"Paraíso" tells the story of the romance between the cowboy José Eleutério—known as the "Devil's Son"—and Maria Rita—known as "Santinha"—in a small town in the Brazilian countryside. According to local legend, Eleutério (the protagonist's father) owns a bottle containing a small devil that grants him certain powers. Although the bottle is merely a souvenir bought at a market in Rio de Janeiro, the villagers believe the legend, just as they believe the rumors about miracles Maria Rita supposedly performed during her childhood. The couple also finds themselves caught in the middle of a political feud between their fathers, Eleutério and Antero. Throughout the story, Santinha and Zé Eleutério experience a turbulent romance marked by many ups and downs. Maria Rita even becomes engaged to Otávio, a young man from the big city; however, she leaves him at the altar and ends the series in the arms of her true love.