Frommer's Review
Jericoacoara [STSTST] -- The pearl on the Ceará coast, Jericoacoara's attraction is partially its isolation. Visitors can only arrive by 4WD, preferably driven by someone who knows what he or she is doing; the 18km (11-mile) drive from Jijoca through the constantly shifting sands is not for the uninitiated. The payoff for those who persevere? Miles and miles of unspoiled beaches, rock formations, lagoons, mangroves, palm trees, and a Sahara desert landscape of beautiful dunes, some over 30m (100 ft.) tall. In recent years this formerly sleepy fishing village has gotten, if not exactly crowded, certainly much more visited. The region is now an environmental protection zone, with laws forbidding the construction of new hotels and pousadas within the protected area and guidelines for garbage and recycling. Still, in high season it can be more busy than you'd expect in paradise, so plan your travel for the shoulder season (Aug-Nov and late Mar to June). Jeri (as locals call it) offers many of the same activities as other beaches on the coast. There are buggy tours, hikes, sand boarding and visits to freshwater lagoons. However, the main attraction (in addition to the isolation) is the wind; Jeri is one of those places -- like the Gorge in Oregon -- with the kind of consistent near-gale beloved by top-notch windsurfers.
Clube dos Ventos (tel. 088/3669-2288; www.clubedosventos.com) has new, top-grade gear for rent. Price is R$130 (US$55) per day, R$655 (US$275) per week. Their website has details on gear and wind conditions (including a daily wind report).
Getting There -- There are essentially two ways to travel to Jeri -- the cheaper and quicker way is by bus or minibus along the state highways (except for the last little stretch across the sand). The trip takes about 7 hours. Some have packages that include a 1- or 2-night stay. The other way is to travel by Land Rover, traversing the many beautiful beaches that lie between Fortaleza and Jeri. For this kind of tour, contact Ceará Adventure, Av. Dom Manuel 497 (tel. 085/254-3232; www.cearaadventure.com.br). Traveling by Land Rover, the full-day trip to Jeri includes a lot of off-road driving and stops at scenic beaches such as Cumbuco, Lagoinha, Mundaú, and Baleia. In Jeri the next day, there are visits to the dunes and beaches and the famous rock with the hole in it (Pedra Furada). On the third day you travel back to Fortaleza by the main highway.
Keep in mind that Jeri remains a rustic spot -- no fancy hotels, and amenities are pretty basic. The best hotel is undoubtedly Mosquito Blue, Rua da Farmacia s/n (tel. 088/3669-2203; www.mosquitoblue.com.br), R$240 (US$100) double. Less expensive but still comfortable is Recanto do Barão, Rua do Forró 433 (tel. 088/3669-2149; www.recantodobarao.com), R$150 (US$63) double. Bring plenty of cash (in small bills), as ATMs are nonexistent and credit cards are rarely accepted.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
