← São Paulo Marathon·2 nights

Paraty: Two Nights on the Coast After the São Paulo Marathon

Two nights in a colonial coastal town, with travel days either side and one full day to walk slowly and eat well.

Duration2 nights
TransitCoach from São Paulo, duration to be checked
DepartsSão Paulo

After the São Paulo Marathon: Paraty

The Route: São Paulo → Paraty → São Paulo Logistics: A coach operator sells the São Paulo to Paraty corridor. The public page does not give a dated journey time, so check the booking engine for the real duration, the departure terminal and the luggage rules. Marathon Month: April Duration: 2 nights

São Paulo ──(coach to the coast)──> Paraty
     ▲                                  │
     └────────(coach back)──────────────┘

The São Paulo Marathon ends beside the Ibirapuera Obelisk in the middle of a huge city. Paraty is a small colonial town on the coast, with a historic centre close to the harbour, and it is as different from the race weekend as it is possible to get.

April in Paraty: Autumn. Days are warm, evenings cool a little and showers are possible. The sea is mild but not hot. Pack a light waterproof, sun cream and shoes that can get wet.

Treat the arrival and departure days as travel days, and leave one full day in town. A coach journey on the day after a marathon is tiring, so book a seat in advance and choose a departure that does not rush you. Check the timetable for your date, since frequency changes between weekdays and weekends.

Night one: arrival

Check in, eat early and take a short walk through the centre. The streets of the historic centre are cobbled, so wear supportive shoes and go slowly. The surface is uneven and the gradient is level. Choose flat streets near the harbour, and sit often. Opening hours vary, so ask your host which kitchens are open on the night you arrive.

Day two: the town and a boat, if conditions allow

Use the full day for the town itself. Visit one or two sights, take a long lunch and rest in the afternoon. Ask your accommodation about a short boat outing, subject to weather and tide, and confirm departure times the evening before. Sailings can be cancelled when the sea is rough, so keep the plan loose.

Where to stay

Choose a small pousada near the centre, with breakfast at a sensible hour. Ask about the cobbled approach to the room, late checkout and luggage storage. Book early if your dates fall at a weekend, and check the cancellation terms before paying.

Pacing the trip

Cobbles are harder on tired legs than they look. Walk slowly, drink water and take a taxi when you need to. Save your booking and your accommodation address offline, since signal can be uneven on the coast road. Carry cash for small purchases.

Eating well

The historic centre has a good range of restaurants. Book dinner early on the evening after the coach ride, when legs are stiffest, and choose a place within a short walk of your pousada. Ask your host for a lunch recommendation for the second day and confirm that the kitchen is open.

What to pack

Bring supportive shoes for the cobbles, a light waterproof, sun cream and a dry bag if you plan a boat trip. A small day bag is easier than a suitcase on uneven streets, and most pousadas will hold larger luggage. Pack a charger and a light layer for the evening. If you take medication or need specific food, bring it with you, since small town shops close early.

If the weather turns

Rain turns cobbles slippery, so slow down and use a taxi for longer hops. A covered table and a slow lunch are a better plan than a wet walk. Check boat departures again the morning of the trip, and accept a cancellation without fuss.

Getting Home

São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) is a long way across the metropolitan area from where the coach arrives. Allow a full day for the journey back, book a transfer in advance, and avoid a tight flight on the day you return.