Travel Report: Jericoacoara, Fortaleza, Canoa Quebrada & Morro Branco

We're sharing our planning, the trip itself, and how this whole adventure came to life.

We already knew about Jericoacoara through social media. Jericoacoara (it sounds a bit tricky at first, but you get used to it or end up calling it Jeri) is a rustic, coastal town surrounded by massive sand dunes—a place that offers both total relaxation and adventure! It is located inside a National Park, where all streets and roads are pure sand. With that picture in mind, we were just waiting for flight deals... and the moment finally arrived.

We also had a few other coastal towns in northeastern Brazil on our bucket list—specifically those north of Natal that we hadn't visited yet.

The Secret to Adventure Starts with Planning!

The photos we had seen of Jericoacoara were like a magnet, promising a paradise we simply had to experience. But family travel logistics can sometimes pose a challenge, right?

For 2025, even though February marks the beginning of the rainy season in Northeast Brazil, flight prices remained steep.

Tour packages offered locally didn't quite convince us either: staying 7 days in Fortaleza and visiting Lagoa do Paraíso or Jericoacoara only as a quick day trip meant spending way too much time on the road and barely enjoying the destination!

We were 100% sure we wanted to spend several days in Jeri itself, so what did we do? We crafted our own custom itinerary!

Our first goal was finding affordable flights. After tracking Google Flights and Kayak, bingo! We scored tickets on LATAM from Montevideo to Fortaleza for USD 500 each. We didn't hesitate for a second—all 4 tickets locked in!

The base fare was actually USD 390, but opting for checked luggage and 100% ticket refundability (we like to play it safe) brought it to USD 500.

For accommodation, our strategy was clear: 5 nights in Jeri for a full immersion, and 2 nights in Canoa Quebrada to explore another coastal spot. We rounded it off with 1 night in Fortaleza upon arrival, plus another night in Fortaleza in between Jeri and Canoa Quebrada.

While searching for pousadas in Jeri, we came across a key contact: Alberto, an Argentine pousada owner. He connected us with his son Nico, who provided a transfer service from Fortaleza to Jeri that fit our needs perfectly.

From Fortaleza Airport, public buses cost over R$ 200 per person. Nico offered us a round-trip package for R$ 200 per person! And it wasn't just basic transit; it was a full service including:

• ✔️ Direct pick-up right from our hotel in Fortaleza (ideally near Av. Beira Mar).
• ✔️ An early 3:30 AM departure to make the most of the day.
• ✔️ The icing on the cake: entry to the spectacular Lagoa do Paraíso, including access to one of its top beach clubs (barracas). A preview of pure magic!
• ✔️ A stop at the famous Lagoon Beach (though entry fees were separate here).
• ✔️ And most importantly: 4x4 transfer from the National Park checkpoint straight to the door of our pousada in Jeri. The thrilling final stretch handled with zero stress!

This 4x4 service is crucial because the final leg into Jeri consists entirely of sand dunes. (Keep Nico's contact handy: +558897630953—a real golden contact!). Other companies offer this route, but having it pre-arranged made everything seamless.

Connected with a Discount: Our Secret Travel Hack!

Here is one of our favorite travel hacks for saving money while staying connected on the go: mobile data. To order Ubers, stay in touch with our driver, message our hotel, or make instant PIX payments, we used a travel eSIM from BNeSim. Best of all? They offer an eSIM plan with no data expiration!

You can buy a single data package and use it across multiple trips within a region (Latin America in our case, but they also cover Europe, the Caribbean, North America, Asia, and Africa).

It was a total game-changer! It gave us continuous connection and reliable signal for WhatsApp calls throughout the trip.

Since we bought data without expiration, we had leftover megabytes that we used again on our next trip to Florianópolis two months later. A major win for the family budget!

We highly recommend checking out www.bnesim.com to compare options.

For extra peace of mind, you can check this news article naming it the World's Best Travel SIM: www.breakingtravelnews.com.

Day 1: Fortaleza - Arrival & First Impressions

We landed in Fortaleza at 2:00 PM and chose an apart-hotel with a 24-hour front desk to allow for a early checkout. From the airport, we took an Uber to the hotel, dropped off our bags, and took another Uber to Praia do Futuro, where we enjoyed Croco Beach club from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM.

It's a beautiful beach with amazing infrastructure, live music, and great food—we only wished we had more time to spend there!

On the way back, we bought water supplies for our trip to Jeri and found a simple yet delicious local pizzeria near our hotel. We ordered a half dried-tomato vegetarian / half ham and bacon pizza, accompanied by a Guaraná soda for R$ 42.

📌 Useful Tip: For the trip to Jeri, transfer drivers stay in touch via WhatsApp and message you as soon as they approach your hotel.

Day 2: Jeri Welcomes Us with a Dune Safari & Hidden Oases!

Our alarm went off at 3:30 AM, but excitement overpowered sleepiness! Armed with our water bottles and backpacks, we waited in the hotel lobby in pre-dawn Fortaleza. Knowing paradise was waiting made waking up early completely worth it.

Our journey started in a comfortable van that, after a quick breakfast stop (essential to recharge!), took us to Jijoca. There, the real adventure kicked off: we switched into 4x4 vehicles! At this point, we paid Jeri's eco-tax—R$ 41.50 per person, granting up to 10 days in this pristine national park. Golden tip: take a photo of your receipt! The entry wristband can fade or wear off in the water, and trust us, park officials ask for your receipt details whenever you re-enter Jeri!

Pro tip: Save that receipt photo in your smartphone's 'Favorites' folder so you can find it instantly among all your vacation photos!

The true welcome to Jeri began well before reaching the main town. Our first stop was the iconic Lagoa do Paraíso. 'Breathtaking' doesn't even do it justice! Entry to the Caraúba beach club was included with our transfer, and the spot was stunning: warm waters, submerged hammocks inviting you to stay forever, and top-notch facilities.

The food was a pleasant surprise too, reasonably priced for such a dreamy setting. A true paradise oasis to unwind with the family!

After lunch, our next stop was Lagoon Beach (R$ 30 entry fee)—a place looking straight out of a luxury travel magazine, featuring turquoise waters so intense we wondered if they were real or Instagram magic!

After spending time there, we continued through Preá, driving right along the coastline as our highway.

Along this coastal drive, we encountered the famous Sloth Tree (Árvore da Preguiça)—a tree bent so dramatically by coastal winds that it looks like it's taking a perpetual nap on the sand.

And right in the middle of the sand dunes—surprise! We crossed paths with wild donkeys, as native to this landscape as the palm trees themselves.

Finally, our 4x4 dropped us off at our pousada in Jeri. After a well-deserved rest, we went out to explore. What a discovery! All streets in Jeri are unpaved sand—no asphalt anywhere! So kick off your shoes or wear flip-flops—comfort comes first! The town comes alive under warm ambient lights from charming shops, though the quieter neighborhood streets remain softly lit.

Guided by delicious aromas, we ended up at Kuara, a highly recommended pay-by-weight buffet. A fantastic way to try a little bit of everything! To wrap up the day, we walked down to the beach hoping to catch Jeri's famous sunset, though clouds decided to roll in. No matter! We thoroughly enjoyed the coastal vibe, sea breeze, and live music. Jeri had already won us over with its unique charm!

Day 3: West Coast Buggy Tour

Adrenaline Calling: Our Epic Buggy Tour Across Jeri's Sand Dunes!

After an acclimatization day in Jeri's paradise, adventure came knocking. We had originally planned a quiet beach day, but who can resist the thrill of the dunes? The answer arrived in the form of a buggy driver offering the popular West Coast Tour—and negotiating a great price turned out to be a brilliant decision!

Get ready for big smiles because the real dose of adrenaline was about to begin! We chose the "with adrenaline" option through the towering dunes, and every single second was worth it!

Picture this: the whole family riding together in an all-terrain buggy, conquering massive sand mountains that look straight out of a movie. The roar of the engine mixed with laughter and excited screams as we reached high peaks and zipped down steep descents, feeling the wind on our faces and pure freedom. It felt like a natural roller coaster surrounded by fairytale scenery!

Every sharp turn, steep climb, and sudden drop turned into a family memory we'll retell for years. The kids (and adults!) marvelled at the sheer scale of the dunes and our driver's skill navigating the deep sand. Our cameras couldn't stop snapping photos of pure joy and wonder.

Beyond adrenaline, the tour brought us to fascinating locations: from calm lagoon waters with floating restaurants and in-water hammocks, to sandboarding and a giant dune waterslide where every slide guaranteed non-stop laughs.

Budget note: Sandboarding / waterslide cost: R$ 30 for 3 rides.

We opted out of the seahorse boat tour for ecological reasons (a good educational moment for the family!), but every stop offered a great way to connect with nature—like sipping fresh coconut water in the dry mangrove forest while taking fun family photos.

On the way back, we asked our buggy driver to stop at a quiet beach in this area that felt even prettier than Jeri's main beach—perfect for postcard-worthy family photos. After showering and resting, we were amused to see local donkeys strolling peacefully through the village's sandy streets. Jeri never ceases to amaze!

Day 4: Feeling the Rhythm of Jeri: Waves, Flavors & Sunsets

Following our epic dune buggy adventure, we decided it was time to slow down and immerse ourselves in Jeri's unhurried rhythm. Today was all about relaxation and unhurried exploration.

Our morning started at Malhada Beach, a quiet local cove loved by surfers. Walking along its golden sands while listening to rolling waves framed by palm trees felt like stepping into a postcard of pure peace. We couldn't resist buying ice-cold coconuts from the beach's sole vendor and trying fresh shrimp and crab empanadas (pastéis de camarão e siri) from a local vendor—a delicious beachside treat!

Look at this photo—it captures the peaceful soul of Malhada Beach. On the left side, you can see the single coconut vendor chatting with lifeguard patrols on quad bikes!

As the sun rose higher and breezes picked up, we made our way to Jericoacoara's Main Beach. It was time to find a cozy beach club for lunch, where fresh shrimp took center stage once again. We found a great beachfront spot featuring comfortable loungers, ocean breezes, live acoustic music, and fresh outdoor showers to wash off sand!

The afternoon flew by with conversations, board games, and the simple joy of being present in such a laid-back location. Jeri has that magical quality: it invites you to disconnect, savor small moments, and truly unwind.

Day 5: Conquering Pedra Furada & Hidden Wonders of the East!

After dune buggy thrills and a relaxing day on the Main Beach, we were ready for a new milestone: visiting the famous Pedra Furada (Pierced Rock).

You can reach this iconic rock arch via two routes, and we chose the hiking trail for maximum adventure.

We took the cliff trail starting near the local cemetery (don't worry, it's just the trailhead landmark!), which also leads toward the lighthouse. This hike is spectacular: walking along high coastal bluffs offers breathtaking panoramic ocean views at every step. We even spotted curious iguanas and friendly wild donkeys along the way. It's a moderate trek, but every effort is rewarded with unforgettable scenery.

Finally, we arrived at famous Pedra Furada. While some tourists arrive via buggy transfers, buggies must park a considerable distance away, making walking necessary regardless.

Crucial tip: Check tide charts before heading out! At high tide, the ocean covers the base of the rock arch, making close access impossible.

On our walk back, low tide gave us a treat: we were able to walk straight back along the shoreline, offering a completely different perspective of the dramatic coastline.

In the afternoon, we received an irresistible deal: a direct 4x4 round-trip transfer to Lagoa do Paraíso without extra tourist stops, cheaper than hotel rates! We booked it immediately for the following day.

Day 6: East Coast Tour Revisited

Day 6 became our dedicated East Coast Tour (a area we had only briefly glimpsed on our arrival day), and it was fantastic!

A comfortable 4x4 picked us up right at our hotel. Each family had full freedom to pick their preferred beach club at Lagoa do Paraíso (there are options for every taste and budget!), where we spent a glorious day soaking up sunny tropical vibes.

The beauty of this outing isn't just the lagoon itself, but the journey through the dunes. The return drive through golden sand dunes in a 4x4 offered magnificent views and a continuous sense of adventure. At 4:30 PM, our driver picked us up, wrapping up a memorable day in Jeri's eastern region.

Day 7: Return to Fortaleza

Our room checkout was scheduled for 12:00 PM, but since it was raining, we took advantage of an earlier 11:00 AM transfer to Fortaleza organized by Nico (the contact we mentioned earlier).

We arrived back in Ceará's capital city by 6:00 PM, giving us time to stroll along Beira Mar avenue, filled with food stalls, bike rentals, and electric scooters.

We enjoyed dinner at Vignoli restaurant during their 2-for-1 beer happy hour before 6:00 PM, savoring delicious pizzas and pasta.

📌 Useful Tip: To explore Canoa Quebrada and Morro Branco (east of Fortaleza), we rented a car via DiscoverCars (Foco Rent a Car near Fortaleza Airport). Picking up and dropping off near the airport made logistics seamless!

If you prefer organized day tours instead of self-driving, check out these tour options below:

Day 8: From Fortaleza to Magical Canoa Quebrada: A Family Road Trip

Our road trip adventure started in Fortaleza. Our initial concern about fitting four passengers and luggage (three carry-ons and one medium suitcase) into an Uber vanished quickly thanks to our driver's impressive packing skills—playing real-life Tetris with our bags! Using Uber in urban Brazil is definitely a reliable move.

With our rental car sorted, we set off toward Canoa Quebrada. Although the total distance wasn't huge, strict speed limits and frequent speed cameras made the drive feel longer. But patience paid off! Reaching our hotel in Canoa Quebrada was wonderful, especially when the hotel owner surprised us with a complimentary buggy ride down to a beach club. A lovely local hospitality touch!

Our first beach stop was at Antônio Côco, perched high on the red cliffs with comfortable wooden stairs leading down to the sand. What a great spot! Offering lower prices than Jericoacoara, Antônio Côco had everything: artisan markets, beachwear shops, traditional jangada boat rides, quad bike rentals, and even a swimming pool. After enjoying local dishes, we headed back to our hotel in our complimentary buggy.

Sunsets & Kitesurfers in Canoa Quebrada

After a refreshing swim back at the hotel pool, we went out to explore the neighborhood. Canoa Quebrada's cobblestone streets, featuring beautiful ocean vistas, are perfect for an afternoon walk.

Watching kitesurfers glide effortlessly across the waves powered by afternoon coastal winds was amazing. A true visual spectacle!

We walked up toward famous 'Broadway'—the main pedestrian boulevard. This street is vibrant, colorful, and lively, staying busy well into the night. We enjoyed an early dinner and toasted with delicious caipirinhas during happy hour.

The next morning, our hotel gave us another lovely surprise: while simple, its location was prime and second-floor breakfast offered panoramic ocean views. It was a sun-drenched morning, inviting us to make the most of every minute before leaving for Morro Branco at noon.

We must admit we felt sad leaving Canoa Quebrada—we absolutely loved its vibe!

Before leaving, we took one last stroll along the beach and noticed a fun detail: many spots display Canoa Quebrada's iconic moon-and-star carved symbol, along with traditional fishing canoes.

The beach transforms completely between morning and afternoon! Mornings are perfect for calm swimming and peaceful jangada boat rides, while afternoons turn the shore into a kitesurfing playground powered by strong coastal winds.

The Morro Branco Labyrinth & An Unexpected Finale

With mixed emotions and check-out time approaching, we loaded up our rental car. The drive toward Morro Branco was slow once again, but arriving at our pousada made up for everything. We fell in love instantly: a colonial-style retreat set back from the beach, offering a peaceful haven.

Without losing time, we set off to explore Morro Branco's famous red sand labyrinth independently. Parking was easy and entrance was free. After several days riding buggies in Jeri, taking a self-guided walking tour felt refreshing.

Once inside the red cliff canyon, strong winds picked up. We walked toward the beach, but strong waves made swimming unsafe. We decided to return to our pousada, where a better surprise awaited us: a private warm pool framed by hammocks! A relaxing, unexpected finale to an adventure-packed day.

After packing our bags, we went out for a nice dinner, getting ready for the next day's drive back to Fortaleza to return our rental car and catch our flight home. Thus concluded our unforgettable family road trip through northeastern Brazil.

Useful Summary Tips

• * Payments: We mostly paid using PIX transfers and international debit cards (like OCA Blue / Prex), which carry minimal fees in Brazil.
• * Mobile Data: To use PIX and call Ubers, we used BNeSim eSIM data with promo code VIAJOXMICUENTA for 30% off. Since data doesn't expire on regional plans, we reused remaining data on a subsequent trip to Florianópolis two months later!
• * Self-Drive Flexibility: Renting a car via DiscoverCars gave us total independence to visit beaches on our own schedule.

Conclusion

Jericoacoara exceeded all our expectations. We loved the beaches, buggy thrill rides, and idyllic lagoons. Without a doubt, an unmissable destination in Northeast Brazil. We would return in a heartbeat!

Your Next Adventure Begins Here

We hope this detailed trip report inspires you to plan your own travel adventure to Jericoacoara, Canoa Quebrada, and Morro Branco. If you're planning your next getaway:

• Learn more about us and explore itineraries in our About Us & Travel Routes section.
• Connect with us and follow our daily stories on Instagram (@viajoxmicuenta) for live updates.

Thank you for reading! See you on the next destination.