THE SOUTHERN AMERICAN SERIES PT3
SAO PAULO – PARATY
I was always told about how great the islands of Brazil are and promised myself to visit as many as I could.
NO DOUBT ON ANOTHER DAY I WOULD HAVE HAD LIFE CHANGING INJURIES
Paraty is on the mainland but the greatest thing about it, is the island trips you can do. Not to mention it’s just 1 hour north of Rio!
WHERE IS PARATY?
Rockfalls, Paraty boat party
PARAGUAY
But first I landed into Paraguay where I got my first experience of mate which is a traditional South American tea. It’s so loved that many locals carry around their own flask where ever they go, whether to work, to a café or just a walk.
PARATY BEACH HOSTEL
This hostel was excellent, mainly due to the other people that stayed here but everyone got on really well. You’d be forgiven for call thing Party Beach Hostel as opposed to Paraty Beach Hostel as that’s nearly all we done. However, it was a good mix, the town is definitely worth checking out but as I say the highlight is the party boats.
Rockfalls, Paraty boat party
CACHOEIRA DO TOBOGA
Before the boat trip, the first few days were spent checking out the town and what’s around. There was a cool rock waterfall up in the hills that is worth visiting. There are heaps of locals who can skim down it on their feet, takes a bit of skill, that I learned.
CACHAÇA DISTILLERY
There is also a Cachaça distillery just down from the waterfall and restaurant. All worth visiting after spending the last few hours sliding on your bum!
RELATED READ: A NAKED SWEDE AND ANGKOR WAT
PARTY BOAT
The booze cruise wasn’t like some I have been on, it was a bit more chill. There was maybe 20 of us which was good as it meant you had a chance to get to know everyone.
CACHAÇA
The real killer was the Brazilian cocktail, Caipirinha. Its base is Cachaça which is just sugar and alcohol so it’s far too easy to drink. Add that to the sweltering heat and humidity and you are sure going to have your fair share. Not to mention it was also self service via a huge serving bowl. At the start you would have been using the ladle provided but it didn’t take long until we were all dunking out cups in instead!
Rockfalls, Paraty boat party
CAIPIRINHA
We spent the day at several different islands and jumping off the boat however after countless Caipirinhas I think I lost my mind. The last stop was near another island and I had just jumped off and noticed how shallow it was.
RELATED READ: WAKING UP ON A DIFFERENT ISLAND
MOMENT OF MADNESS
From getting out of the water to jumping off the top deck I someone managed to forget this. I thought it would be a good idea to jump in head first with my hands behind my back. Big mistake! My head hit the seabed putting the weight of my body and force of my jump firming on my neck. In all my travels I’m not sure I have sobered up as quickly as I did then, taking myself up to the top deck and lying down without saying a work. Things could have ended up so differently or the seabed could have easily be made of rock.
Rockfalls, Paraty boat party
RATINGS….
- PEOPLE – 9/10
- BACKPACKING – 8.5/10
- WEATHER – 8/10
- THINGS TO DO – 7.5/10
SUMMED UP….
- HIGHLIGHT – Booze cruise
- LOWLIGHT – Nothing but it will be tomorrows hangover
- VISIT AGAIN – Absolutely
- RATING – 9/10
FINAL THOUGHTS
Now I see why Botswana is considered the best place to do a safari – Read the reflection post here!
NEXT UP
Ying and Yang as I drop back down to earth and endure the worst hangover of South America. However, I soon learn that Ilha Grande is the perfect cure! Click to read.
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
76/229
This post is part of The Southern American Series, click to explore or for episode 1 click here.
