Jericoacoara Travel Guide: Hidden Gems Await You!

Jericoacoara Brazil: A Quick Look

Olá, amigos! In our Jericoacoara travel guide, we’ll get to know in detail some of the most visited places in the North Eastern region of Brazil: Jericoacoara, or as we locals call it – Jeri. In this guide, you will find everything you need to know, from pre-planning your trip to staying safe. 

Home of untouched beaches and lagoons, unforgettable landscapes, fantastic food, luxurious hotels, and enchanting tours, this fishing village may be a little small. Still, it has more attractions than you can visit in a single time, and believe me, you will want to go there again!

Jericoacoara’s laid-back vibe is getting a boost from off-grid adventures that thrill visitors. Think buggy rides to secluded lagoons or stargazing camps under endless skies, now trending among wanderers. Local vendors are also mixing it up with artisanal caipirinhas made from rare fruits. This beach haven keeps its magic while embracing new ways to explore.

Jericoacoara, or Jeri, is a village located 297 km (184.5 mi) from the capital city of the state of Ceará, Fortaleza, and it is part of the city of Jijoca de Jericoacoara. It gathers people from all over the world to admire its unique landscapes, for those who come to surf, party with friends, have fun with the family, or share romantic moments with their loved ones.

In this Jericoacoara Travel Guide, we will dive deep into this South America’s hidden gem! For an in-depth country guide, see our complete Brazil travel guide.

Jericoacoara Brazil: Quick travel tips before you go

🛫 Airport: The closest airport is in Fortaleza, Brazil, and it is called Pinto Martins International Airport. Its airport code is FOR.

🤑 Currency: The money in Brazil is called Real, and it’s shown as R$. They follow the Metric System, so thousands have periods, and cents have commas. For instance, one thousand reais is written as “R$1.000,00”.

🗣️ Language: Portuguese is the main one, but English is used more in tourist spots and hotels. You might meet some Brazilians who can talk in English, but it’s usually basic conversation.

🕰️ Time Zone: Brasilia Standard Time (GMT-3). One hour ahead of EST and 4 hours ahead of PST. 

💵 Cost: Budget-friendly if you use a stronger currency like the US dollar, Euro, or Yen. However, high-end hotels can match US and European prices.

🛜 Internet: Capital cities and big urban areas offer super-fast internet, while countryside spots have decent connections nowadays.

📄 Brazil Visa: As of now, If you are traveling from the United States, Canada, Australia, or Japan, then NO. This could change as of October 1, 2023. Track the status and details here. For EU Nationals, you do NOT need a visa, and you may not be affected by the Oct 1, 2023 change. You can see the details here.

🔌 Power Outlets:  In Brazil, there are two plug types: Type C and Type N. Type C features two round pins, while Type N includes two round pins and an additional grounding pin. It’s essential to bring a universal travel adapter to ensure compatibility with various outlets during your travels in Brazil.

🔋 Power Grid: Brazil works on a voltage of 127/220V and a frequency of 60 Hz. Remember, while some modern hotels might use 220V, you can only rely on this in some places.

📳 SIM Card: Do you need a SIM card for Brazil? Absolutely, yes. They’re cheap, and having one is an intelligent move wherever you travel. If you’re hitting smaller towns, just check which providers offer strong signals in that area.

🚘 Car Rentals: In Jericoacoara, Brazil, private cars can’t enter as it’s a protected area. There are private transfers and buggies for specific places and plans. But, since the village is tiny, you can easily walk around within minutes.

Jericoacoara Brazil: Safety Travel Tips (Use Common Sense)

🍏 Food safety: Generally, food is safe. Just use common sense and skip things like beachside grilled shrimp. Opt for restaurants and bars.

💧Water safety: Avoid tap water for drinking, except for brushing your teeth. Filtered water and ice are safe alternatives, and most restaurants have filters as well. Opting for filtered or bottled water is advisable. Consider using a Water-To-Go Filterable Bottle for convenient access to clean and safe drinking water wherever you go.

👷‍♀️ Daytime safety: Small thefts can happen in tourist areas during the day. Here’s how to be safe: Don’t show off expensive things like fancy clothes or jewelry (even watches). Be careful with your phone – only use it when you need to.

🦺 Nighttime safety: It’s like anywhere else — use common sense. Keep valuables tucked away, avoid walking alone, and be discreet with your phone or jewelry.  

👺 Avoiding scams: Lock up valuables and book tickets online for tours and concerts, not from street vendors. Arrange transfers through apps or your hotel. Never leave your drink unattended.

Jericoacoara Brazil Travel Tips: A Locals Perspective

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🏨 Best neighborhoods for tourists:  Jericoacoara Beach, Preá Beach, Lagoa do Paraíso (Paradise Lagoon), Lagoa de Tatajuba (Tatajuba Lagoon), Buraco Azul (neighbor city), Pedra Furada (Drilled Stone), Árvore da Preguiça (Laziness Tree), Dunas do Pôr do Sol (Sunset Dunes), Alchymist Beach Club, Casa B&B (B&B House), Vila de Jericoacoara.

🎄Top Brazilian holidays and traditions: Carnival, Festa Junina (June Festival), Independence Day (Sete de Setembro), Dia de Finados (Day of the Dead), Christmas, Réveillon.

🍜 Local food to try: Seafood (it is a fishing village, after all), typical North Eastern food such as cuscuz, tapioca, etc. 

🍹 Local drinks to try (alcoholic): Cachaça, caipirinhas (try the variations made with lemon, strawberries, kiwi, etc.), and caipirosca (a variation from the original caipirinha that replaces the cachaça with vodka) and bananinha (a banana-flavored cachaça).

🧉 Local drinks to try (non-alcoholic): Cajuina, coconut water, guarana, acai juice, caldo de cana.

🚶‍♂️Walkability: Great! You can easily visit most things on foot in about half an hour. Walking with sandals or flip-flops is best as there’s lots of sand. In some places, it isn’t even allowed to visit by car.

🎉 Nightlife: It is intense. It is not a big city, but being a tourist city, Jeri has many parties and luaus going on at night. 

😀 Friendly to foreigners: Yes, very welcoming.

🏥 Hospitals: There’s only a small emergency hospital in Jericoacoara and a slightly bigger City Hospital in the actual city. For better assistance, it is advisable going back to Fortaleza, as it is the capital city.

🇺🇸 English speaking: Few people in Jeri know how to speak English. It is advisable to know some basic Portuguese or have a Brazilian friend who speaks English, although, in hotels, you will most likely have employees to communicate with you.

Jericoacoara TRAVEL GUIDE

Where is Jericoacoara Brazil Located?

Jericoacoara Map 

Jericoacoara, also known as Jeri by the locals, is situated in the North Eastern region of Brazil, in the state of Ceará. It is one the most beautiful places in the hot North Eastern region.

What State is Jericoacoara In?

Jericoacoara is a small village, part of the Jijoca de Jericoacoara city, in the North Eastern state of Ceará, the eighth-largest Brazilian State by population and the 17th by area. The state is best known for its extensive coastline, with 600 kilometers (370 miles) of sand. There are also mountains and valleys producing tropical fruits.

What’s the Closest Airport to Jericoacoara Brazil?

The closest international airport is in Fortaleza, Pinto Martins International Airport (Code: FOR). The airport is about 4 hours and a half from Jericoacoara. When flying in, you usually have a connection between São Paulo and Rio De Janeiro. There’s also a local airport called Comandante Ariston Pessoa Regional Airport (JJD). Still, it only receives domestic flights, so you can get a ticket from Fortaleza, São Paulo, or Rio de Janeiro directly to Jijoca de Jericoacoara.

What is the Best Way to Get to Your Jericoacoara Hotel?

Once you’ve arrived at Jijoca de Jericoacoara, you must hire a tourist guide company, as they are the only ones that can drive around, and for some programs, you can rent a buggy car.

Pro Tip: Make sure to plan your travel. As Jericoacoara has some restrictions for transportation, it is advisable to hire a tourist agency to have a hassle-free experience.

How to Get Around Jericoacoara?

Tourist Agency Transfers  (Top Choice): tourist agency transfers are the only option in Jericoacoara. They’re perfect for navigating the city with the least amount of hassle. 

Rent a Buggy (Top Choice): Hiring a buggy offers ultimate freedom and fun for your Jericoacoara adventure. You can’t drive it everywhere, but it can be a remarkable event for some programs like exploring the beaches. Just remember to bring your valid driver’s license.

Jericoacoara Travel Guide

When to Go to Jericoacoara?

Deciding when to visit Jericoacoara depends on what you want from your trip. Remember, the seasons are opposite of the US and Europe, but our Jericoacoara Travel Guide will help you plan accordingly.

With temperatures varying from 23 to 34 Celsius degrees (73.4 to 93.2 Fahrenheit degrees), Jeri can be visited all year long, but there’s a rainy season when not every day will be perfect for going to the beach, although the rain usually doesn’t last long and even in cloudy days the weather is good.

Jericoacoara Brazil Summer (December to March): The Christmas to the Carnival period, along with school recess, is the most crowded time of the year, great for parties and nightlife. Although in March the rains are more frequent. Although it is summer in the country, you will hear locals calling it winter, as it is when the rainy season starts, lasting until June.

Summer Carnival: Jeri is an exception to the rule, as Carnival isn’t celebrated there.  Jeri is a good option if you want a calmer and more family-friendly environment this time of the year. 

Jericoacoara Brazil Fall (April and May): In Jericoacoara, this period is part of the rainy season, so there are better times to visit as the rains are more common in March and April, lasting until June but less often starting from May.

Jericoacoara Brazil Winter (June to August): During the second semester, the wind season starts. The wind becomes really strong, especially in August, the ideal time of the year for those who want to practice kitesurfing or windsurfing. 

Jericoacoara Brazil Spring (September to November):  It is still the windy season, so there will be a lot of kitesurfing and windsurfing going on at this time of the year, and the village won’t be as crowded as it is during the end of the year holidays.

Remember, regardless of when you decide to visit, you just can’t go wrong with Jericoacoara!

Jericoacoara Travel Guide

Where to Stay in Jericoacoara Brazil (By Neighborhood)

In this Jericoacoara Travel Guide, we will go through some of the best options for your stay! Jijoca de Jericoacoara has a total area of only 204.8 km² (127.25 mi²). Still, it has many places you can stay, from more economical to luxury accommodations, as some of the most famous hotel brands in the country are there.

Jeri is a preserved area, so it is costly to stay there, but there are many options. The city’s main streets are Forró Street, São Francisco Street, Principal Street, Igreja Street, and Dunas Street. 

Try to stay close to those streets so you don’t have to spend much time getting to the places, as everything you will need is situated around them, and being around, you can easily get everywhere on foot.

Some of the best options you will find are:

Essenza Hotel ($$$$$): One of the most coveted hotels in Brazil, Essenza Hotel has become a symbol of Jeri. Being the most luxurious one, it has a remarkable structure, impeccable service, private pools, beautiful gardens, and excellent food. Always try to book your reservations as early as possible, as it is the go-to place for many people to practice windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Carcará Inn ($$$$): It is also a fantastic choice with luxurious rooms, acclaimed room service, many recreational areas, and well-being services.

Jeri Surfing Inn ($$$): Well known for its high-quality service, it is an excellent option for two. It has really comfortable rooms, pools, and transfer service.

Pôr do Sol Inn ($$): Having a great cost-benefit balance, it is a good choice for a family trip. The rooms are well-decorated, have comfortable amenities, and excellent service. It is also really close to the beach.

Jericoacoara Travel Guide

Best Things to Do in Jericoacoara Brazil

This woudn’t be a complete Jericoacoara Travel Guide if we didn’t list the best things you can do in Jeri, and they definitely are:

• Enjoy the Beaches: Praia de Jericoacoara is the beach with the best structure, tree-shaded restaurants, and street vendors selling everything. Some places have tables with beach umbrellas, and a beach club called ClubVentos has a lounge bar, deck chairs, and bungalows.
• Go Shopping: Jeri has a lot of craftwork, decoration items, and beachwear. There are many handmade art pieces and crochet clothes and accessories in the stores at Principal Street.
• Admire the Sunset: The sunset in Jeri is unique, and you can’t go wrong by admiring it at the Dunas do Pôr do Sol, Barrinha de Baixo Beach, Café Jeri, Lagoas do Amâncio or Jericoacoara Beach. 
• Try a New Sport: Kitesurfing, windsurfing, and wingfoil are widely practiced in Jeri, and you can easily find equipment to buy or rent, as well as classes for beginners.
• Take Some Cool Pictures at Pedra Furada: One of Jeri’s postal cards is an arch-shaped rock molded by the action of the waves. During the low tide, you can walk a one-hour trail passing through caves, natural pools, and rocks with curious shapes to get to it. In the high tides, it can be seen through the Morro Serrote. You can see it as soon as you enter Vila Jeri, and it is also a beautiful walk.
• Relax in the Lakes: Jericoacoara lakes are as famous and beautiful as its beaches and involve restaurants, slides, kayaks, and even seahorses in their natural habitat.

Enjoy Vila de Jericoacoara Climate: Walk around the small sand streets, discovering its stores, restaurants, and pubs. At night it comes to life with live music, especially pagode, and forró, while Café Jeri is the place for those who like electronic music.

Best Jericoacoara Tours

Tours in Jericoacoara are a great way to see the sites and the surrounding areas. As you can’t rent a car in Jericoacoara, taking tours is the best option to enjoy everything Jeri offers. 

💡 Pro Tip #1: Leave your closed footwear in your bags. There’s nothing better to use than your flip-flops to walk around Jeri’s streets of sand.

💡Pro Tip #2:  Enjoy every hour of the sun, for some time at the beach or exploring the region. The tourist buggies leave the village at 9 AM, so you need to get up early.

💡Pro Tip #3: Pick a nice hotel. Jeri has a fantastic network of luxury hotels. Make good use of it.

💡Pro Tip #4: As a protected environment, there’s a 30 BRL weekly fee per person to stay in the city, so be aware.

💡Pro Tip #5: There aren’t any banks or ATMs in Jericoacoara, so make sure to bring enough money for the time you intend to stay there, and also, the only local mobile networks that work in the area are Vivo and Claro.

Tours are a streamlined way to dive into the culture, history, and fun Jeri has to offer without planning too much. 

Here’s a handpicked selection in this Jericoacoara Travel Guide on the top tours: 

• Jericoacoara East Tour: This includes a professional guide that will show and explain all of the landscapes of the East Coast of Jeri, including the beaches, markets, and neighborhoods. It includes transfers from and to the hotel, lasts 7 hours, and is free for children up to 5 years, so it is an excellent option for a family trip. 
• Jericoacoara West Tour: The West Coast of Jeri tour includes untouched beaches, lagoons, and dunes. It also includes transfers from and to the hotel, 6 hours and 30 minutes, and a boat ride. It is also free for children up to 5 years old. 
• Beach Club Transfers: Transfer to and from one of the beach clubs of Jeri – The Alchymist, Lagun Beach, or Buraco Azul Caiçara. It lasts from 5 hours and 30 minutes to 6 hours and 30 minutes.
• Private Buggy Tour: A private tour to better enjoy the beauty of the beaches with your partner and family while having fun with the buggies.
• Fortaleza Transfer Tour: If you want to escape the calm of Jeri and visit the state’s capital for a while, you can get a transfer to Fortaleza and back to Jeri, lasting 7 hours.

Private Custom Tours: I like personalizing and doing a private custom tour. This way, you can choose your itinerary and go at your own pace without worrying about a group and schedules.

Jericoacoara Travel Guide

Is Jericoacoara Safe for Tourists?

Absolutely! Jericoacoara is known as a safe spot in Brazil. Many visitors share that they felt secure during their stay. The locals and staff are always friendly and willing to help if you need advice or assistance. But remember, like in any big city or tourist spot. Common sense is key.

The main worry here is the usual small-time crime (like theft), especially when it’s busy or near popular places. Whether you’re in Paris or Jeri, this risk is similar.

The more you plan, the less likely you are to be a target.

💡Pro Safety Tips (For Any City You Travel To): 

• Keep all your money and cards separate; split valuables with someone else. Use a slim fanny pack for small important things and documents under your shorts. Keep a bit of cash somewhere else on you. This way, if you’re targeted, you lose less.
• In touristy spots, avoid checking your pockets too much. That’s a sign for pickpockets.
• Stay alert for strange situations, like someone spilling a drink on you as a trick.
• Ask the hotel which areas to avoid and which to be cautious about at night.
• No flashy stuff like watches, bags, jewelry, or fancy wallets.

It’s always wise to take basic precautions. Jericoacoara generally has lower crime compared to other Brazilian cities. During peak times, there are more police and guards around the village.

Every hotel has private security, and they’re everywhere. Locals are friendly to tourists. There’s also a Military Police Station. But stay aware, especially at night or in crowded places.

Keep an eye on your belongings and avoid dim or empty areas. Ask locals or your hotel about any sites to avoid.

Remember, staying safe depends significantly on being aware and making smart, pre-planned choices.

Jericoacoara Travel Guide

What is the Best Travel Insurance for Brazil?

This is a question that I get a lot, as travel insurance can get confusing. This is a critical part of your trip though so that you do not have to worry when visiting Jericoacoara or any other part of the world. 

Figuring out travel insurance can be overwhelming. However, having the right travel insurance coverage is essential for a stress-free trip to Jericoacoara, Brazil. The key is to make sure it is simple and flexible. 

To streamline this, we have broken down the best travel insurance companies out there in the industry that are all great but also serve different needs.  

Let’s explore what each of them brings to the table: 

✅ World Nomads: Best for comprehensive coverage, flexibility, AND adventure sports. Covers trip cancellation, emergency medical costs, and emergency medical transportation and protects your travel gear. 

✅ SafetyWing: This is for general travelers, frequent travelers,  and long-term digital nomads in Brazil. Provides lots of flexibility as far as start date, coverage extension, and automatic renewals. It also has limited home-country coverage. 

✅ Travel Insurance Master: Brazil travel insurance search tool, this is for people who really want to compare policies. 

Jericoacoara Travel Guide

Jericoacoara Travel Guide: Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Drink the Water in Jericoacoara Brazil?

The quick answer is NO.

In Jericoacoara, Brazil, it’s best to skip unfiltered water. Although it’s treated and usually safe for tourists to drink, why take chances?

You can brush your teeth; otherwise, bring bottled water or a filtered water bottle.

Many restaurants there use purified water for drinks and ice, so cold sips are usually safe. Just ask, and if not, stick to bottled water.

Remember, the Brazilian sun is fierce, so staying hydrated matters. Getting sick due to dehydration can wreck your trip. 

So Steps to Stay Safe With the Water Are:

1. In an Airbnb, boil water if there’s no bottled water there.
2. In a hotel, buy bottled water (however, it can add up).
3. Consider using a Water-To-Go Filterable Bottle for convenient access to clean and safe drinking water during your stay.

What’s the Jericoacoara Weather Like?

What’s the Jericoacoara Weather Like?

Jericoacoara, Brazil, has a warm tropical climate. That means summers are hot and humid, and winters are just a little less hot and drier.

Summer goes from December to March, and the temperature is around 22°C to 33°C (71°F to 91°F), and it rains sometimes.

Winter happens from June to September, and the weather is drier and a bit warmer, about 24°C to 34°C (75°F to 93°F).

Temperatures are similar during fall (April and May) and spring (October and November).

But, honestly, the season is not that important. It’s more about the experience you want. You won’t need heavy clothes in Jeri, and guess what? No need for shoes either. Just enjoy your flip-flops!

Is Jericoacoara Expensive?

For tourists from the US, Europe, or places with strong money, Jericoacoara can feel cheaper due to the exchange rates. Stuff like where you stay, food, and getting around can cost less than home.

Especially in local spots, eating out is usually way cheaper than in big US or European cities, thanks to good exchange rates.

It won’t be drastically cheaper if you aim for fancy hotels and beach clubs. Still, comparing high-end to high-end, it’s relatively more affordable.

You can also find affordable local things, like crafts and guided tours. But imported items, fancy dining, and luxurious stays might cost the same as in Western places.

When lots of tourists are around, prices can go higher. So, avoiding summer is smart if you’re being careful with your money. Your money can do more during other times.

Is Jericoacoara Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Jericoacoara is a special place in Brazil that all kinds of travelers love. It’s by the coast, and when you go depends on what you want to do and thanks to this Jericoacoara travel guide, you will be able to plan the best trip possible.

There’s stuff for everyone: hiking, nature, beaches, and nightlife.

Locals call it Jeri, and there’s more than just beaches. You can ride buggies, party all night, kitesurfing, and stay in fancy hotels. The tours are amazing and can match exactly what you want to do.

If you love food, there’s lots of fresh seafood and local Brazilian dishes from the North East. You can also try drinks like the famous caipirinha!

People there are friendly, and the place is safer than other Brazilian cities.

But, if you prefer to avoid big crowds, you better visit during the not-so-busy times.