A hammock in the lake, one foot in the water, thoughts blowing in the breeze, with just the sky and the sea, the shade and fresh water! Is this an illusion, a dream or a holiday wish fulfilled? Well, my friends, it may be turn out to be everything you want; it’s not some imaginary utopia, this place is as real as taking a breath. Jericoacoara, or simply Jeri Village, is less than 200 miles to the west of Fortaleza, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

Jericoacoara National Park brings together a collection of beautiful natural artefacts that make this place unique. Twenty years ago, Jericoacoara was a fishing village, visited only by people from neighbouring villages, and the occasional adventurer who was seeking new places almost untouched by mankind.

Today Jeri is a conglomeration of inns and hotels, from the simplest to the most sophisticated. The visitor has at his disposal a wide range of services. Those seeking tranquillity are well provided for. Looking for adventure? Enjoy extreme sports? Want to connect with nature? Or just trying to forget the outside world? Jeri is your place!

The magical side of Jeri is that its growth and development has taken place in a very positive way. The streets are not paved; the ground throughout the village is covered in white sand. There are also no lampposts, and the power cables to supply homes and businesses are buried underground. The streets are lit by torches which supplement the moonlight and the starlight making the whole place seem romantic. Environmental conservation is taken very seriously, providing an air of peace which lets you connect with nature.

 

How do you get to Jericoacoara?

The journey from Fortaleza, the Capital City of Ceará, to Jericoacoara is a little less than 200 miles. The trip can be done by car, (preferably with four-wheel drive) or bus. The road is metalled as far as the city of Jijoca, but the last 12 miles (Jijoca to Jericoacoara) – is only possible using either a 4X4 or a local 4 wheel drive open bus which can make the transfer to Jeri Village.

By the time he arrives, the visitor has already been immersed in the region for some time, with the roads winding through a sea of dunes, with various different paths. A real sight to behold! Amongst the dunes are freshwater lakes and many animals native to the northeast region, such as the “jumento”, a kind of donkey. There is a lighthouse in the distance, which guides and draws visitors closer and closer…. and suddenly, there you are in Jeri!

 

 

What to do in Jericoacoara?

Let’s start exploring Jeri: 

• Buggy ride to Tatajuba

On this tour you will meet seahorses, and will discover the city of Tatajuba,long buried by the dunes, and all its legends.Find out about the static dunes of Jeri, which never move, and the Enchanted Dune, which is shrouded in mystery. If you enjoy sports there is the opportunity to try sand boarding or skibunda, and then finally you can relax in the hammocks at Lake Tatajuba.

 

 

 

• National Seahorse Park

This is a great ride to go on with children. Visitors have the opportunity to get very close to the marine species that live there, and have time to learn about their natural habitat and improve their environmental awareness. The trip is made by canoe, travelling on a saltwater river above the mangroves where the seahorses live.

 

 

 

 

 

• Dry Mangroves

To get to the dry mangroves you have to be hand-rowed in a ferry across a shallow lake. The region was named after its dry vegetation, and is set in a forest of trees and deadwood. And in the middle of this picturesque greenery, you may be surprised to find a small coconut water stall.

 

 

 

 

• Old and New Tatajuba

In the mid-80s the town of Tatajuba was literally swallowed up by the sand. Gradually the sand took over the houses and all the common areas, until there was nothing left. The residents built a new town, saying goodbye to old Tatajuba and welcoming New Tatajuba. On the tour, you can still see parts of houses and the town church that were buried by the sands. A friendly lady called Donna Delmira sits in the window of her kiosk, and tells the whole story of  how the dunes invaded the city, including the church where she was baptized, and other stories that have been passed down from generation to generation. Tatajuba is a mystical, sacred place for the inhabitants, who are proud of their traditions.

• Dry Dunes

Unlike the other dunes that move and are shaped by the unceasing winds, these dry dunes do not move; they are fixed. Here you will also find dunes that have been shaped over time, true works of art to save both in your memory and record in your photo album.

• The Enchanted Dune

Tatajuba is a place steeped in legend, with mysterious tales everywhere. These legends have been passed down from father to son, to form a heritage that keeps alive the mystic traditions of the village. The Enchanted Dune is a dune that never changes, a hill made of sand that never shifts. Legend has it that under the sand there is a ship that ran aground. Native inhabitants tell of the  spirits and voices emanating by night from the Enchanted Dune …

 

 

 

• Lake Tatajuba

Lake Tatajuba is quite different from others in the region, because of its dark brown waters, the reason for which is a mystery. Here there is a restaurant whose main course (in fact its only course!) is freshly caught fish. Another feature of this area is the array of hammocks which dip gently into the water.

• Paradise Lagoon

This lake is officially in Jijoca, surrounded by a beach of fluffy white sand. When you arrive you can relax in the hammocks that are fixed above its crystal clear waters. On top of the sand hill is a restaurant that fulfils its purpose very well; seafood, coconut water and cold beer for those who want it. It is one of the most famous icons of Jericoacoara.

• Blue Lagoon

The Blue Lagoon is found en route to the Paradise Lagoon. It also has the famous hammocks above the water, as well as a restaurant with tasty food. It is worth checking out!

• Sunset Dune

You cannot go to Jeri and not climb the “dune of the setting sun”; it is a real “must do”. In the evening people start to climb to await the departure of the guest of honour, the sun. It can be a magical moment for those who are willing to immerse themselves in it. Some venture to say that you can hear the sun when it goes down into the water. Without a doubt it is one of Mother Nature’s most beautiful spectacles. The Sunset Dune is also the site of Jeri’s grand firework display on New Year’s Eve.

 

• Tree of laziness

The tree was given its name by the difficulty it has growing any taller, due to the strong and constant winds of the region. Its branches extend over 4 yards away from the trunk.

 

• Holed Stone

 

The Holed Stone is another one of Jericoacoara’s picture postcards. Tourists from around the world come here to see it, and, of course, take a selfie! It’s worth going late afternoon to check out the sunset. In July, the sun shines directly through the hole in the middle of the stone, a beautiful sight to see.

 

Sports to practice in Jeri:

• Kite surfing

Jericoacoara is known worldwide for being the Kite surfers’ paradise. And with good reason: the constant winds of between 15-25 knots, the shallow and deep water, and several local training schools make a Jeri perfect place for  beginners and professionals alike.

• Surf and Stand Up Paddle

A little known fact is that there is surfing in Jericoacoara. Well, there is a corner where waves break perfectly for those who like the sport. But be careful; the waves are very strong and the place is full of rocks.

• Windsurfing

Kite surfing and Windsurfing go together; where there is one you will find the other. This is because environmental conditions and climate needed for both are the same. The two sports need constant wind and calm waters. Jeri has both these conditions.

• Sand boarding

To practice sand boarding in Jeri you need to get out of Jericoacoara village. Enjoy a trip to Tatajuba to partake in the sport. There is a specific dune where you can practice, as well as places that rent sandboards. You have the option of sand boarding while sitting or standing.

• Horse Riding

Perhaps one of the hottest activities to do in a late afternoon in Jericoacoara. The interaction with nature is amazing. Some even dare to climb the dune on horseback to watch the setting of the sun.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tips from Explore Brazil 

• Eating/Drinking: Drink plenty of fluids, including coconut water. Give preference to light foods. If you want, try a traditional caipirinha, but ask for a guarantee that only mineral water was used to make the ice. In cases of doubt, resist the temptation.
• Clothes and accessories: Use light clothing, and sunglasses, hats, caps and scarves. Use lots of sunscreen. All Jeri Village streets are sandy; therefore, sandals and trainers are the best option. Avoid luggage with wheels.
• Health: There is a single Dispensary in Jeri village; it is in your best interests that you take a first aid kit, because, as the saying goes, prevention is better than cure.
• Banking Services: Most establishments accept credit cards, but if you need cash, you need to be prepared in advance. The nearest banks – Bank of Brazil and the Caixa Economica Federal are in Jijoca, about 12 miles from Jeri. In the village the only option is to withdraw money from the post office, which provides a service to Bradesco customers. WARNING: There is daily limit for withdrawals.

Long live Jericoacoara! Enjoy every minute of your stay here, enjoy nature with your family, explore Brazil and do not worry about the minutiae. There are people to take care of these things.

 

Live it up. Try it out. Explore Brazil.