Discover why this former fishing village became Brazil’s most magical beach destination
Close your eyes and imagine this: you’re floating in a hammock suspended over turquoise water, white sand dunes stretch endlessly in every direction, and the only decision you need to make is whether to watch the sunset from the famous dune or from a beachside lounge chair with a caipirinha in hand.
Welcome to Jericoacoara—or simply “Jeri” as locals and devoted travelers call it.
This isn’t your typical Brazilian beach town. There are no paved roads, no streetlights, and until recently, no cars were allowed in the village center. What you’ll find instead is something increasingly rare in our over-developed world: authentic paradise that has somehow resisted the urge to become a resort destination.
If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram feeling a pull toward those impossibly beautiful photos of hammocks over lagoons and pristine dunes meeting the ocean, this guide is your roadmap to experiencing it all—the right way.
Why Jericoacoara Should Be at the Top of Your Brazil Bucket List
Let’s be honest: Brazil has no shortage of stunning beaches. From Copacabana to Fernando de Noronha, the competition is fierce. So what makes Jericoacoara special enough that The Washington Post named it one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, and travelers consistently rank it among their favorite destinations in all of South America?
The Landscapes Are Otherworldly
Jericoacoara sits within a protected national park where massive sand dunes meet freshwater lagoons and dramatic rock formations. The iconic Pedra Furada (Arched Rock) rises from the ocean like a natural sculpture, becoming a pilgrimage site for sunset watchers every evening.
But the real magic happens when you venture beyond the village. Lagoons like Lagoa do Paraíso (Paradise Lagoon) aren’t just pretty—they’re surreal. Crystal-clear water, white sand beaches, floating hammocks, and the kind of tranquility that makes you understand why they call it paradise.
The Vibe Is Unmatched
Jericoacoara managed something remarkable: it grew from an isolated fishing village into a world-renowned destination without losing its soul.
The sandy streets (cobblestone in the main square) force everyone to slow down. Local fishermen still pull their catches onto the beach each morning. Restaurants serve fresh seafood caught hours earlier. At night, the absence of streetlights means stars shine brilliantly overhead.
Yet you’ll also find excellent restaurants, comfortable accommodations, vibrant nightlife, and a bohemian international community that gives Jeri its unique cosmopolitan-yet-laid-back character.
It’s an Adventure Playground
Kitesurfers discovered Jeri decades ago, drawn by consistent winds and perfect conditions. Today, colorful kites dot the sky from August through November.
But even if you’ve never touched a kite, Jeri offers endless adventures:
- 4×4 tours across dramatic dune landscapes
- Swimming in remote lagoons accessible only by off-road vehicles
- Sunrise camel rides along the beach (yes, camels!)
- Horseback riding through dunes at golden hour
- Stand-up paddleboarding at sunset
- Simply exploring neighboring fishing villages frozen in time
It’s the Crown Jewel of the Route of Emotions
Many travelers do the Route of Emotions then add extra days in Jeri because they’re not ready to leave. Smart travelers plan those extra days from the beginning.
If you’re planning Brazil’s legendary Route of Emotions (Lençóis Maranhenses → Parnaíba Delta → Jericoacoara), your journey culminates here. After days of dramatic landscapes and remote adventures, Jericoacoara offers the perfect blend of continued natural beauty with the comfort and amenities of a well-established destination.
Your Perfect 5-Day Jericoacoara Itinerary
Day 1: Journey to Paradise
Morning/Afternoon: Fortaleza to Jericoacoara Transfer
Your adventure begins when you land at Fortaleza’s Pinto Martins International Airport. After navigating international travel, the last thing you want is stress about ground transportation—which is exactly why LDJ Travel’s private transfer service is invaluable.
The 5-6 hour drive to Jericoacoara is part of the experience, not just a necessary transition. Your driver (English-speaking support available) knows the route intimately and can provide insights into the regions you’re passing through.
Watch the landscape transform: coastal highways give way to rural farmland, then increasingly dramatic scenery as you approach Jeri. The final stretch involves off-road driving through sand—your first taste of adventure.
Late Afternoon: Arrival & Settling In
Check into your carefully selected pousada (accommodation options covered below) and take time to orient yourself. Jericoacoara’s “downtown” is compact and walkable, with the main square (Praça Principal) serving as the social heart of the village.
Evening: Your First Jeri Sunset
Even travel-weary, you won’t want to miss this. Join locals and travelers making the pilgrimage to Sunset Dune (Por do Sol), the massive dune where everyone gathers nightly. Bring a drink from a beach vendor, find your spot in the sand, and watch as the sun melts into the Atlantic while someone plays guitar and others applaud the daily spectacle.
Dinner Recommendations:
- Tamarindo Restaurant: Upscale dining with fresh seafood and romantic ambiance
- Na Casa Dela: Casual, authentic Brazilian food with generous portions and local flavor
Afterward, stroll the sandy streets, soak in the village vibe, and rest up for tomorrow’s adventure.
Day 2: Jericoacoara National Park – East Side Exploration
Morning: Lagoa do Paraíso (Paradise Lagoon)
After breakfast at your pousada, your 4×4 tour begins. This isn’t a gentle drive—you’ll be bouncing across sand dunes, splashing through shallow waterways, and navigating terrain that makes you grateful for experienced drivers and proper vehicles.
Your first destination is legendary: Lagoa do Paraíso.
When you arrive, you’ll understand immediately why travel magazines feature this lagoon constantly. The water is an impossible shade of turquoise, so clear you can see fish swimming around your feet. White sand beaches line the shores, dotted with rustic beach bars serving cold drinks and fresh fish.
But the signature experience? Floating hammocks suspended over the water. Lie back in a hammock, partially submerged, gently rocking in the crystal-clear lagoon while sipping a coconut water or caipirinha. Time stops. Stress evaporates. This is the moment you’ll post on Instagram and your friends will demand to know where you are.
Midday: Lagoa Azul (Blue Lagoon)
After hours at Paraíso (yes, hours—nobody leaves quickly), you’ll continue to Lagoa Azul, another stunning freshwater lagoon. While smaller and quieter than Paraíso, Azul offers its own charm and often fewer crowds.
Swim, float, photograph, repeat.
Afternoon: Dune Landscapes & Return
The journey back to Jericoacoara takes you across more dramatic dune fields. Your driver will likely make photo stops at particularly scenic viewpoints. These massive, wind-sculpted dunes—some towering 30+ meters high—define Jeri’s unique geography.
Evening: Beach Dinner & Village Exploration
Tonight, explore Jeri’s restaurant scene. Options range from beachfront grills serving fresh catch to creative fusion cuisine. The village has evolved to offer diverse dining while maintaining its casual, sand-between-your-toes atmosphere.
After dinner, the main square comes alive with street performers, craft vendors, and a palpable energy that epitomizes Jeri’s bohemian spirit.
Day 3: West Side Adventure & Local Culture
Morning: Preá Fishing Village
Today’s west side tour takes you to Preá, a traditional fishing village that offers a glimpse of life before tourism transformed Jericoacoara. The pace here is even slower, the beaches even emptier, and the authenticity undeniable.
Watch fishermen work on their jangadas (traditional sailboats), browse small craft markets, and enjoy fresh seafood at simple beachfront bars where locals outnumber tourists.
Midday: Beach Time in Preá
The beaches near Preá are spectacular and uncrowded. Bring your swimsuit, sunscreen, and a good book. This is the kind of unhurried beach time that rejuvenates your soul.
Afternoon: Adventure or Relaxation—Your Choice
Back in Jericoacoara, the afternoon is yours to design:
For Adventurers:
- Kitesurfing lessons: Jeri’s schools cater to beginners, and trying kiting here is a bucket-list experience
- Stand-up paddleboarding: Gentler than kiting but still engaging
- Horseback riding: Explore dunes and beaches on horseback during golden hour
- Buggy rental: Explore independently (with proper license and insurance)
For Relaxation Seekers:
- Beach massage: Therapists set up on the beach offering incredibly affordable treatments
- Hammock time: Your pousada likely has hammocks—use them
- Casual beach hopping: Jeri’s main beach is perfect for walking, swimming, and people-watching
Evening: Forró Night
If you’re visiting on the right night (usually Thursday through Saturday), don’t miss forró music at the main square. This traditional northeastern Brazilian music involves couples dancing in close embrace to accordion-driven rhythms. Locals are patient with foreigners learning the steps—don’t be shy!
Alternatively, beach bars offer live music, cold drinks, and that perfect mix of festivity and chill that defines Jeri nights.
Day 4: Your Free Day—Design Your Own Adventure
One of the smartest elements of this itinerary? A completely free day to pursue whatever calls to you.
By Day 4, you’ve seen Jeri’s highlights and gotten a feel for the village rhythm. Now you can:
Option 1: Lagoa Grande & Surrounding Lagoons Book an additional tour to explore lagoons you haven’t visited yet. Lagoa Grande is particularly stunning during the right season (typically July-December when water levels are ideal).
Option 2: Deep Relaxation Sometimes the best day is the least planned. Sleep in, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, read in a hammock, swim at the beach, nap, repeat. Jericoacoara is one of those rare places where “doing nothing” feels profoundly restorative.
Option 3: Active Adventures
- Take a sunrise camel ride along the beach
- Rent a bike and explore surrounding areas
- Try a different water sport (windsurfing, surfing, kayaking)
- Hike to additional viewpoints for photography
Option 4: Cultural Immersion
- Take a capoeira class
- Join a Brazilian cooking workshop
- Visit the small museums and cultural centers
- Spend time chatting with locals about their lives and stories
Option 5: Day Trip Extensions For adventurous travelers, LDJ Travel can arrange day trips to nearby attractions like Tatajuba Lagoon or explore more remote sections of the national park.
The beauty of a free day is that you wake up and decide based on how you feel. Energized? Go adventure. Tired? Embrace rest. This flexibility transforms a good trip into a great one.
Day 5: Farewell to Paradise
Morning: Final Jeri Moments
Checkout isn’t typically until late morning or noon, giving you time for one last breakfast with a view, one final beach walk, one more caipirinha at your favorite spot.
Say goodbye to the pousada owners (you’ll likely have become friends), thank the restaurant staff who served you nightly, and take that mental snapshot you’ll return to when winter gets cold back home.
Afternoon: Return Transfer to Fortaleza
Your private transfer back to Fortaleza ensures you arrive at the airport with plenty of time for your flight. The journey offers time to reflect, process photos, and maybe plan your return visit (it happens often with Jeri).
Investment in Your Jericoacoara Adventure
LDJ Travel & Cia understands that travelers have varying budgets and preferences, which is why they offer two distinct package structures:
Option 1: Complete Package With Accommodation
What’s Included:
- Private transfers: Fortaleza Airport ↔ Jericoacoara (both directions)
- 4 nights accommodation with breakfast
- All tours mentioned in itinerary (4×4 vehicles, professional guides)
- English-speaking support throughout your trip
- 24/7 WhatsApp assistance
Accommodation Tiers:
Economic: Clean, comfortable pousadas with essential amenities. Perfect for travelers prioritizing experiences over luxury. You’ll have a nice place to sleep and shower while spending most time exploring.
Intermediate: The sweet spot for most travelers. Better locations (often closer to the beach or main square), enhanced amenities (better pools, nicer rooms), and upgraded breakfast spreads. Comfortable without being extravagant.
Luxury: Premium pousadas offering spacious suites, sophisticated design, excellent service, beautiful pools, and sometimes even beachfront locations. For those who want both adventure and indulgence.
Pricing: Varies by season, accommodation tier, and group size. Contact LDJ Travel for personalized quotes based on your travel dates.
Option 2: Tours & Transfers Package (Without Accommodation)
Perfect for travelers who:
- Have specific hotel loyalty programs they prefer to use
- Want to book their own Airbnb or hostel
- Are combining Jeri with other destinations and prefer flexibility
- Are budget travelers seeking the cheapest accommodation options
What’s Included:
- Private transfers: Fortaleza Airport ↔ Jericoacoara
- All shared tours in 4×4 vehicles and buggies
- Professional guides for all excursions
- English-speaking local support
- 24/7 WhatsApp assistance throughout your trip
Starting at R$ 2,850 per person (prices vary by group size—solo, couples, or groups)
Bilingual Guide: R$ 850,00 per day
This option gives you complete accommodation freedom while ensuring all the logistical complexity (transfers, tour coordination, guide booking) is handled professionally.
When to Visit Jericoacoara: Season-by-Season Guide
Dry Season (July to December) ⭐ Most Popular
Advantages:
- Lagoons are full and at their most beautiful
- Less rainfall means more beach days
- Perfect sunset conditions nearly every evening
- Ideal for photography
Considerations:
- Peak tourist season (July, August, December/January holidays)
- Higher accommodation prices during peaks
- More crowded, especially at popular lagoons
Best For: First-time visitors, photographers, travelers on tight schedules who can’t risk weather disruptions
Green Season (January to June)
Advantages:
- Fewer tourists, more authentic village experience
- Lower accommodation prices
- Landscape is lush and green
- Still warm and beautiful
Considerations:
- More rainfall (usually quick afternoon showers, not all-day rain)
- Some lagoons may have less water late in the season
- Occasional cloudy days
Best For: Budget travelers, those seeking quieter experiences, flexible travelers who don’t mind occasional rain
Wind Season for Kitesurfing (August to November)
If you’re a kiter or want to learn, these months offer the most consistent winds. Jericoacoara transforms into an international kitesurfing hub, with colorful kites filling the sky and the beach buzzing with energy.
The Honest Truth
Jericoacoara is beautiful year-round. The “best” time depends on your priorities—crowds vs. solitude, perfect weather vs. better prices, peak conditions vs. authentic atmosphere. LDJ Travel can advise based on your specific travel dates and preferences.
Why LDJ Travel & Cia Is Your Jericoacoara Expert
When you’re investing time and money in a dream destination like Jericoacoara, choosing the right tour operator isn’t just important—it’s everything. Here’s why travelers consistently choose LDJ Travel & Cia:
🌍 Comprehensive English-Speaking Support
From your first inquiry email to your final airport transfer, you’ll have English-speaking assistance. This isn’t just about translation—it’s about cultural context, insider tips, and knowing someone is available who understands what you need.
🎯 Truly Customized Packages
“Personalized” isn’t marketing speak with LDJ Travel—it’s how they operate. Want to add extra days? Skip certain tours? Upgrade just one night’s accommodation? Focus more on relaxation than adventure? They’ll adjust everything to match your vision.
🚗 Reliable, Comfortable Transfers
That 5-6 hour journey between Fortaleza and Jericoacoara can be either an adventure or an ordeal depending on your transportation. LDJ Travel uses comfortable, well-maintained vehicles with experienced drivers who know the route, make appropriate stops, and ensure you arrive safely and relatively comfortably.
🏖️ Expert Local Knowledge
LDJ Travel doesn’t just book tours—they know Jericoacoara intimately. Which lagoons are best during which seasons. Which pousadas offer the best value. Which restaurants serve the freshest fish. Which viewpoints offer the best photography. This insider knowledge transforms a good trip into an exceptional one.
📱 24/7 WhatsApp Support
Travel questions don’t follow business hours. Maybe you want restaurant recommendations at 8 PM. Maybe your flight is delayed and you need to adjust your transfer. Maybe you’re considering adding an extra day. WhatsApp support (+55 86 98866-0924) means you’re never alone.
💚 Flexibility That Respects Your Budget
By offering both inclusive packages and tours-only options, LDJ Travel respects that travelers have different budgets and preferences. You’re never pressured into unnecessary upgrades or locked into inflexible packages.
🤝 Peace of Mind
Perhaps most valuable: booking with LDJ Travel means you stop worrying about logistics. No stressing about whether your driver will show up, whether the tour company is reputable, whether you’re getting fair prices. You focus on enjoying Jericoacoara while they handle everything else.
Essential Jericoacoara Travel Tips
Money: While larger restaurants accept cards, many smaller establishments are cash-only. ATMs exist in the village but can run out during busy periods. Bring sufficient cash from Fortaleza.
Packing: Sunscreen (expensive in Jeri), sunglasses, light clothing, swimsuit, flip-flops, comfortable walking sandals, and a light jacket for occasional cool evenings. Leave fancy shoes—this is a sandy village.
Internet: Most pousadas offer WiFi, though speeds can be inconsistent. Consider this an opportunity to partially disconnect.
Language: While many hospitality workers speak some English, Portuguese dominates. LDJ Travel’s English support bridges any gaps.
Village Navigation: Jericoacoara is small and walkable. You’ll quickly orient yourself. The main square, beach, and sunset dune form the village core.
Sunset Ritual: The nightly sunset gathering at Sunset Dune is Jeri’s signature experience. Don’t skip it, even if you’ve done it before—each sunset is unique.
Your Jericoacoara Story Starts Now
Here’s what happens when you finally visit Jericoacoara:
On your first day, you think, “This is beautiful.” By the second day, you understand why people extend their stays. By day three, you’re making quiet plans to return. By departure, you’re hugging new friends goodbye and promising to stay in touch.
Jericoacoara does this to people. It’s not just the stunning landscapes (though those help). It’s not just the perfect weather or incredible lagoons or delicious food.
It’s the feeling—this rare sensation that you’ve discovered somewhere special before the world ruins it. The knowledge that you’re experiencing a place that’s managed to grow without losing its soul.
But here’s the reality: Jericoacoara won’t stay secret forever. Already, development pressures increase yearly. Already, prices creep upward. Already, crowds grow during peak seasons.
The perfect time to visit Jericoacoara was five years ago. The second-best time is now.
Don’t let this become the trip you wish you’d taken. Don’t let another year pass scrolling through other people’s Jeri photos while you stay home.
Start Planning Your Jericoacoara Adventure Today
📱 WhatsApp: +55 86 98866-0924
✉️ Email: contact@ldjtravelecia.com
🌐 Website: ldjtravelecia.com
Contact LDJ Travel & Cia now to receive a personalized quote for your travel dates. Tell them about your group size, accommodation preferences, interests, and any special requests. They’ll craft an itinerary that transforms your Jericoacoara dreams into detailed, bookable plans.
With their English-speaking support, local expertise, flexible packages, and 24/7 assistance, you’re not just booking tours—you’re gaining a reliable partner for one of your most memorable travel experiences.
Jericoacoara is waiting. Your hammock over Paradise Lagoon has your name on it. When will you get there?
Book with confidence through LDJ Travel & Cia—your trusted expert for Jericoacoara and all of Ceará’s hidden gems. From seamless transfers to unforgettable tours, they handle the details so you can focus on creating memories in one of Brazil’s most magical destinations.