Location and Access

The park is situated about 300 km northwest of Fortaleza, the capital of Ceará. Although Jericoacoara was once considered difficult to reach due to its remote setting, today visitors can travel via Jericoacoara Regional Airport (JJD), located about 30 km away, or through Fortaleza with private and shared transfers. The last stretch to the village involves crossing sand dunes, which makes the arrival experience unique and unforgettable.

History of the National Park

Jericoacoara was declared an Environmental Protection Area in 1984 and later upgraded to National Park status in 2002. This transformation aimed to protect its delicate ecosystems, including mangroves, dunes, lagoons, and native fauna. Before becoming a protected area, Jericoacoara was a simple fishing community, almost unknown to the outside world. Over the years, it has gained global recognition as one of Brazil’s most beautiful coastal destinations.

Natural Characteristics

Sand Dunes: The park is famous for its vast and shifting dunes, shaped constantly by the wind. At sunset, visitors often climb the iconic Duna do Pôr do Sol to admire panoramic views.

Lagoons: During the rainy season (February to May), rainwater fills natural basins between the dunes, creating lagoons with crystal-clear water. The most famous are Lagoa Azul and Lagoa do Paraíso, perfect for swimming and relaxation.

Pedra Furada: This rock formation, with its distinctive arch carved by the sea, is the symbol of Jericoacoara and a must-visit for hikers and photographers.

Flora and Fauna: The park protects a variety of native species, including mangroves, sea turtles, and migratory birds, making it a destination of interest for ecotourism.

Excursions in Jericoacoara National Park

Exploring the park is one of the highlights of any trip to Jericoacoara. The most popular excursions are divided into East Side (Lado Leste) and West Side (Lado Oeste) tours, usually done by buggy or 4×4 vehicles.

East Side Tour (Lado Leste)

The East Side excursion is perfect for discovering the most famous lagoons and natural landscapes of the park. Highlights include:

Lagoa do Paraíso: Famous for its turquoise waters and hammocks set over the water, ideal for relaxing.

Lagoa Azul: Another beautiful lagoon, perfect for swimming and spending a tranquil day.

Árvore da Preguiça (Lazy Tree): A casuarina tree bent almost horizontally by the constant winds, an iconic photo spot.

Pedra Furada: Many East Side tours also include a hike to this natural stone arch, especially at sunset.

This tour offers the best opportunities for relaxation, swimming, and enjoying Jericoacoara’s postcard-perfect landscapes.

West Side Tour (Lado Oeste)

The West Side excursion is more adventurous and focuses on wildlife, dunes, and unique natural formations. Main attractions include:

Mangue Seco: A scenic mangrove area where visitors can see seahorses up close on a short boat ride.

Tatajuba Lagoon: A large freshwater lagoon surrounded by dunes, where travelers can relax in rustic restaurants with hammocks over the water.

Moving Dunes: The landscape here changes constantly, as dunes shift with the wind, creating spectacular scenery.

Rustic Villages: The tour often passes through small fishing communities, offering a glimpse of traditional local life.

The West Side tour combines adventure, culture, and contact with local nature.

Activities and Attractions

Besides the East and West side excursions, Jericoacoara offers countless activities:

Kitesurfing and Windsurfing: The region is recognized internationally as one of the best spots in the world due to strong and steady winds from July to January.

Buggy and Quad Tours: Ideal for exploring dunes, lagoons, and beaches with more flexibility.

Hiking: Trails lead to natural landmarks such as Pedra Furada and Serrote Hill.

Stargazing: With little light pollution, Jericoacoara offers an incredible view of the night sky.

Climate and Best Time to Visit Jeri

Jericoacoara has a tropical climate with two main seasons:

Dry season (July to December): Perfect for outdoor sports and beach activities.

Rainy season (February to May): Best for visiting the lagoons, which are at their fullest and most beautiful.

Useful Information for European Travelers

Language: Portuguese is the official language, but English and Spanish are spoken in most tourist services.