About Paraty, Brazil:

Paraty offers a very different side of Brazil. Set between mountains and the Atlantic, this colonial town is known for its cobblestone streets, preserved architecture, and vibrant festivals. Walking through Paraty feels like stepping into history, yet the city is alive with art galleries, craft shops, and music spilling into the squares.

The surrounding Green Coast adds to Paraty’s appeal. Hundreds of islands and hidden beaches are accessible by boat, while lush trails lead into the Atlantic rainforest. It is a place where natural beauty and cultural heritage come together, offering both adventure and reflection.

For students, Paraty provides perspective beyond the bustle of Brazil’s megacities. Time here offers space to connect with Brazil’s history, understand the role of tourism and sustainability in the economy, and experience daily life in a smaller community. It’s a reminder that Brazil’s story is not only written in its business centers, but also in the towns and landscapes that give the country its character.

Study Abroad in Paraty, Brazil

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University
Our Summit Study Abroad programs in Brazil are offered in partnership with ESPM, one of the top universities in Brazil. Learn more about ESPM 

Courses
We have a wide variety of courses to choose from on our Summit Study Abroad programs in Paraty Brazil.  Please see the course catalog​ for the full courses selection

About Paraty Brazil:

​A town of about 30,000 on Brazil's Costa Verde ("green coast"), Paraty sits about halfway between Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.  To get there, we will travel by bus from Sao Paulo, which takes about four hours along a beautiful drive:

The Costa Verde is Brazil's Green Coast and is perhaps the most spectacular stretch of coastline in the country. Mountains covered in Atlantic Rainforest drop directly into the sea, with paradise beaches, hidden coves, waterfalls and tropical islands galore.

Brief History of Paraty:

• Founded in the 17th century as a key port for gold and coffee, Paraty later fell into decline when trade routes shifted inland. For much of the 19th and 20th centuries it remained isolated, accessible only by sea, which preserved its colonial architecture almost intact. Rediscovered in recent decades by artists and cultural entrepreneurs, the town has become a model of sustainable tourism.
  
• Today Paraty is celebrated not only for its cobblestone streets and Portuguese colonial heritage, but also for its extraordinary natural setting of beaches, islands, and rainforest, a recognition that has placed it on UNESCO’s World Heritage list.
  

Classroom Setting:

Courses will be taught at the auditorium of "Casa da Cultura" in Paraty