The small coastal village of Parati is a virtual museum within a tropical paradise. It is located 125 miles southeast of Rio de Janeiro and possesses one of the finest "collections" of classical 18th century Portuguese colonial buildings. Parati is characterized by cobblestone streets and pastel buildings. It has a long pier and small boats are available for day trips to the surrounding islands. In the early 1700's Parati was a major gold shipping port to Portugal. Today it is a major international destination for sophisticated tourists seeking sunshine and spectacular beaches (including snorkeling and scuba) all within a classical architectural setting. Automobile traffic is forbidden inside the city in order to preserve the tranquil ambience.