revisiting a bygone era – horse-drawn-carts jolt their way along cobblestone streets boats hover patiently on pretty shores and life centers around a cluster of white-stone houses etched with Masonic symbols It’s about switching off and tuning out here acres of waterfall-laden rainforest and a network of hiking and cycling trails all within easy reach History and culture are in abundance in this colorful Brazilian port town which was at the center of the gold rush in the 18th century it fell into a state of abandon with just 600 inhabitants but the region found new life in the 1970s following the creation of a new highway Today it combines its history with a culture scene home to eclectic boutiques homey pousadas and a handful of live music bars that have an unexpected energy when darkness falls Outside town you’ll find an abundance of natural attractions emerald rainforest – read on to find out some of our highlights built with mustard yellow stone originally shipped over from Portugal in exchange for gold Most intriguing are the mysterious symbols which adorn many of the buildings harking back to the 18th century when Masons came seeking freedom of thought in this then-isolated fishing village triangles and other messages relating to the magic number three mark out the houses that were occupied by these illustrious figures and today the whole scene remains much unchanged with buildings across the historical centre protected by IPHAN The town takes on quite a different face at high tide when water rushes in from the sea and locals cross over mini bridges to get from one side of the cobbled paths to the other – you might even see the odd crab ducking in and out of the cracks Paraty is known for its creative scene, and music is the soul of the place come evening. You’ll find a number of bars and restaurants hosting bands, including Paraty 33, a cavernous, wood-bedecked spot which packs out every night. This establishment serves traditional Brazilian dishes to a backdrop of live acoustic and other genres in a cozy ambiance. Round the corner, Margarida Cafe is just as lively hosting a busy schedule of performers with music ranging from tango and jazz to samba and bossa nova But you don’t even have to find a venue to hear the strum of a guitar – every evening the main square fills with passers-by dancing samba while buskers play and if you’re not one for the dancing shoes If you’re looking to venture beyond the town, the forest awaits. Among the region’s most captivating sights is the Serra da Bocaina National Park which sits within the Atlantic Rainforest and is chock-full of head-turning scenery that spans verdant tumbling waterfalls (there are more than 80) A number of operators in town offer jeep tours to explore it who take you to the Pedra Branca (White Stone) fall a frothing plume of white water cascading down sand-colored rocks The falls are located alongside two traditional cachaca distilleries where the local drink speciality ‘Gabriela’ (sweet cachaca flavored with clove and cinnamon) is served with the type of warm welcoming passion only Brazilians know how to pull off Elsewhere in the rainforest you’ll find the Caminho do Ourho the ‘Gold Trail,’ which first put this town on Brazil's map stone-paved route was used to transport gold from mines in the south to Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo and was responsible for establishing Paraty as the region’s key commercial center (and the primary port for shipping gold over to Portugal) Today Paraty Tours and other operators lead guided walks along sections of the trail (now a cluster of rocks peeping out from beneath wisps of tree bark and luminescent leaves) while giving insightful commentary on the fascinating More than 65 islands scatter the waters surrounding Paraty and exploring them by schooner or speedboat is one of the most popular activities for visitors The Saco do Mamanguá fjords are especially enchanting with green-carpeted hills and rippling jade waters flanking islands that look distinctly castaway-like Paraty Tours offers a half-day speedboat trip whisking you to three of the area's highlights – Praia do Engenho Praia Ponta do Costa and Praia do Cruzeiro – each with tropical palms bordering shallow The beach is accessible via a 1.5-hour walking trail through the forest from Laranjeiras (accessed by bus from Paraty) talcum-white sand tucked between sweeping mountains and curaçao-colored sea Rio State isn’t averse to the odd downpour, so if you’re looking for some wet weather entertainment, try the Shambhala Spa Set in a serene location overlooking the mountains and Jabaquara Bay Balinese-style retreat offers various Asian-inspired massages in calming and there’s even a gazebo out in the gardens for those looking to get closer to nature It makes for a pretty idyllic end to an active day and the massages are about as close to authentic Bali as you can get in Laura French travelled to Paraty with support from TurisRio (Rio State Tourism Board). Lonely Planet contributors do not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage. the monkey house turns the horizon on its side and instead follows the growth of trees which soar towards the sky in search of sunlight and energy the strong verticality of the building is achieved by interlocking timber components (all of the same profile) covered by galvalume skin and thermoacoustic insulation the house was installed between the trees and occupies a footprint of just 5m x 6m to avoid interfering with the native vegetation.  to design the supporting structure of the house the team observed which plants are best adapted to the topography of the land and which strategies are adopted to allow stability in the vertical growth the ‘juçara’ (euterpe edulis) is a palm species of the atlantic forest that is structured through anchor roots adapting itself to the sloping terrain and distributing loads over multiple vectors it ensures stability for its thin and very tall trunk marko brajovic atelier applied the same strategy creating a series of thin and dense pillars inspired by the morphology of the roots of the juçara palm and thus ensuring the stability of the vertical construction the compact house has 581 ft2 (54 m2) of internal area and another 344 ft2 (32 m2) of covered space providing a very strong connection with the natural context of the forest and two bedrooms that can be turned into living spaces two side terraces provide cross ventilation and a generous terrace on the top floor offers a multifunctional space for physical activities the interiors incorporate handmade bamboo finishes curtains made with fishing net from local communities furniture that combines japanese design objects with indigenous guarani handicrafts the landscaping project is simply the reforestation of the secondary forest where the house is located the wild aesthetic surrounding the house was possible by driving the natural growth of the same endemic plants from the surroundings thus reinforcing the experience of the house being immersed in an original natural context.  ‘the monkey house is an observatory. a place of encounter and reunion with yourself and other species, to observe nature outside and inside us, where everything is in everything,’  says marko brajovic atelier.  project name: monkey house (casa do macaco) architecture firm: marko brajovic atelier designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here. AXOR presents three bathroom concepts that are not merely places of function but destinations in themselves — sanctuaries of style ‘SBMers’ take charge of their role in the TRUE Learn More Since coming on stream FPSO Cidade de Paraty has produced its fair share of barrels of oil equivalent from the Lula Nordeste field Most impressive is the achievement of 756 consequent days with no recordable incidents With safety as our number one priority we are proud of this result Paraty continues to add to the country’s production output and our Operations team continues to add to SBM’s over 300 cumulative years of operating experience FPSO Cidade de Paraty was the first of a series of four pre-salt FPSOs for our client Petrobras The FPSO is SBM Offshore’s ‘Generation 3’ design and has topside facilities of around 14,000 tons to process 120,000 bpd of oil associated gas treatment for 5,000,000 Sm3/d with compression and carbon dioxide removal and a water injection facility for 150,000 bpd Speak Up! 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This helps us to improve the way our website works, for example, by ensuring that users are finding what they are looking for easily. Please enable Strictly Necessary Cookies first so that we can save your preferences! This beach town is the gateway to some of Brazil’s most spectacular islands Because of its location equidistant between São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Paraty is a favorite weekend destination for the Brazilian upper crust—the cachaça-tinged soft landing from the demands of city life. There, you’re as likely to share one of the little bars on the town square with a fisherman as you are with a tech entrepreneur, ceramist, or painter. Situated on Brazil’s Emerald Coast, Paraty is rich with colonial architecture and a past decorated with a trail of gold. In Paraty’s surrounding mountains, the Portuguese discovered the world’s largest gold deposits, making this village on the coast the first stop in the export of the precious metal on its journey to Rio de Janeiro, then on to Portugal. Well, there is nothing more to be done regarding this ruin, or nearly nothing. And that is precisely what we did. We added only what was necessary to make this ruin a home. And in opposition to what belongs to the land, the stones, and everything placed on the ruin that came from outside, using what is most modern and rational in the civil construction industry: cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glass. The nature of these materials reclaims their positions in the structure.  in the exact place where a ruin should exist You'll now receive updates based on what you follow Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors If you have done all of this and still can't find the email Teenagers playing with mud started the Bloco da Lama in 1986 and it has since become an annual event in the city of Paraty coat each other in mud and throw it around to the sound of samba and reggaeton at a carnival beach party Photograph: Mauro Pimentel/AFP/Getty Images What you think you know about lightning could put you at risk Soggy South Central states: Intense downpours to renew flooding risk Second arrest made in one of New Jersey’s largest wildfires Study reveals the surprising evolution of weirdest animals on Earth Coyote drinks from Los Angeles salon's skylight The REAL ID deadline is less than a week away Fungi could be used to build homes one day Get AccuWeather alerts as they happen with our browser notifications Maria Shollenbarger selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter The pool at Pousada Literária In my experience most countries have a payoff place; the one that encapsulates everything about its appeal – landscape culture – and to which you know you can return for a 360-degree fix Its dense cobbled streets harbour not just the country’s most alluring aesthetic attributes but also one of its nicest vibes stopping for a drink at this café or admiring microscopic bikinis in the window of that boutique and never once felt anything but enveloped in its welcome The town isn’t short on boutique accommodations but I fell for Pousada Literária the day I visited possibly even jaguar – are on the activity agenda part of the proceeds of your stay goes to local conservation organisations Interior styling at Pousada Trijunção The gorgeous lodge itself (consider splurging on the master suite with its private sitting room and two balconies) is constructed partially of reclaimed demolition wood and naturally cooling ‘water mirrors’ occasionally stand in for air con temperature permitting Under-the-radar beachside bliss in Itacaré The hotel’s pool I recently met the owners of The Barracuda a rather magical-looking destination in Itacaré which now sits close to the top my 2023 list – and of which About halfway between Trancoso and Salvador The Barracuda consists of two small hotels Barracuda Boutique and The Barracuda Hotel & Villas (the latter of which is the more elegant and exclusive and soft-opened in 2020) as well as a handful of private villas ranging from four to eight bedrooms natural surfaces and open-plan common spaces everywhere a low divan or sofa or ipe wood chair asking to be reclined on Beach views from a villa at The Barracuda Cocktails at one of the hotel bars The Corner Suite at The Barracuda Hotel & Villas The villas are all privately owned (one or two of them by Swedes hailing from a very famous band but most are available for private rental throughout the year and the option for some local tailor-made experiences The whole enjoys a prime situation on a little peninsula between warm The Marea club at Hotel Fasano Angra dos Reis If there’s one Brazilian who can be relied on to set a bar for coolness (and really good Italian food) it’s Rogério Fasano While his empire of hotels and gastronomia now extends from Punta del Este to Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue Brazil still feels like where Fasano does Fasano best it’s a beach community and island archipelago between São Paulo and Rio that’s a popular second-home destination with the beau monde of both cities A bedroom at Fasano Angra dos Reis Fasano Angra dos Reis multiple sunning decks overlooking a huge pool with lots of aqua and turquoise thrown in to reflect the marina and sea beyond The historic coastal town of Paraty is tucked away between Brazil’s two busiest cities making it the perfect detour destination to slow down and enjoy the colourful coast it was designed in the Brazilian style: a king-sized swathe of cream cotton fringed with decorative crochet wheeling frigate birds and the turquoise waters of the Baia de Paraty “A man in a hurry will be miserable in Brazil,” wrote Peter Fleming in his 1933 classic Brazilian Adventure “I learnt the necessity of resignation.” Nearly a century later this continent-sized country is still teaching impatient gringos valuable lessons about slowing down – and nowhere more so than Paraty Low streets, slow times Driving along the Costa Verde west of Rio time seemed to decelerate with every rainforest-backed cove we passed until we took a left turn and arrived at a town largely unaltered in a century Like many travellers, I’d come straight from several frenetic days in the big city, high on sightseeing, and my eyes were set on the even bigger metropolis of São Paulo But around halfway between these two giants when its sheltered harbour bustled with fleets of Portuguese caravels transporting gold back to Europe it’s a place to stroll along cobbled streets and watch hummingbirds flitting from one courtyard garden to another the town boasts perhaps the finest collection of Portuguese colonial buildings in the world This was a linger-over. Local tour guide Harry Cowan had clearly decided the same thing, settling here from his native Argentina of course – along Rua do Comercio towards the town square which is in large part the history of Brazil coffee and tourism – and cachaça has been flowing all the way,” he said with a twinkle referring to the sugar cane spirit that puts the fire into caipirinhas when huge quantities were carried down to Paraty from mines in Ouro Preto to the north it was built with its streets below sea level so high tides washed away the debris – knee-high doorsteps protect Paraty’s homes from regular flooding to this day too: Harry pointed out the wonky red roof tiles that capped every house “They used to be made by wrapping the clay round the thigh of a slave girl The technique even led to an unusual Brazilian expression – feito nas coxas (‘made on the thigh’) meaning something that was crude but effective.” After the gold came the 19th-century coffee rush as the town exported beans to Europe’s chattering classes while dozens of distilleries sprung up to keep the African workforce hooked on cachaça But when slavery was finally abolished in 1888 – Brazil was the last Western nation to do so – Paraty’s economy and population crashed home only to “a few crazy moonshine distillers and some fishermen and that’s it.” Only in the last few decades has money – from Brazilian second home-owners and travellers – flowed back into Paraty where rows of zanily coloured boats nuzzled the jetty and vultures patrolled the foreshore In front of us were the scattered islands and remote promontories of the Bay of Paraty – of which more to come – while behind us lay cloud-wreathed hills part of the Mata Atlantica rainforest that once covered nearly a fifth of Brazil The Mata Atlantica is another reason people tend to struggle to tear themselves away from Paraty Though hacked back to a fraction of its former grandeur it’s extraordinarily biodiverse – a global hotspot for endemics – and right in Paraty’s backyard The old gold trail still weaves through it (a multi-day hike for the energetic) suggested an easier taster: an amble to a waterfall It wasn’t the primary forest that you find deeper in the hills Everywhere was a musty-sweet tangle of ferns Fantastically gnarled trunks sported vivid bromeliads and bird-of-paradise heliconias drooped in our path “This would once have been a sugar-cane plantation,” observed Harry nature hadn’t got the message about slowing down: it had reclaimed its territory with rapacious speed The super-fertility of the Mata Atlantica is fed by the humid air from the ocean and that was where I hankered to be now: out there If rainforest hikes are part of Paraty’s appeal its fjord-like coastline and countless islands are the other lure Schooners do a brisk business in day trips but there are also a handful of places along the Ponta Grossa peninsula where you can stay longer and I headed for one Stepping onto the jetty at Casa Cairuçu that afternoon I felt a delicious and rare sensation: roadlessness A 20-minute zip across the bay had brought me from Paraty’s old town to this wooden bungalow hiding on the jungled coast a handful of other houses poked out from the greenery – a fisherman’s hut the abandoned villa of a 1950s movie star – but only a long winding footpath or a boat connected us to anything the next few days would have been miserable indeed I found myself lying in the hammock on the Verandah The geriatric bob of a turtle’s head in the shallows The ever-changing light on the bay: silver to gold to pink to blue to black home to a caicara fishing community (descendents of the Portuguese and indigenous coastal settlers) and snorkelled with zebra fish by little Ilha Comprida We dropped anchor off the kind of beaches that – even if beaches aren’t your thing – you’d have to grudgingly applaud I walked the footpath to Maria Della Costa’s house the late movie star’s abode now eerily strangled by foliage But Ponta Grossa’s best secret was only revealed on my final night I padded down to the house’s jetty and dived in for a swim magical thing happened in the darkness: my arms and legs trailed stars With every sweep or kick through the water a thousand points of light flashed and died It was a phenomenon I’d often heard about but never experienced bioluminescence created by millions of tiny organisms in the sea and I wouldn’t have been it if I’d been ploughing ahead in my usual travelling mode Paraty had pulled me into its sleepy embrace I floated on my back in the glowing water for as long as I could – you can’t linger forever after all – and then swam slowly back to the jetty The author travelled with Last Frontiers (lastfrontiers.com, 01296 653000) who specialise in tailor-made trips throughout Latin America. Main Image: 18th-century chapel of Santa Rita Sign up to our newsletter for free with the Wanderlust Club, full of travel inspiration, quizzes, events and more BrazilChevron its origin story as a proposed urban utopia is fascinating to learn about The city is just a two-hour flight from Rio; stay a night or two at the B Hotel Brasília before heading back or an off-the-grid eco-lodge like Amazon EcoPark Given that it's the largest rainforest in the entire world you could spend a lifetime spotting sloths and macaws in the dense jungle If you have a day before heading into the jungle the city itself warrants a visit: take in unexpected produce and proteins at the Adolpho Lisboa market (you might spot fresh açai berries ogle the decadent architecture in the old town (built on once-flowing rubber riches) and catch a show at the neo-classical Teatro Amazonas before resting your head at boutique Hotel Villa Amazônia Manaus is just a four-hour flight from Rio Fly into the São Luís Inernational Airport (about seven hours from Rio) and hire a car to take you to one of two basecamps: Barreirinhas or Santo Amaro do Maranhão you can explore the most popular pools—Lake Azul and Lake Bonita—on your own or have a guide take you out on a 4x4 for a days-long excursion (tap a travel specialist for help with the latter) when the pools are full but the heat is still bearable Rent a car in Rio—you'll also need it for beach-hopping while in town—and stay for a long weekend but there's a reason the country's creatives prefer the former: São Paulo is the country's hub of most every major industry and it has more immigrant communities and cultures than anywhere else in the country You could spend a couple days eating at destination restaurants like the two Michelin-starred D.O.M. checking out art hubs like the São Paulo Museum of Art people-watching in its sprawling parks like Ibirapuera or bouncing between late-night roaming parties such as Mamba Negra easily the chicest stay on the island with sublime bay-front views it's no wonder the northeast coast of Brazil has such a heavy African influence—the curved jut of land reaches toward West Africa which is why Salvador de Bahia was a major point of entry for West Africans during the slave trade the city has a distinct Afro-Brazilian culture as well as a carnival celebration each February rivals that Rio's where you'll find a rainbow of colorful colonial homes (many of which are now Airbnbs or hotels) baroque buildings like the 18th-century Igreja e Convento de São Francisco live performances by percussion group Olodum on the main plaza Don't leave without trying a traditional moqueca seafood stew (Donana is reliable) and acarajé shrimp fritters (sold on the streets after dark) or visiting the pilgrimmage- worthy Basílica do Senhor do Bonfim church where visitors make wishes on ribbons before tying them to the church's fence Salvador is an easy two-hour flight from Rio and can keep any traveler busy for a few days (more if you plan to stay a night on nearby islands like Morro de São Paulo) and swaying palms to secure a spot on any best beach roundup But its real claim to fame is its crystalline reef pools—best explored on a small for-hire jangada sailboat—which promise fantastic snorkeling and warm-water swimming (the average temperature of the water is around 79 degrees Fahrenheit) The town itself also has enough infrastructure to make getting in and sticking around for a few days comfortable but an eco-tourism lean and lack of its own airport help thin out some of the crowds take the three-hour flight from Rio to Recife hire a car for the 1.5 hour drive to Porto and find an Airbnb or hotel that'll do the job (Kembali or Armacão are among the best of the limited batch) which lures travelers in with its baroque architecture outside of its lively carnival celebrations (usually in February or March) which includes one of the oldest street parties in the country—the Zé Pereira dos Lacaios bloco which has been thriving since 1867—and is fueled by the tight-knit local community and boisterous student population You can easily do Ouro Preto as a weekend add-on to Rio de Janiero (it's an hour away by plane) or you can add it to a road trip itinerary that includes Belo Horizonte and Inhotim (it's one to two hours from each) you'll find plenty of B&Bs that are as packed with personality as they are modest in amenities; Hotel Solar do Rosário is a reliable pick of the batch and a hotspot for travellers and holiday-makers looking for a slice of paradise The best boutique hotels in Paraty have successfully commercialized these qualities creating a wonderful retreat for those looking for the full holiday package Courtesy of Casa Turquesa / Expedia This luxurious hotel’s nine suites are divided into master suites and luxury suites each one with exclusive décor inspired by the name of the room The breezy rooms preserve the simple vibe of the town yet modestly succeed in impressing with luxurious touches such as furniture designed by Brazilian artists The rooms and the hotel itself are decorated with local artworks in addition to several pieces by French artist Delicate mosquito nets woven in the south of Bahia offer protection from the inevitable tropical blood-suckers and Egyptian cotton sheets seal the deal on this upscale boutique hotel Courtesy of Pousada do Ouro / Expedia Based in the historical city center of Paraty Pousada do Ouro offers rooms and a setting that respect the original colonial exterior and internal exposed brickwork The rooms are airy and spacious with shutters on the windows that open out onto the cobbled streets below The hotel offers a range of excellent amenities such as a sauna and a spa with a comprehensive list of treatments The outdoor swimming pool provides a peaceful retreat Courtesy of Casa Mar Paraty / Expedia This stunning guesthouse gets just about everything right family-owned environment that makes guests feel at home to stunning views overlooking the glorious coastline The hotel is located just a short boat trip or taxi ride from the main historical center of Paraty and offers a superb retreat to truly get in the holiday mood fresh and comfortable; the only downside being that you might never want to leave The swimming pool is a notable highlight with dreamy views of the turquoise ocean Courtesy of Santa Clara Hotel / Expedia Wooden decking and breezy rooms create a tropical ambience that perfectly fits with the surrounding Atlantic Forest at the Santa Clara Hotel some with jacuzzi tubs that provide an idyllic retreat right in the center of the hotel The hotel provides amenities such as a restaurant with fresh There is also a kiddie pool among other family friendly options import PrebidBidService from "/v1/js/PrebidBidService.js"; import AmazonBidService from "/v1/js/AmazonBidService.js"; window.addEventListener('intersecting',async (e) => { const element = document.querySelector('[data-id="in_article_2"]'); const slot = element.getAttribute('id'); if(e.detail.slotName !== slot) { return; } let promises = []; if(window.canRunPrebid) { const prebidService = new PrebidBidService(); promises.push(prebidService.requestPrebidBids(null [slot])); } if(window.canRunAmazon) { const amazonService = new AmazonBidService(); promises.push(amazonService.fetchBids(null [slot])); } if(promises?.length) { await Promise.all(promises).then(() => { googletag.pubads().refresh([window.addSlot[slot]]); }); } else { googletag.pubads().refresh([window.addSlot[slot]]); } }); Pousada Estrela do Mar Hotel Courtesy of Pousada Estrela do Mar / Expedia Seemingly built with its natural surroundings in mind Pousada Estrela do Mar resembles a modern-day wooden farmhouse The swimming pool is an excellent feature and receives plenty of the day’s hottest sun for topping up your tan yet plenty of wooden overhangings to cool off in the shade airy rooms and open corridors create a casual ambience and the breakfast is in a league of its own: a wide selection of fresh fruits cereals and juices will ensure guests never start the day hungry Sign up to our newsletter to save up to $800 on our unique trips See privacy policy About the author Sarah is a British freelance journalist and writer based in Rio de Janeiro Her favourite travel experiences so far include swimming with whale sharks in Mexico trekking through Rio's urban forest and enjoying the city life in Madrid See & Do The Best Hidden Gems In Rio de Janeiro Only Locals Know About See & Do The Top Things to See and Do in Santa Catarina See & Do The Top 10 Things to Do in Curitiba Guides & Tips A Complete Guide To Pão De Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain) Guides & Tips The Best Non-European Destinations to Escape to This Spring See & Do The Best Amazon Locations for Seeing Wildlife See & Do 15 Stunning Natural Wonders in South America That Will Take Your Breath Away Guides & Tips The Best Spots for Panoramic Views in São Paulo See & Do 15 Must-Visit Attractions in Ouro Preto See & Do A One-Week Rio de Janeiro Itinerary See & Do The 15 Best Destinations to Visit in Brazil Guides & Tips The Most Picturesque Spots in Sao Paulo US: +1 (678) 967 4965 | UK: +44 (0)1630 35000 tripssupport@theculturetrip.com © Copyright 2025 The Culture Trip Ltd Brazil's most charming small towns truly welcome eager tourists who crave sunny beaches and the unspoiled sensations of Brazilian nature From beachside towns where the Atlantic tides kiss the Brazilian coasts to those embraced by the fierce and dynamic ecosystems in Brazil’s thick thickets visitors will feel like an explorer braving the mystery and magic of Brazil’s most charming small towns an enchanting small town backed by mountains on Brazil's Costa Verde Paraty is located between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo and boasts plenty of pristine beaches such as the immaculate Praia de Trindade (Trindade Beach) One can be treated to stunning views in the fjord-shaped inlet of Saco de Mamanguá or on the mountain peak of Pão de Açúcar do Mamanguá Splendid natural features like Serra da Bocaina National Park and Fazenda Bananal are not the only attractions to relish As a historic town originally inhabited by the indigenous Guaianá people the Portuguese established a colony in the 17th century to mine gold in the Minas Gerais region The Forte Defensor Perpétuo stands as a perpetual reminder of Paraty’s colonial past the Alambique Paratiana and Maria Izabel are a few locations to view Paraty’s cachaça distillery For those needing to refresh after all the beachside or historic travels or Pousada Solar das Margaridas wash away the tension Mountains of gold were buried beneath Brazil’s jungles, and the town of Ouro Preto (Black Gold) was the focal point of the Brazilian Gold Rush in the 17th to 18th centuries. As one of Brazil's many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the hills of Minas Gerais Ouro Preto is composed of baroque architecture best embodied by the St created by renowned architect Antônio Francisco Lisboa (Aleijadinho) Another magnificent baroque cathedral is the Basílica Nossa Senhora do Pilar where one can learn all about the town’s gold-mining history can be found in the Praça Tiradentes (Tiradentes Square) Or you can go directly to the historic tunnels at the Mina du Veloso and Minas da Passagem Pousada do Montego or Mirante Hotel for a rest people come to Tiradentes to see the marvelous baroque structures like the Church of San Antonio and the Chafariz de São José (Fountain of St People can ride through the historic Maria Fumaça Trem (Smoking Mary Steam Train) and take pictures of the beautiful Cachoeira do Mangue (Mango Waterfall) Do consider staying at one of the many fine lodgings in Tiradentes sample the traditional and exquisite Barreado dish—lastly book rooms at the Pousada Graciosa or Porto Real Palace Hotel Many flock to Brazil for the spectacular beaches But so often are those beaches bothered by heavy tourist traffic Trancoso is one of Brazil’s best-kept secrets for beachgoers and sea lovers the town’s uncomplicated simplicity piqued the intrigue of celebrities like Naomi Campbell Trancoso’s aquamarine beaches are the main allures of this heartwarming vila so why not dip your toe or wade merrily through the golden sands of Praia dos Coqueiros and Praia do Espelho the Rio da Barra is a gorgeous river estuary showcasing the diverse wildlife abundant in Brazil’s coasts Let Trancoso’s serene and sublime breezes lull you to luxury especially while staying at the UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa The carefree village of Morro de São Paulo beckons travelers with all the sun and fun one can savor. Approximately 37 miles from Salvador Morro de São Paulo is located on the northeastern tip of the magnificent Tinharé Island one of three inhabited islands in an archipelago composed of 26 islands There are many extraordinary beaches brimming with natural charm and historic allure a pristine cornucopia of seaside restaurants) promote a tranquil aquatic experience amidst coral reefs the town houses the 17th-century Fortaleza de Tapirandú a historic testament to the island’s strategic role in repelling Dutch invasions from the Atlantic Ocean There are many more historic and natural marvels to enjoy in Morro de São Paulo so you might need to rest up at the Pousada Patuá do Morro Most people spend their time on the Brazilian beaches or colonial Portuguese towns. But Brazil is all about the biodiversity and verdant ecosystems that breathe life to the whole planet. The town of Bonito—situated in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul and near the border of Paraguay—is an ecotourist paradise for those who want to engage in Brazil’s wild outdoors Travelers can swim through the crystal-blue One can traverse the mesmerizing and labyrinthine Gruta do Lago Azul (Blue Lake Grotto) and the Abyss of Anhumas that challenge spelunkers to Brazil’s strange underworld Bird lovers will certainly enjoy the iridescent dance of the Brazilian jungle’s inhabitants at the Buraco das Araras sinkhole visitors can take exquisite photos of dynamic waterfalls like the Estância Mimosa and Parque das Cachoeiras Do not worry about where to clean up because fine lodgings like Marruá Hotel Bonito and Selina will attend to your daily needs In the Goiás State at the heart of the Brazilian Cerrado Pirenópolis is a bustling and captivating hive of historical wonderment and natural splendor the town is home to restored 18th-century landmarks like the Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora do Rosário Surrounding Pirenópolis are acres of unconquered nature best seen in the Vagafogo Wildlife Sanctuary and the Serra dos Pirineus National Park Visitors will fall in love with the cascading waterfalls of Cachoeira do Lázaro Do not miss out on the annual Cavalhadas de Pirenópolis in May a colorful and traditional horse-riding reenactment celebrating the town’s heritage the Museu Rodas do Tempo illustrates the transportation history in Brazil while the Casa da Cultura exhibits the local arts and crafts of the region Do not forget to book rooms at the Joia Rara Pousada from deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest and the eradication of many diverse cultures But many other changes have contributed to Brazil’s grand revival and growth and the most charming small towns in this verdant country celebrate these festive transformations wading through the azure waves in Trancoso and Paraty or learning about Brazil’s golden past in Ouro Preto and Tiradentes Brazil’s charms will stay with travelers like a memorable samba