The ultimate 4 day travel itinerary for Jericoacoara, Brazil

Jericoacoara, located in the state of Ceará in northeastern Brazil, is a small coastal village situated within the Jericoacoara National Park. The infrastructure in Jeri is oriented toward eco-friendly lodging, guided excursions, and outdoor activities.

With limited road access, the village is reached via a combination of paved and off-road travel, typically involving a bus from Fortaleza, followed by a 4X4 transfer across sand dunes and through rural fishing communities. The area is governed by environmental protection regulations, which have helped preserve its dune landscapes, freshwater lagoons, and undeveloped coastline.

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4-Day Travel Itinerary for Jericoacoara, Brazil

This 4-day travel itinerary for Jericoacoara, Brazil, includes key attractions such as Pedra Furada, the Sunset Dune, and the Tatajuba and Paraíso lagoons. It also incorporates optional activities like buggy tours, sandboarding, kitesurfing, and horseback riding, as well as tips on local transport, dining out.

Day 1: Trave to Jericoacoara and Sunset at Pedra Furada

Morning: Catch the early 7am bus or private transfer from Fortaleza and enjoy the scenic journey to Jericoacoara. The last stretch of the trip takes you across sandy dunes and through small fishing villages, giving you your first glimpse of the area’s raw natural beauty. You’ll arrive in Jeri a little after midday. Drop your bags at your pousada and take a few minutes to freshen up.

Afternoon: Head into the sandy streets of Jericoacoara village and grab lunch at a shaded courtyard café. Afterward, spend some time wandering the village’s boutique shops and laneways, or take a quick dip in the sea to cool off.

In the late afternoon, walk or take a short ride to Pedra Furada, the famous arched rock formation carved by wind and sea. Time your visit for golden hour—the light filters beautifully through the arch, making it one of Brazil’s most photogenic sunset spots. The walk there takes around 30–40 minutes along the beach at low tide, so bring water, sun protection, and sandals you can slip off.

Evening: After the sun sets, return to the village and enjoy dinner at a local favorite like Caranguejo da Villa, known for its crab dishes. After dinner, head to Forró da Dona Amelia if you're in town on a Wednesday or Saturday, or, to Samba Rock for some live music.

Day 2: Buggy Adventure Through Lagoons and Sand Dunes

Full day: After breakfast, set off on a full-day buggy tour, one of the best ways to explore the dramatic landscapes around Jericoacoara. There are two main choices for the tour:

West Side Buggy Tour (Lado Oeste) – Adventure, Wildlife & Dune Landscapes

Overview: This route is more rustic and adventurous, great for travelers who want something less polished and more interactive. It includes river crossings, wildlife, and sand sports.

Typical Stops:

• Seahorse Canoe Ride: Paddle through mangroves on the Guriú River to spot seahorses in their natural habitat.

• River Guriú Ferry Crossing: Cross the river on a small raft.

• Guriú Beach Mangrove Area: Photo stop and an opportunity to browse local handmade crafts.

• Sandboarding (Esquibunda) in the Dunes: Slide down the sand into natural water pools.

• Waterslide in Old Tatajuba Lagoon: A freshwater slide experience in a shallow lagoon setting.

• Lagoa Grande (Tatajuba): Relax at rustic waterfront restaurants with hammocks in the water, or opt for a stop at Casa Uca, a stylish beach lounge.

East Side Buggy Tour (Lado Leste) – Scenic Lagoons & Iconic Landmarks

Overview: This is a classic and more relaxed tour, focused on Jeri’s famous freshwater lagoons and postcard-worthy photo spots. It’s ideal for swimming, hammocks in the water, and easygoing fun.

Typical Stops:

• Árvore da Preguiça (Lazy Tree): A windswept, sideways-growing tree. Great for photos.

• Preá Beach Sign: Quick photo stop at this neighboring beach town.

• Buraco Azul or Lagun: Choose one. Both are striking artificial lagoons with turquoise-blue water.

• Lagoa Azul or Lagoa do Paraíso: Choose one. These are well-known freshwater lagoons with calm water and hammocks set in the shallows.

• Lagoa do Amâncio: A seasonal lagoon that appears among the dunes, depending on rainfall.

Evening: Return to town by late afternoon and relax before dinner. As night falls, Jericoacoara’s main sandy streets come alive with soft lighting, music, and people strolling barefoot from place to place. For dinner, try Romã or Jerizando Restaurante e Pizzaria.

If you're up for it, check out a live forró or samba night, or grab a caipirinha from one of the colorful drink carts in the town square.

Day 3: Water Sports and Sunset at the Dunes

Morning: Spend your last day enjoying Jericoacoara’s famous wind and waves. If you’re into watersports, try a kitesurfing or windsurfing lesson—Jeri is world-renowned for both. Surfboards and stand-up paddleboards are also available for rent, or you can simply relax on Praia de Jericoacoara, swim in the calm waters, and watch the action from the shore.

Afternoon: Have lunch on the beach. By late afternoon, make your way up the Duna do Pôr do Sol (Sunset Dune), a massive sand dune west of the village with panoramic views over the ocean. As the sunsets, don't forget to clap, it's tradition!

Evening: Head back into the village and enjoy your final dinner at Romã, which offers Mediterranean-Brazilian fusion dishes in a relaxed garden setting. Reflect on your time in Jeri and soak in the village’s laid-back charm before preparing for your departure the next day.

Day 4: Horseback Riding & Sunset Sandboarding

Morning: Start the day with a horseback riding tour through the dunes and surrounding landscapes. Guided rides typically take you through Serrote Hill, past cashew groves, and to hidden viewpoints overlooking the sea. It’s a peaceful, slower-paced way to experience the terrain and gives you a break from motorsports. Some tours also pass by Pedra Furada or go inland to small fishing communities.

Afternoon: Head back out to the dunes, this time, for sandboarding or ski-bunda (literally “butt-skiing”). At the Duna do Funil or nearby slopes, you can rent boards and slide down the steep golden dunes into freshwater lagoons or just for fun.

Alternatively, cool off back in town with a massage or spa treatment, or browse local artisan shops selling handmade jewelry, woven hammocks, and organic skincare products made with local ingredients like buriti and andiroba oils.

Evening: Wrap up your final night with a beachfront dinner where you can enjoy seafood with a view and feel the ocean breeze. Stick around afterward for live music.

Return trip from Jericoacoara to Fortaleza

For your return to Fortaleza, you can choose to take the bus or a private transfer

How much is the Tourist Tax in Jericoacoara?

A tourist tax is required to be paid on entry to Jericoacoara. The tax receipt will be checked as you enter town, and again at departure. As of 2024, the tax is R$41.50 and is valid for a stay of up to 10 days. If staying longer than 10 days, you will be required to pay an additional R$4.15 per day.

More resources for planning your trip

• Find cheap bus, ferry, and private transfer tickets on Bookaway, where you can make reservations ahead of time from abroad. For more information on traveling by bus, read my full guide to taking long-distance busses in Brazil.

• Book your accommodation on Booking.com, with thousands of options ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly backpacker hostels, there's something for everyone

• Don't forget to read my packing check-list for Brazil

• Finally, read this post to find out 10 things you should do before you travel to Brazil!