Paraty is more affordable than Búzios but remains relatively expensive for Brazil. Reference budget of €100 per person per day corresponds to comfortable stay in charming pousada with historic centre restaurants and excursions. Accommodation (50-60% of budget): hostels €25-40/night, modest pousadas €50-80/night, charming centre pousadas €80-150/night (Pousada Pardieiro, Pousada Capitão), boutique-pousadas €150-300/night (Pousada do Sandi, Pousada do Ouro, Pousada Literária), high-end and eco-lodges €300-700/night (Pousada Picinguaba in National Park). In high season (New Year, Carnival, July FLIP): rates x2 to x3, 3-6 month advance booking mandatory. Food (15-20% of budget): markets and botequins €5-12/meal, popular restaurants €15-25/person, centre restaurants €30-50/person (Banana da Terra, Punto Divino, Casa do Fogo), gourmet €60-100. Activities (15-20% of budget): schooner outing €50-80/day, Caminho do Ouro guided €30-50/person, Cachaça Route €50-80/person guided tour, bike rental €10-15/day. Transport: Rio-Paraty bus 80-130 BRL return (€14-22), private transfer 400-600 BRL (€68-100), local taxi €5-15, car rental €30-50/day. Saving tip: kilo buffet lunch (prato feito or self-service by kilo) at €8-15/person, real bargains outside tourist zones.
Read also
- Rio and Southeast — Complete region: Rio, Búzios, Paraty and the Costa Verde.
- Rio de Janeiro — The Cidade Maravilhosa 4h away — classic Rio + Paraty combination.
- Búzios — The chic beach alternative: 23 beaches, tropical Saint-Tropez vibe.
- Brazil — Complete country-continent guide: regions, formalities, best time.