JERICOACOARA – PARADISE ON EARTH
Jericoacoara, or simply Jeri, is a village located in the municipality of Jijoca, about 300km from Fortaleza, on the west coast of the state of Ceará. It is a place where you can find endless natural beauty – surrounded by sand dunes, sea, mangrove landscapes and crystalline freshwater lagoons – and good weather all year round.
Until about 20 years ago, Jeri was just a fishing village, and its visitors were basically travelers looking for adventure. It was literally a very quiet village.
Currently, the rustic scenario is still present, but the city has been modernized and became one of the most famous tourist destinations in Brazil, with excellent infrastructure to receive tourists from all over the world.
In 1984, a federal law declared it an Environmental Protection Area, and in 2002, Jeri achieved the highest status in environmental protection, turning it into Jericoacoara National Park – making sure that the region develops in a sustainable way. The streets are still dimly lit and the charming village atmosphere is still present, delighting the visitors.
Jeri’s lagoons are breath-taking. The most famous one is Lagoa do Paraíso (Paradise Lagoon) – a stopping point for buggy rides – with spectacular shades of blue. You can even relax in a hammock placed in the water, giving it an extra charm. Some restaurants even place tables and chairs in the water to make their customers feel more comfortable. Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon) is also amazing, with its crystal-clear blue waters and white sands. To get to Lagoa do Paraíso and Lagoa Azul you must go by buggy or 4×4 car, there is no other way. These lagoons are located about 20 minutes away from Jeri’s city centre.
You should also visit Pedra Furada (Holed Stone) at Malhada Beach. It is a peculiar sea-sculpted rock formation. This beach is also great for sea bathing and walks. Mangue Seco Beach, surrounded by dunes and by a peculiar ecosystem is currently a dream beach, but in the past it used to be large mangrove. You can get there by buggy riding through the sand dunes – it is an unforgettable experience.
Jeri is also an ideal sailing destination, with great winds for water sports lovers. The beach in Jericoacoara’s city centre is the ideal destination for kite surfers and windsurfers. The highlight of the area is the Duna do Pôr do Sol (Sunset Sand Dune). By the end of the afternoon, tourists and locals climb its 30 meters of sand to enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets.
At night, the village turns into a big party. Cool restaurants, clubs and bars play typical music genres like forró. Jeri’s nightlife offers a wide selection of attractions for all tastes . If you are not a party person though, you can also simply enjoy the beautiful starry sky.
Transfer to Jericoacoara