On our recent trip to Jericoacoara, we meticulously planned an adventure that spanned five full days. This extended duration allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of the village and explore its surrounding areas. Before we tell you all about our experiences here and provide a list of recommendations on the best things to do, allow us to introduce ourselves.
We are Vanessa and Gabriel, two 31 year olds working as engineers in the business sector. Gabriel hails from Jundiai – a picturesque countryside town near Sao Paulo city – while Vanessa was born in Taubate, another city in the countryside of Sao Paulo. She moved to Jundiai when she was 10.
Our passion for traveling has been a part of our lives even before we met. Gabriel had the opportunity to live in Canada and Vanessa has lived in the United States, Spain and Colombia. The idea of traveling was a frequent topic of conversation between us, and Vanessa made a memorable gesture by surprising Gabriel with a ticket to Chile as a birthday gift back in 2019.
This marked the beginning of a tradition where travel tickets became our way of celebrating milestones in our relationship. Then, in February of 2020, we embarked on a journey to Thailand – fulfilling one of our travel dreams. Unfortunately, upon our return to Brazil, the pandemic struck.
Travel came to a halt for the rest of the year but as 2021 began, travel within Brazil was permitted. We seized the opportunity to explore Fernando de Noronha, a truly enchanting place. During this time, many of our friends encouraged us to create a travel Instagram page to share our experiences with them, as they enjoyed watching our videos and seeing our adventures. So, in April 2021 we launched our travel page: @turistei.
Our intention was to showcase the magic of Brazil while also contributing to the economic recovery of Brazil’s tourism industry, which was severely impacted by the pandemic. Traveling within Brazil has become an extraordinary experience, allowing us to immerse ourselves in various cultures, traditions, meet incredible people, hear different accents and witness breathtaking landscapes. We are now passionate about sharing these discoveries and promoting the diversity that our country has to offer.
Our Journey to the Incredible Jericoacoara Area
Jericoacoara’s remote location within a nature reserve presents a unique challenge for travelers, but on our recent adventure we were prepared. To reach the village with ease, we arranged a transfer from the airport and hotel – ensuring a hassle-free journey. Given the high cost of flying from Sao Paulo to Jericoacoara’s airport, and our desire to explore other beaches along the way, we opted to fly to Fortaleza (the capital of Ceara state).
From there, we spent a day in Fortaleza and then embarked on our journey to Jericoacoara – reserving time for visits to the other beaches in the region. For those planning a similar trip from abroad, we recommend exploring destinations such as Cumbuco, Icarai de Amontada, Flecheiras, Mundau, Canoa Quebrada, Praia das Fontes and Morro Branco along the way.
Our transfer to Jericoacoara covered 184.4 miles, taking four hours and 30 minutes. The route offered two options for the driver, depending on road conditions. The driver selected the route through Prea village, which provided awesome views of the ocean as we drove alongside it.
Favorite Place in Jericoacoara: Lagoa do Amancio
Our favorite place in Jericoacoara is Lagoa do Amancio. This location is special due to its ever-changing nature. During our visit to Jericoacoara, which coincided with the Brazilian Carnival at the end of February, we experienced the lagoon in its dry season. This allowed us to traverse the sand dunes and capture photographs of the landscape. What made this place even more special was the discovery of a shallow end of the lagoon, where we spent an entire day nestled beneath the shade of trees.
During the dry season, Lagoa do Amancio tends to be less frequented by tourists as they prioritize other destinations. As a result, we had the entire lagoon to ourselves, tucked away behind some sand dunes without anyone attempting to venture into our serene haven. It was a day filled with magic and a sense of uniqueness that left an indelible mark on our memories.
The Most Amazing Things To Do in Jericoacoara
1. Take Unique Photos at Pedra Furada
Pedra Furada is one of the most iconic places in Jericoacoara. The number one highlight is the natural stone arch, through which you can witness a truly magical view. It’s the perfect spot for capturing distinctive photographs. The overall experience at Pedra Furada is truly unforgettable.
2. Join a Buggy Tour of Eastern Jericoacoara
Consider taking a buggy ride with a local guide to explore the wonders of the eastern side of Jericoacoara. This adventure will allow you to discover the hidden gems of the region and make the most of your visit. Plus, the buggies are fun for all ages – whether you be a young couple or a family.
3. Book a Buggy Tour of Western Jericoacoara
Much like the buggy tour of the east, a buggy ride with a local guide on the western side of Jericoacoara is a must-do experience. This tour will unveil the best of the western area’s natural beauty and attractions, ensuring you cover as much ground as possible on your Jericoacoara trip.
4. Venture to the Epic Lagoa do Paraiso
Prepare to be amazed by Lagoa do Paraiso, a lagoon with crystal-clear waters. You can reach it by taking a Jardineira ride from Jericoacoara village and spend an entire day soaking in its beauty. For those seeking a more exclusive experience, The Alchymist Beach Club offers bungalows and private services. It’s an ideal spot to savor delicious food and unwind. Additionally, Lagoa Azul – a similar lagoon to Lagoa do Paraiso but with less crowds – is worth considering (although we didn’t get the chance to visit).
5. Watch the Sunset from the Village’s Beach
Jericoacoara boasts one of the most spectacular sunsets you will ever witness. Head to the eastern side of the village to find spots that offer a sunset view. You will also discover excellent restaurants and beach clubs where you can enhance your viewing, making it a memorable evening.
Best Places to Stay in the Jericoacoara Region
When it comes to accommodation, there are several options to consider – ranging from hotels to beach villas. Below are some recommendations. Please note though: the village is small, so try to stay close to the “Jangada da Praca” (Pier Square) to ensure you are in a good location. Be careful when booking because Jijoca de Jericoacoara is not Jericoacoara.
- Essenza Hotel: This is one of the most iconic hotels in the village, known for its unique feature of having a pool situated right on the balcony. Essenza Hotel offers a luxurious and thoroughly comfortable experience, but the five-star rating naturally brings a heftier price tag per night.
- The Chili Beach Private Resort: A highly regarded choice, this resort not only provides beautiful suites but also boasts an outstanding restaurant with delectable cuisine. Not to mention The Chili Beach is located on Malhada Beach and has an outdoor pool with ocean views.
- Pousada Jeriba: A four-star charming guesthouse that offers a cozy and authentic Jericoacoara experience. The location of Pousada Jeriba is definitely the main appeal of this accommodation as it’s situated on the seafront of Jericoacoara’s main beach. It also offers a nice pool.
- Casa na Praia Jeri: This beachfront accommodation option offers direct access to the beautiful beach of Jericoacoara, providing a tranquil and picturesque setting. Casa na Praia Jeri even features its own section of private beach area and pool to relax at, plus elegantly designed suites.
- Hotel Casa de Areia: Known for its unique architecture and design, Hotel Casa de Areia provides an artistic and comfortable stay. From the boutique hotel, you are afforded with views of the Atlantic Ocean and Por do Sol Dune – making each sunrise and sunset a magnificent sight.
- Vila Kalango: A rustic yet charming accommodation choice, Vila Kalango offers a laid-back atmosphere close to the beach. The beach huts here are shaded by trees and have private balconies for groups of travelers to hang out on. The lagoon-style pool and bar are the other highlights.
Transportation Options to Arrive in Jericoacoara
We don’t recommend traveling to Jericoacoara by private vehicle, as you will pass through the national park and the risk of getting stuck is high. Our suggestions are as follows. The first option is to arrive at the airport in Jijoca, from where you can arrange a private or shared transfer to the village.
The second option is to go from Fortezleza where you have several choices: a direct transfer to Jericoacoara in a 4×4 vehicle (private or shared), a bus to Jijoca and then arranging a transfer from Jijoca to Jericoacoara, a 4×4 vehicle in Fortaleza to return in Jijoca (or leaving it in a designated parking area) and then arranging a transfer from Jijoca to Jericoacoara.
Key tip: consider taking the Sol Poente road. Although, this option can be more expensive since cars aren’t allowed to enter the village. These range of transportation options should help you reach Jericoacoara efficiently and comfortably, while enjoying the scenic beauty of the region on the way.
Final Travel Tips for Your Visit to Jericoacoara
The best time to visit Jericoacoara is from July to November when the rainy season has passed and the lagoons are full. In regards to packing, forget about everything apart from your sunglasses. With the strong winds in the area, sunglasses are essential. Also, keep in mind that the entire village is covered in sand, so you can save luggage space by leaving unnecessary shoes behind. Additionally, it’s convenient to bring a wheeled suitcase since the transfer will drop you off directly to your accommodation.
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, be sure to plan your visit in advance. Book your excursions and the transfer to the village before your departure to avoid last-minute hassles. Finally, don’t miss the chance to savor the delicious ice cream at Gelato e Grano, especially the tapioca flavor. Jericoacoara boasts excellent dining options, with standout restaurants like the Rico Restaurant at The Chili Beach Hotel offering impeccable menus.
