JERICOACOARA
Jericoacora has been declared by the Washington Post as one of the world’s best beachesand is considered by Brazilians as the best beach in Brazil.
Jericoacoara, also called Jeri by residents and visitors, is a little village on the north-east coast of Brazil and is located 317 kms to the west of Fortaleza, in the municipality of Jijoca. It is hard to reach, with access limited to 4WD and dune buggies. Located just south of the equator, built on a sand dune on the Atlantic coast, Jericoacoara is paradise on earth. If you are into developed touristy places, this undeveloped, eco-protected haven for lovers of the pure outdoors is not your place. While some commercial activity has increased the last two years, Jericoacoara has kept its authenticity. The government has restricted construction, so unlike other pristine areas at risk of development, it is unlikely the Jeri will change in the foreseeable future. There are no paved roads, no cars, and the few streets in the village are…sandy.
HOW TO GET THERE
The nearest airport to Jericoacoara is in Fortaleza (FOR). There are direct flights from a number of cities in Europe, such as from Zurich and from Lisbon. There are also a number of connecting flights from North America, such as flights to Fortaleza via Miami or flights to Fortaleza via Sao Paulo.
Once you arrive in Fortaleza, it takes four to five hours to cover the 280 km distance to Jericoacoara. We offer the Fortaleza-Jericoacoara transfer by 4WD Landrover or pick-up truck, depending on the availability. You can book the transfer directly on this web site at http://www.brazilwindsurf.com/html/price.htm.
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FORMALITIES
North-Americans need a visa to enter Brazil (around 75 US$). In order to obtain a visa, you will need to present to the Brazilian consulate in your country your passport, photos, credit card, copy of your flight information, and address of the place where you will stay in Brazil. It typically takes a couple of days to obtain a visa. European citizens can stay in Brazil without visa for up to three months. It is recommended that you check with the Brazilian embassy in your country regarding any requirements.
Vaccines are not required and are not necessary for traveling to Jericoacoara.
It is very useful to bring « reais », the Brazilian currency. There are no banks or ATM in Jericoacoara so make sure to bring enough cash.
The village of Jericoacoara is very safe. There is no violence and people are very friendly. You can walk around at night without any danger.
ACTIVITIES
Jeri is very small so everything is nearby in Jeri: restaurants, shopping, beach, hiking paths along the coastline and the dunes. It is an ideal destination if your spouse does not windsurf. Local arts and crafts, capoera lessons, motorcycle rental, horseback riding, sandboarding, and dune buggy rides to a variety of local attractions will make your dream vacation complete.
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NIGHTLIFE
In Jeri, warm and animated nights follow the sunny days. People meet on the beach, at the end of the Rua Principal. Local vendors sell a variety of local drinks, such as caipirinha or capeta, made from exotic fruits and a local rhum made from cane sugar that is absolutely delicious, Cachaca. The partying starts late, not before midnight, so you might want to take a nap and put your alarm clock at midnight.
The foro is the popular music of this northern part of Brazil. It is also the name of the place where people dance to the foro twice a week: a large bar with an enormous open air dance floor. Great atmosphere guaranteed!!
TO SEE
Pedra Furada (Arched Rock)
This postcard image of Jericoacaora is situated in an area of rocky formations called the Serrote, which is approximately 2 kms long. This enormous rock in the shape of an arch was sculpted by the waves breaking against it. During the period from July 15 until August 15 the sun sets in between the arches of this rock.
Malhada beach
Malhada beach is situated on the east side of the bay. It is a great beach for swimmers. It is also a great place for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
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Sunset dune
This is a massive dune to the west side of the fishermen’s village and is the best place to go and watch the mesmerizing sunset, which it is named after.
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Mangue Seco
Mangue Seco is a little village located to the west of Jeri in the middle of the dunes. Its main attraction is a lake in the middle of the dunes, bordered by mangroves where the sea used to be.
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Guriu
This fishing community is situated 10 kms to the west of Jeri.
Tatajuba
Situated 25 kms from the village to the west and neighbors the municipality of Camocin, this is a little village that is still very pristine. Some of its dunes are crystallizing and compressing, forming what is called dead dunes. It is also called “Nova Tatajuba” because the old village was overwhelmed by the dunes several years ago.
Paradise lagoon
Located to the south of the village, this lagoon is approximately 15 km2 of transparent sweet water surrounded by enormous dunes. It is also called the lagoon of Jijoca, and it is renowned for sailing.
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LANGUAGE
Portuguese
CAPITAL
Brasilia
SIZE
8,511,965 km2
POPULATION
186,112,794 (2000)
RELIGION
Catholic
ELECTRICITY
220 volt
TELEPHONE
International code + 55.88 + number
INTERNET
A number of internet connections are available.
AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
Air 30-34 degrees C, Water 30 degrees C
CURRENCY
Reais
AIRPORT
Fortaleza is the closest airport to Jericoacoara
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