Jericoacoara Travel Guide

(Last update: Oct 03, 2011 )

Considered one of the ten best beaches in the world, Jericoacoara is a natural paradise that remains almost intact. Suffice it to say that electricity only came to this area in recent decades and that city streets do not even have sidewalks. The presence of nature in Jericoacoara presents everywhere: on the beaches and in urban areas, who have a lot of trees and green wherever you look (not to speak of the National Park with an area of nearly 8,900 hectares).

In Jericoacoara you can forget for a while from the stress of the city. Here there is no traffic, buildings or crowded banks. The stress level in this city, it is really low. It is an ideal destination for those coming from the city and seeking a breakthrough. While Jericoacoara has an unsurpassed beauty, it may not be for everyone (access to these beaches is not easy, so you have to be well disposed).

To reach Jericoacoara, you take a flight to Fortaleza. Then you have to travel to the city of Jijoca and there buy a ticket in jardineira (a special vehicle for transporting passengers) to get to the center of Jericoacoara (this final stretch is about 22 km of dunes). While it is possible to make this journey by car, it is not the most recommended (usually they get stuck in the dunes). For these reasons it is not recommended to go to Jericoacoara for more than 4 or 5 days.

Interesting Places

The energy of Jericoacoara is largely introspective, inviting to take a closer contact with nature and make the stay mainly to find ourselves. Watch a sunset on these beaches is unforgettable. We recommend doing it from the dunes of the city (just west of town). When night comes, from anywhere in the city we will be able to appreciate one of the most beautiful starry skies that exist.

One of the typical places to visit in the east of Jericoacoara is PedraFurada. This arch rock, which looks like a sculpture made by nature, is already a symbol of the city. To reach PedraFurada you have to walk for about two hours (one-way and one hour the return trip) along the coast. Although the terrain on this hike is not in good condition, this place well worths it.

West of Jericoacoara dunes, you have to visit one of the most magnificent beaches of this city. Its vast extensions, are the ideal places to run or walk on a beach almost deserted. In Tatajuba (just 25 km from Jericoacoara) we can enjoy a warm natural lagoon, take a raft ride and see the sand sculptures of the place. To test a breathing space experience, we can sit back and relax on the hammocks of yarn that are half submerged in the lake water.

Outdoor Sports

Because of the unique characteristics of the place, Jericoacoara is an excellent destination for both water sports and beach activities, as for outdoor movement. Only 20 minutes from the town, we can find kayaks rental (kayaks have group outings in 1, 2 or 3 people). We also have an opportunity to surf. The actual price is around 25-30 Reais (those wanting to learn can take lessons from 80 reais). We also have windsurfing and kite surfing, a beautiful sport that is gaining increasing acceptance (in the ClubVentos you have trainers and equipment to practice).

If you have a preference for sand sports, there is anything like sandboarding (something like skating in sand). It is a funny sport, easy to learn and unexpensive (we can rent a table for sandboarding for only 7 to 8 reais an hour). To practice, you just have to go to the dunes.

Jericoacoara is also a reference to everything that has to do with Capoeira. This dance that combines elements of martial arts, acrobatic movements at high speed and music with a typical instrument (the berimbau), is available in different parts of town. Capoeira lessons by teachers in the area are around 25 reais, and last no more than one hour.

National Park

In Jericoacoara there is a protected area: the National Park that was created in 1984. The surface of this place covers approximately 200 square kilometers. It has a very diverse ecosystem with all types of landscapes: there are dunes, lakes, hills, sandbanks, Tabuleiro, beaches, grassy patches and mangrove. National Park of Jericoacoara houses 38 families of different native birds that can be found only at this location (several of them are endangered).

Naturally you can enjoy this National park, but you have to follow some recommendations that caregivers will provide you, since it has a very fragile ecosystem. For example, you can not go to the beach with vehicles, you should not throw garbage in the dunes or beaches and you have to respect the local culture. Caregivers also advise you to report fishing and hunting in the territory of the park, and spread the importance of preserving the ecosystem of the area.

Tips to improve your stay

Jericoacoara, for various reasons, it is not a typical vacation place. As there are no lights in the streets, it can be a good idea to always carry a flashlight when we go out at night (especially when the moon does not shine.) To avoid problems and have to move to neighboring towns to find an ATM, it is advisable to take all the money that you will need for your stay in cash (remember that in this city there are no banks or ATMs).

The sun in Jericoacoara, besides, can be quite misleading. As there is usually a permanent breeze we do not realize when we're burning. We recommend using sunscreen all the time (especially in risky hours, nearby midday), even if we feel that the sun is not "burning".

When you get to Jericoacoara, you feel that you are returning to a more natural state, that you do not need so much technology and sophistication to live to the fullest. Although after a few days, you go back to the city, this experience, retains all its renewal power.

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