Paraty's Che Lagarto: Uncover the Hidden Gem of Brazil!

Che Lagarto Paraty Paraty Brazil

Paraty's Che Lagarto: Uncover the Hidden Gem of Brazil!

Che Lagarto Paraty: My Love/Hate Letter to a Hidden Paradise (and a Few Mosquito Bites)

Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans on Che Lagarto Paraty. Forget those sterile, polished reviews – this is the real deal. I'm talking sweat, smiles, and maybe a few tears (mostly from missing Brazil). This place isn't perfect, far from it, but it’s got a certain je ne sais quoi that burrowed its way into my soul (and my mosquito bites).

Accessibility: Mostly, But Not Perfect (Like Life Itself)

Okay, let's get the nitty-gritty out of the way. Finding Che Lagarto was easy enough. The location is prime, right in the heart of Paraty's charming (and sometimes cobblestone-challenged) old town. The hotel itself is pretty accessible for the most part. There's an elevator (a lifesaver, trust me!), and the common areas seem to flow pretty well. However, and this is a big "however," Paraty itself is a maze of uneven, ancient cobblestone streets. Good luck navigating those with a wheelchair! Che Lagarto itself has a few spots where the accessibility could use a tune-up. (Accessibility: 7/10 - Could be better for wheelchairs, but generally okay.)

Internet: Blessed Wi-Fi, At Last (and Sometimes a LAN Cable)

Alright, the Wi-Fi. This is HUGE for a digital nomad like myself. They boast free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and I'm happy to report, it mostly works. The signal was strong, reliable, and let me actually get some work done. Glory be! They also offer Internet access – LAN in the rooms. If you're into that, go for it. I’m a Wi-Fi kinda gal. (Internet: 9/10 – Reliable Wi-Fi is a lifesaver in Paraty.)

Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized Bliss (Mostly)

Let's be real, in these post-pandemic times, cleanliness is crucial. Che Lagarto is on it. They've got all the bells and whistles – anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays, hand sanitizer everywhere. I saw the staff constantly wiping down surfaces. It was reassuring. They’ve got professional-grade sanitizing services and even offer the option to opt-out of room sanitization. They’re definitely taking hygiene seriously. (Cleanliness & Safety: 9/10 - Felt safe and secure, and so clean!)

Dining, Drinking & Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (with Some Hiccups)

Okay, the food. That’s where things get a little… interesting. They have a restaurant, which is a plus. They offer a breakfast buffet…which was mostly decent. Think the usual, but with some seriously good Brazilian coffee (thank the heavens!). They have a la carte options too, which were hit or miss. The poolside bar is a godsend. Sipping a caipirinha while watching the sunset? Pure bliss. (Unless you're like me and spill half of it). Happy Hour is a MUST. That’s where the real magic happens. There are restaurants nearby for every other meal, and quite a few vegetarian restaurants. But, truth be told, sometimes the food felt a little… basic. Don't expect Michelin-star level dining, but trust me, the views and the company more than make up for any culinary shortcomings. (Dining: 7/10 - Good, not great, but the atmosphere and the caipirinhas make up for it!)

Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Day, Anyone? (Maybe Not)

Che Lagarto boasts a spa. I was SO excited. Spa/sauna is advertised, also they mentioned sauna, steamroom, massage, foot bath and body scrub and body wrap services. Unfortunately, the gym/fitness didn’t impress and I swear I never saw it open. The pool is gorgeous, offering a pool with a view to die for (more on that later). Basically, for the relaxation aspect other than swimming and cocktails I’d give it a pass. (Things to do/relax: 6/10 - Pool is awesome, though!)

Rooms: My Cozy Brazilian Nest (and the Lack of Air Conditioning… Oh, the Heat!)

My room! Okay, so the Air conditioning situation. Some rooms have it. Mine did not. And trust me, in the Brazilian heat, that was a gamble. I spent a few nights wishing I could trade a kidney for a functioning AC. But… then I'd open the window that opens and the blackout curtains, and the ocean breeze would drift in, and it was perfect. (Mostly). *The beds were comfy, the shower was hot, the *bathrobes*, and *slippers* were a nice touch.* *The *free bottled water* and free Wi-Fi are always appreciated.* The satellite/cable channels were cool, but let’s be honest, I wasn’t there to watch TV. I'd recommend requesting a room with AC, though. They also have non-smoking rooms, which, thank you! And, of course, the wake-up service (necessary after those caipirinhas). (Rooms: 7/10 - Get that AC, man!)

Services and Conveniences: Help is Always Around (and Sometimes in Broken Portuguese)

The concierge was SUPER helpful; they helped me book tours, and gave the best restaurant recommendations. The front desk [24-hour] is a great addition. They have daily housekeeping, which kept things tidy, despite my efforts to the contrary. Cash withdrawal is available, as is currency exchange, which is essential. The luggage storage was clutch when I arrived early and wanted to explore. They even offer a doctor/nurse on call, which is a comforting thought. (Services & Conveniences: 8/10 - Helpful staff, convenient services!)

For the Kids: Babysitting! (Probably)

I didn't have kids with me, but I did see lots of families. The babysitting service (probably) is a plus. Che Lagarto is, in general, family/child friendly. (For the Kids: Undetermined, but likely good!)

Getting Around: Park and Explore (But Watch Out for those Cobbles!)

They provide car park [free of charge]. The location is so central that you can easily walk everywhere. They offer airport transfer too, which is a life-saver Taxi service also is available to get around. (Getting Around: 8/10 - Convenient and easy to navigate.)

The Pool: My Daily Dose of Bliss (and Instagrammable Moments)

Alright, let’s talk about the pool. *The *swimming pool* with that amazing view* is the real showstopper. It's a rooftop pool, with panoramic views of Paraty's colorful buildings and the surrounding mountains. This is where I spent most of my time when I wasn't exploring. Sipping a cocktail (from the poolside bar, of course), soaking up the sun… it was pure, unadulterated bliss. I swear, I've got a tan line permanently etched onto my soul from that pool. This pool sold me on Che Lagarto. It was that amazing. (The Pool: 10/10 - Worth the price of admission alone!)

The Imperfections: Mosquitoes, Cobblestones and the Occasional Hiccup

Okay, here’s where I get REAL.

Mosquitoes: Bring bug spray. Seriously. I thought I was prepared, but those little buggers in Paraty are relentless. My legs looked like I'd been through a war zone by the end of my trip. (And the windows of the non-AC rooms don’t have mosquito nets) But the trade-off is: the beauty of the ocean breeze.
Cobblestones: Paraty is gorgeous, but walking on the cobblestone streets is a workout in itself. My ankles protested. If you’re bringing luggage, request help.
Staff: The staff was overall super friendly and helpful, but occasionally there was miscommunication. It’s a language barrier but honestly, most of the time the staff was trying their best.
The Vibes: Che Lagarto is a hostel, so be prepared for a party. It's not a quiet, luxury getaway. There’s a lively atmosphere. This is both a good and a bad thing, depending on your mood.

In Summary: Che Lagarto - Heart & Soul

Che Lagarto is, yes, a hidden gem…with some rough edges. It's not perfect. But it's got character. It's got heart. It’s got that unforgettable pool. Don't expect a sterile, polished experience. Expect a taste of the REAL Brazil. Expect to meet cool people from all over the world. Expect to leave with amazing memories, a tan, and maybe a few mosquito bites. I'd go back in a heartbeat. **(Overall Rating:

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Che Lagarto Paraty Paraty Brazil

Okay, buckle up buttercups! This ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is… ME in Paraty. Buckle up.

CHE LAGARTO PARATY: A MESSY, MAGICAL MISHAP (with some actual planning, I swear!)

Day 1: Arrival & "Holy Crap, It's Beautiful!"

10:00 AM: Arrive at Rio de Janeiro's Galeão Airport (GIG). Ugh, the airport. Already feeling the pressure, I forgot my noise cancelling headphones. Rookie mistake.
11:00 AM: Find the real bus. Not the one the overly helpful (and slightly shady) guy in the airport tried to sell me. Seriously, these guys. I'm a seasoned traveller, but airport hustlers always get to me. Sigh. Thankfully, the Costa Verde bus is the real deal. Prepare yourself for a long but scenic ride.
14:00 PM - 18:00 PM: The bus ride. Now we're talking. This is why I travel. The scenery. Oh. My. God! Lush, green hills melting into the turquoise sea. I swear, I almost cried. Okay, maybe I did. I blame the lack of sleep. The journey itself is filled with hairpin turns and what I can only describe as "Brazilian driving style," which is somewhere between exhilarating and terrifying. But hey, no one died (that I saw). I met a guy here named Rafael, who had this beautiful guitar, and we ended up singing awful Portuguese folk songs for the next hour, much to the consternation of the other passengers. Classic!
18:00 PM: Arrive in Paraty. The cobblestones! The colorful colonial buildings! It's even more gorgeous in person. My jaw is practically glued to the floor.
18:30 PM: Check in to Che Lagarto. The vibe is immediately chill. Backpackers everywhere. This place is perfect for people who aren't afraid of a little chaos. The staff is cheerful, but I’m pretty sure they’re all powered by caffeine and sheer enthusiasm. My dorm room? Well, let's just say it's seen better days. The bunk beds are a bit squeaky, and the fan is a tad loud, but hey, it has a view of the courtyard. #YOLO
19:30 PM: Explore the town. Wander. Get delightfully lost. Discover the "Rua do Comércio," which is basically a giant, beautiful, overpriced souvenir shop. I resist the urge to buy a miniature replica of a colonial house. (For now…)
21:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant. Ordered Moqueca Capixaba (fish stew) - it was good, but let's be honest, I was distracted by the sheer beauty of Paraty at night. The way the lights reflect off the cobblestones, the sounds of music drifting from the open doorways… pure magic.

Day 2: Boat Trip Bonanza & Beach Bummin'

09:00 AM: Regret last night's Caipirinhas. Head to the hostel kitchen for coffee. Thank the gods.
10:00 AM: Boat trip! Oh, the boat trip. The BEST decision ever. I've been on boat trips before, but this was something else. So we’re on this old wooden schooner, and it’s like a floating party. The music, the sun, the ocean… perfection.
11:00 AM - 16:00 PM: Island hopping, snorkeling, sunbathing. The water is crystal clear. Saw some AMAZING fish. I'm pretty sure I saw a sea turtle. Then there's the snacks and caipirinhas being passed around on the boat. We stopped at several beaches, each more stunning than the last. I even braved snorkeling, which made me panic. I am pretty sure I almost drowned from laughing.
16:00 PM: Back to the hostel, showered, and ready for an exhausted nap.
18:00 PM: I got lost again. This town is amazing.
20:00 PM: Dinner at a beachside restaurant. Seriously, I sat watching the sunset with my toes in the sand. Ordered fresh grilled fish. It was so good, then a bit too much. I don't wanna talk about it.

Day 3: Hiking, History, & a Heartbreak (Sort Of)

09:00 AM: Coffee and breakfast at the hostel. Trying to avoid a second hangover.
10:00 AM: Hike to the "Caminho do Ouro" (Gold Trail). This was HARDER than it looked. Up into the hills, through the jungle. The air is thick with humidity, and I'm pretty sure I'm sweating places I didn't know I had places. But the views! Unreal. The effort was worth it.
13:00 PM: Lunch at a tiny, local restaurant. The food was amazing. The cook, a tiny grandma, barely spoke any English, but she made me feel like I was part of her family. I almost cried again (I swear, it's the altitude!).
15:00 PM: Explore the historical center again. I did a walking tour and learned about the slave trade and the history of the town. It was informative and sobering.
17:00 PM: Found a cute little shop that sold traditional Brazilian handicrafts. Bought a beautifully painted ceramic tile. I am going to pretend that I absolutely need to own it.
18:00 PM: I saw a cat! And maybe got into a small fight with another tourist. Sorry, I was tired, and he was being loud.
19:00 PM: I met this guy and we shared some laughs.
20:00 PM: Dinner. Found a nice place with live music.
21:00 PM: A slow walk back to the hostel through the rain.

Day 4: Farewell, Paraty (And My Sanity?)

09:00 AM: Seriously debated skipping breakfast but dragged myself out of bed.
10:00 AM: Last wander through Paraty's streets. One last coffee. Found the miniature house! And didn't buy it. Yay me!. Reflecting on my time. I've fallen in love with the place.
11:00 AM: Check out of Che Lagarto. Saying goodbye is hard. But the bus is waiting!
11:30 AM: The bus to wherever I'm going, somewhere south, probably.
15:00 PM: Reflecting on Paraty. So much beauty, so much chaos, so much… me. I’m exhausted but… well, happy.
16:00 PM: Arriving somewhere else. And trying to work out how I'm going to fit all the memories into my brain.

Quirky Observations & Emotional Reactions:

The Cobblestones: My ankles ache. But the beauty of those cobblestones! Worth every stumble.
The Locals: The friendliest people I've ever met. Even when I butchered their language (which was every time I tried).
Che Lagarto: A truly wonderful hostel. The staff became family.
My Emotional State: A rollercoaster. Happy, overwhelmed, exhausted, in love, repeat.
The Food: Delicious. But, like, so much.
Overall: Paraty? Come prepared for your heart to be stolen. And maybe bring some comfortable shoes. And earplugs. And an open mind. You won't regret it.

Imperfections & Real Life:

I misplaced my sunglasses.
I probably got sunburnt.
I almost missed the bus.
I cried. A lot.
I think I'm going to come back.
This is just a slice of what happened, but it's the full Paraty experience.

Okay, that's it. Off to the next adventure! Wish me luck!

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Che Lagarto Paraty Paraty Brazil```html

Alright, Let's Talk Che Lagarto Paraty (Because I'm Still Thinking About That Caipirinha!)

So, Che Lagarto Paraty... Is It Actually Worth the Hype?

Look, let's be real. When I booked Che Lagarto, I half-expected another cookie-cutter hostel experience. You know, the kind where the Wi-Fi barely works, and the dorm smells faintly of stale beer and regret. But... Paraty? Paraty throws a beautiful monkey wrench in your expectations. Yes, the Che Lagarto itself is... well, let's say it’s a *vibe*. It's chaotic in a good way. Hype? Maybe. Worth it? Absolutely. Especially if you're looking to fall headfirst into the Paraty experience.

And trust me – the caipirinhas from the bar are practically an essential Paraty ingredient. Don't ask questions, just… get one. Or two. Or, you know, a whole pitcher. My first night, I swear I befriended a guy who claimed to be a distant relative of Pele. I’m pretty sure that's untrue, but the caipirinhas made it *feel* real, and that's what counts, right?

What's the Vibe Like? Like, Seriously, What Am I Getting Myself Into?

Picture this: cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and about a million people trying to take Instagram photos. Then, add in a healthy dose of backpackers, a dash of local charm, and the constant thrum of Portuguese conversations you *almost* understand (until you've had a few of those caipirinhas). The vibe at Che Lagarto mirrors the town itself. It’s boisterous, it's social, and it's… well, it’s easy to get swept away.

One of my favorite things was just hanging out in the courtyard. It's basically the social hub. I met this awesome girl from Sweden who was traveling solo. We spent an entire afternoon just swapping travel stories and learning to dance the Samba badly. That's the kind of thing Paraty and Che Lagarto encourages – spontaneous connection. It's not a place to be shy, trust me. You'll be roped into a game of beer pong before you know it, I guarantee you. Speaking of which, I'm still convinced that I got robbed in one of those games. I'm blaming the Brazilian rum.

Dorm Rooms: Are They Horrible? (Be Honest!)

Okay, okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Dorm rooms? They're hostels. You're not staying at the Ritz-Carlton. They're functional, mostly clean (depending on the cleanliness of your roommates, of course!), and yeah, you might get the occasional snorer. My dorm room was pretty standard stuff...bunk beds, a locker. You'll likely make some interesting discoveries about the sleeping habits of strangers. Like, who knew some people *actually* sleep with their eyes open?! Seriously freaked me out.

But honestly? They’re perfectly fine. You’re not in Paraty to spend all day in your room. You’re there to explore, to swim in the crystal-clear waters, to get lost in the maze of streets, and yes, to *maybe* have a caipirinha or five. They get the job done, and you'll probably find that your bed is mainly just a place to crash after all the adventures. Just pack earplugs (and a sense of humor).

Is There Any Place to Relax? I Need Some Beach Time!

Relaxing? In Paraty? YES! The hostel itself has a little sun area where you can chill, but real relaxation here is *outside*. Paraty’s a coastal paradise, people! You’ve got beaches galore. Seriously, beaches everywhere. Take a boat tour (totally worth it, even if you *do* get seasick like I did – the views are incredible), or hop on a bus and head to one of the more secluded spots.

I actually had a slightly traumatic experience on a boat tour. The ocean swells got me a bit queasy. And after the third round of vomiting, lets just say my face *wasn't* as pretty as the postcard beaches. But even then, when I was on the boat tour, the pure, vibrant, blue water of the ocean, the breeze, the feeling of having gone a bit wild with other people... it was truly worth the price. Absolutely. 100 percent. And the boat trip? A must! just take some Dramamine first if you get seasick (unlike me...who foolishly thought I was invincible).

Food: Is it Worth Eating at the Hostel?

Look, I’m not going to lie. Hostel food is usually a mixed bag. Sometimes it's amazing, sometimes... well, it’s edible. Che Lagarto has a kitchen, and they serve up decent meals. Breakfast is usually included, nothing fancy, usually some bread, eggs, fruit, coffee. You can cook your own meals, which is great for saving money. But Paraty is packed with amazing restaurants, from tiny little joints serving up the freshest seafood to bustling places with live music.

I had the best moqueca (Brazilian seafood stew) of my life at some hole-in-the-wall I found just wandering around the town – it was pure, unadulterated deliciousness. Forget the hostel food sometimes, go explore! It is part of the experience. Get lost in the streets, and find something new to eat!

What About the Staff? Are They Helpful?

The staff? Honestly, they're what make Che Lagarto shine. They're friendly, they're helpful, and they have endless patience for tourists who are a little... lost (me, constantly). They speak English, which is a major plus, especially if your Portuguese is as rusty as mine. They can book tours, give you tips on where to go, and generally make you feel welcome. They'll even help you find that missing sock you swear you left on your bed. Probably.

They also genuinely seem to enjoy the place and the experience. They're good vibes all around. They're not just there to check you in and out, they are there to connect with you. I made some great friends with people working there. They're also pretty good at pointing you in the direction of the best caipirinhas in town, and that's a crucial job, really!

Any Insider Tips, or Is It All Just Instagram Hype?

Okay, listen up. Forget the perfectly curated Instagram feeds. Paraty is magic. Yes, it's touristy - but it's touristy for a reason! My insider tips: Book your tours *before* you arrive, especially during high season. Wear comfortable shoes. Those cobblestone streets are killers. And, most importantly...pack your sense of adventure. Don't be afraid to get lost. That's where the real gems are. Mackay's BEST Oceanfront Hotel: Unbeatable Views & Luxury Await!