Discover More About the History and Culture of Paraty

Paraty – UNESCO World Heritage Site for Culture and Biodiversity

In 2019, Paraty and Ilha Grande were recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for Culture and Biodiversity.

With approximately 85% of its native vegetation well preserved, the mixed heritage site contains one of the largest remaining areas of Atlantic Forest. Its different types of vegetation provide habitats for an extraordinary variety of fauna and flora, including several rare and endemic species.

The site has outstanding universal value due to its unique natural and cultural characteristics and, especially, the interaction between them.

Paraty is also part of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network in the field of Gastronomy. Its cultural identity has been shaped by the interaction of Indigenous, African, and Caiçara cultures, reflected in both the tangible and intangible heritage of the region.

The area is also home to traditional communities whose way of life demonstrates a close and sustainable relationship with the land and the sea.

Together with Ilha Grande, Paraty forms an exceptional territory of natural beauty, biodiversity, history, and culture.

The Historic Center of Paraty is surrounded by important protected natural areas, including Serra da Bocaina National Park, Ilha Grande State Park, Praia do Sul Biological Reserve, and Cairuçu Environmental Protection Area.

The mixed heritage site covers an area of almost 149,000 hectares.

From Ilha Grande Bay, the region includes 187 islands, many of them covered by native vegetation. Throughout this extensive territory, traditional communities maintain a close relationship between culture and biodiversity.

According to UNESCO, Natural