After a week in Rio, took the bus to Paraty, a historic colonial town adjacent to an archipelago of 65 islands. However, the other part of this UNESCO world heritage site – Ilha Grande – I opted to not go to, because there’s so much here. Another example of how travel choices are really where NOT to go – always tough.

But the options for exploration in and around Paraty seem rich and knowing one place more than two places a little seems better, and more convenient. A little AirBnb atop a shop, not far from the bus station, but amidst the old town, seemed a good landing spot. This batch starts there, then walks out to the pier of tour boat options, and includes some randomness…

More of colonial Paraty, including a singer whose piano playing husband/accompanist I met in a parking lot, and more of the lively evening scene. Gotta be careful when walking the cobblestoned streets…!

More of the evening, then the next day and a walk up to a cemetery and fort/museum on a hill overlooking the bay. Note the historical art…

This batch starts with more from the fort, then more from the town, which was having a music & skating festival that weekend. Note the pirate/entertainer who regaled fellow tourists with something in Portuguese, and more of the abundant live music in Paraty…

The next day I took a boat tour to more than five destinations along the Costa Verde off Paraty. Note some monkeys and capybera relatives, a turtle spotted having lunch in what appeared to be a kelp farm, a fish lunch, and myriad boats and islands hereabouts…

More of my boat tour through the Baia Carioca, including an ancient fort/military post, more cool boats, the iconic image of Paraty, and our Captain Leo…

Some random shots of Paraty – cool spots, fine dining, and interesting people…

I’m in Paraty for a couple more days before going back to Rio, then home. But why not post for now? Stay tuned for this South American jaunt’s conclusion…