Scalloped, white-sand beaches with warm, clear water, schooners sailing to nearby islands, huge granite outcroppings and domes covered by verdant tropical jungle--what could be better? Maybe a charming, well-preserved colonial town with a pedestrian-only center, a palm-lined river walk, and nearby waterfalls. That’s Paraty! I’d not planned to visit this small town of 32,000 because after all, I’m from a beach town, Santa Barbara. An overnight bus from Puerto Iguazu, Argentina, had taken me to Curitiba, Brazil, for a scenic train ride. However, when the train was canceled, I sought a small-town refuge to prepare myself for visiting the metropolis of Rio. Remembering the fab Paraty stories from other backpackers, I decided to wander there. I was incredibly lucky with tight bus connections and managed to get from Iguazu to Curitiba to San Paulo to Paraty
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