I have said it once and I will probably say it again: Northeastern Brazil has some of the best beaches in the whole world. Every major travel periodic will agree with me. Jericoacoara, a quaint village in Cearรก, is constantly in the top spots of different lists which makes people come over without much else figured out. So what are the best things to do in Jericoacoara, Brazil? When is the best time to come? Can I practice water sports?
Well, this article is here to help you navigate this popular destination and hit all the best places in Jeri. Unlike other places we consider the best destinations, Jericoacoara is little so there won’t be things like a historic city center to tour. The best things to do in Jericoacoara, Brazil, are all about the natural beauty of Brazil’s coastal area! So let’s find out what are the main attractions down in Cearรก.
1. Enjoy the Beach Scene:
We are starting our list of things to do in Jericoacoara, Brazil, with beaches because it is impossible to do it any other way. Beyond Pedra Furada and gorgeous sand dunes, you will definitely have the best time hitting up any of the beautiful beaches here. The most famous one is the Paradise Lagoon at Jijoca de Jericoacoara, the one with the hammocks over blue shallow waters. You will be able to truly relax without worrying about people practicing water sports.
You could also go to the main Jeri beach, it is the closest to the village so visitors tend to prefer it. To escape the biggest crowds, you could go to Praia da Malhada. You might even be able to watch some surfers on a good day. Conchas Beach is for adventurers since it is necessary to take a small hike to reach it. Mangue Seco Beach will give us a chance to see where the river meets the ocean. And if you feel like going a little further, Praia do Preรก is another incredible place a few minutes away.
2. Get Your Friends a Souvenir:
The nice thing about coming to a place like Northeastern Brazil is how much history is here. You won’t find that in a place like Sao Paulo! Because of that, one of the things to do in Jericoacoara, Brazil, that I consider a must is getting a souvenir. Not just for your friends, but for anyone you feel like they deserve something special. There are plenty of shops that sell standard items like fridge magnets or keychains closer to the main beach.
Depending on the day you spend shopping around, you might be able to find street fairs around. Those are perfect for sourcing uniquely handcrafted items. The small village usually has bigger events when a public holiday comes around so look at a calendar before your trip! My one advice is to be careful with your credit cards when buying stuff at random stalls, prefer to have some cash at hand for smaller purchases!
3. Stop for the Sunset:
Who doesn’t enjoy a nice sunset? Whether you stop near Pedra Furada or close to sand dunes at Jericoacoara National Park, it is the best time to enjoy the natural beauty around you. Pretty much everywhere you look for things to do in Jericoacoara, Brazil, will tell you to stop for the sunset. Jeri is one of the best places in Brazil to watch the sunset on the ocean and that will hardly take more than half an hour out of your day.
The top spot to stop for a bit is the Sunset Dune, it gets crowded so arrive early and climb towards the top. People also gather on the sand to watch the sunset behind Pedra Furada! Now, if you are up for a little queueing, there is a rooftop bar and restaurant called Cafรฉ Jeri which has an amazing view of the ocean. It is a perfect spot to have a late afternoon snack while taking good pictures.
4. Try a New Sport:
You can’t go through this article without adding at least one water sport to your list of things to do in Jericoacoara, Brazil. While Jeri is famous for its pristine beaches, it is also equally as famous for the beaches with perfect conditions to practice different water sports! This small fishing village is ideal for visitors hoping to find a balance between adventurous days and relaxing evenings.
The most recommended way to conquer the crystal clear water is kitesurfing. Jeri has pretty constant strong winds for you to take advantage of! If you are a beginner, Paradise Lagoon Beach is more friendly. You can try kayaking and stand-up paddling there too! For people who hope to catch some waves, Praia da Malhada is better. In each of those places, and through your hotel, you’ll be able to find schools with expedient instructors who are ready to help.
5. Use Pedra Furada as a Photo Op:
There is no way I can talk about the best things to do in Jericoacoara, Brazil, and not talk about the obvious highlight of Jericoacoara. It is a rocky formation in a region between Praia da Malhada and Pedra do Frade, sculpted into an arch due to the waves hitting it constantly. I’d go as far as saying that it is Jeri’s most iconic view.
It is difficult to find a time when it will be empty enough for a picture with no one around, though the time around sunset is definitely the busiest. Especially in July because the sun sets right behind it, showing up on the crack perfectly. You also have to keep in mind that there isn’t much structure around, maybe some street vendors show up around busier times. Plan ahead to take your own water or snacks and not need a bathroom.
6. Walk Between Sand Dunes at Jericoacoara National Park:
Jericoacoara National Park is another staple on everyone’s list of things to do in Jericoacoara, Brazil. Spreading over an area of almost thirty-five square miles, it aims to preserve and protect coastal vegetation that is so often destroyed to give way to resorts. It is home to iconic sights like the lazy tree that grows sideways, incredible sand dunes, and even lagoons that form between them.
There are a few rules to follow here! The first one is that no motor vehicles are allowed to transit over any sand dunes, so no chance of going on a buggy ride or anything. You also can’t litter or bother local wildlife, just observe from afar. And last, it should go without saying but don’t go building any fires inside the park. Jericoacoara National Park is administered by a public organ so admittance is free of charge. You can reach it by car, on foot, or even hire a shuttle service.
7. Swim at the Blue Lagoon:
Another popular destination on lists of things to do in Jericoacoara, Brazil, is the Blue Lagoon. This true paradise is actually a small corner of the bigger Jijoca lagoon and you should definitely plan a day to enjoy the surrounding areas. Your adventure can start with a private transfer by raft to the Blue Lagoon Restaurant, which sits on a nice stretch of beach. That crossing will cost you about 25 reais and can be paid by credit card.
Although there are plenty of tables inside the building, your best chance to enjoy the lagoon is the tables or hammocks that are in the water itself. Want to see it get even better? The price you pay to do the crossing also gives you the chance to enjoy a small water park with a few slides available for all ages.
8. Have Plenty of Fresh Seafood:
One of the best things to do in Jericoacoara, Brazil, in the whole state of Cearรก and beyond is to try as much local food as possible. Northeastern Brazil has a very unique cuisine, marked by a blend of native dishes, African traces and touches from European colonization but Jericoacoara has something extra special because it started as a small fishing village.
So you can’t leave this place without trying as much local food as you possibly can. You’ll begin to notice the differences at breakfast since northeastern folks eat things like tapiocas and cuscus with eggs. But otherwise, fresh seafood is a staple in every restaurant. Shrimps, lobsters, and saltwater fish are all great options. Don’t forget to try some sweets too! One of my favorite treats is called bolo de rolo, a thin cake dough rolled up with guava paste. A close second is cheese ice cream with guava syrup, don’t knock it till you’ve tried it!
Weather is pretty stable in this part of Brazil so you will be able to tick off all the best things to do in Jericoacoara, Brazil. The dry season and the wet season are well defined which will help you plan when to come. You can expect the rainy season from July to December, while it gets drier in the first semester, from January to June. The average temperature won’t vary a lot, staying between 25ยฐC (77ยฐF) and 29ยฐC (84ยฐF) year-round.
September is considered the best month and low season, giving you perfect conditions to enjoy everything around the main beach. There are milder temperatures and fewer crowds around. In the end, the when won’t matter much except for how far in advance you will need to plan things in order to guarantee the perfect place at Jericoacoara Beach. Planning will always be your best friend!
With a little bit of dedication, you will be able to do all of the best things in Jericoacoara, Brazil!
