Indeed, the town was once an important port trading in gold and coffee, but it settled into genteel decline when the trade waned as other 鈥榬outes to market鈥� became more profitable for exporters. The result is entirely satisfactory if you鈥檙e a visitor who wants to experience the atmosphere, architecture and history of a Brazilian town from a previous era.

Specify the Pousada Liter谩ria as part of your luxury, tailor-made holiday to Brazil, however, and you鈥檒l discover that not everything in Paraty belongs to a bygone period. Inside, the hotel is distinctly modern and definitely stylish. Suites have vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors and chic bathrooms 鈥� a pleasing contrast to the heritage of Paraty itself.