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Fortaleza, CE
Summary: Jericoacoara is a village with sandy streets within a national park, about 300 km from Fortaleza. The final stretch is done in authorized 4x4 vehicles, and the municipality charges a daily tourism tax. The main attractions are the sunset on the dune, Pedra Furada rock), and buggy or 4x4 tours to the east (lagoons and Pedra Furada) and west (Tatajuba and seahorses) sides. Book at least three nights.
This guide is part of our Ceará tourism guide, which includes all the destinations in the state.
In this guide:
Jericoacoara, or simply Jeri, is a village in the municipality of Jijoca de Jericoacoara, on the west coast of Ceará, surrounded by the Jericoacoara National Park. The streets are sandy, there is no asphalt, and the landscape mixes dunes, freshwater lagoons, mangroves, and rock formations by the sea. It is one of the best-known destinations in Brazil and attracts travelers from all over the world, especially for the wind, the sunsets, and the village atmosphere.
It's about 300 km. The trip to Jijoca is by road, and from there access to the village is by 4x4 vehicles or authorized "jardineiras" (open-air trucks), because regular cars are not allowed into the park area. In total, expect to take between 5 and 7 hours, depending on the transport and stops.
Jericoacoara Regional Airport, in Cruz, receives flights from several capital cities, mainly during the high season. Access from the airport to the village is also by transfer.
Confirm schedules and conditions with the transportation company before traveling, as routes and access rules may change.
See the step-by-step guide, with advantages and disadvantages of each option, in How to get from Fortaleza to Jericoacoara.
The municipality of Jijoca de Jericoacoara charges a tourism tax per day of stay for visitors. The amount and method of payment are determined by the municipality and may change, so check the official channel before your trip and keep the receipt, which may be requested upon entry.
The village's most famous attraction. In the late afternoon, visitors climb the dune (or go to the beach opposite) to watch the sun set over the sea, often to the sound of capoeira and applause. Arrive early to get a good spot.
Jeri's iconic postcard view: a rock arch by the sea. You can walk there along the beach at low tide or via a trail, or include it in a tour to the east side. Check the tide charts before walking.
Lagoa do Paraíso and Lagoa Azul, in Jijoca, are famous for their clear water and hammocks in the water. The water level varies depending on the year's rainfall, so ask the tour operator about the current conditions before booking.
The constant wind makes the region one of the best-known kiteboarding destinations in the world, with schools and equipment rentals. Preá Beach, east of the village, is one of the most popular among kiteboarders.
At night, the sandy streets fill with restaurants, bars, shops, and music. Forró is a tradition in Jeri.
The tours are conducted by buggy or 4x4 vehicle, with a licensed driver, and are usually divided into two routes.
It usually includes Pedra Furada(Pierced Rock), Árvore da Preguiça (Sloth Tree), Buraco Azul (Blue Hole), and the Lagoa do Paraíso (Paradise) and Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon). It is the most sought-after and the one that appears most often in photos of Jeri.
It usually includes a ferry crossing of the Guriú River, a tour to see seahorses in the mangroves, the dunes, and the Torta Lagoon in Tatajuba. It has a more rustic atmosphere and landscapes of dunes and mangroves.
Itineraries vary between operators. Check what's included, the duration, and whether the price is per person or per vehicle. See also the Tours.
For day trips, check out these 10 day trips from Fortaleza.
The village is small and almost everything is within walking distance. Accommodation options range from simple hostels and guesthouses to charming hotels.
Guesthouses and hotels in Jericoacoara will be listed under Where to Stay.
For a small town, Jeri has a diverse gastronomic scene, with seafood, regional cuisine, pizzerias, international dishes, and cafes. The main streets are full of restaurants and bars, which get lively after sunset. See recommendations in the Gastronomy.
We've already published the guide "How to get from Fortaleza to Jericoacoara". We are preparing detailed guides about the east side tour, the west side tour, where to stay and where to eat in Jeri. The links will appear here as soon as each one goes live. Will you be passing through Fortaleza first? See the guide Fortaleza.
Guesthouses, restaurants, tour operators, buggy drivers, and kiteboarding schools can appear for those planning a trip to Jeri, with presence on the portal, Google My Business, biosite, and NFC rating boards, including for foreign audiences. Contact our team via WhatsApp. Sponsored content is always identified.
Approximately 300 km. With the final stretch in a 4x4 vehicle, the trip takes an average of 5 to 7 hours.
Yes. Access to the village from Jijoca is by 4x4 vehicles or authorized open-air buses. Transfers departing from Fortaleza already include this leg of the journey.
The price is set by the municipality of Jijoca de Jericoacoara and charged per day of stay. Check the official website of the municipality before traveling, as the price may change.
The tour to the east side, with Pedra Furada and the Paraíso and Azul lagoons, is the most popular. Those who have more days should also do the west side.
At least three nights, to have one day in the village and two days of sightseeing. With four or five nights, the trip becomes more relaxed.
From July to January, with less rain and more wind. The lagoons are usually fuller in the second half of the year, depending on the year's rainfall.
Updated September 29, 2026. Access rules, tourism tax, prices, and itineraries are subject to change; please confirm with the city hall and tour operators before traveling.
