Jijoca de Jericoacoara - Jijoca de Jericoacoara

Jijoca de Jericoacoara is a fishing village of the state Brazilian of Ceará.

To know

Jericoacoara experienced real tourism in the early 1980s; it is therefore a relatively young tourist destination with a very high potential for development. The difficult accessibility of the area (there are no asphalted roads or a real "track"), still slows down mass tourism. However, since the beginning of 2013, the construction of an international airport has begun, but it is not yet known when it will open. Jericoacoara is still a country for the "few" (and those "few" are 90% lovers of windsurfing and kitesurfing), but it has a future of sure development ahead of it. Although isolated, this town has it all: internet points, 4-star hotels, supermarkets, shops with fashionable clothing, kitesurfing and windsurfing schools, discos, bars and restaurants of all kinds. In Jericoacoara the existing roads are made of sand: therefore slippers or the classic Hawaiian ones are mandatory.

Finally, it is one of the few places in Brazil where it is possible to see the sun setting over the sea in the west; the famous "Duna do pôr do sol" has always been a meeting place for tourists and locals to watch the sun go down over the sea.

Some beaches in its surroundings are frequented by hippy communities and many surfing enthusiasts.

Since 1984, the area around Jericoacoara has been declared an Environmental Protection Area (APA) and became a national park in 2002.

When to go

The best time to go to Jericoacoara is between July and December, but it generally rains little even in January and February. March and April are the cheapest months because it rains the most. May and June are also two good months to save, and it certainly rains less than March, with temperatures not changing much between the two main seasons. During the year, in fact, the average temperature for the highs ranges from 31 ° in March to 34 ° in November, while for the lows it practically fluctuates the whole year between 21 ° and 23 °.

How to orient yourself

How to get

By plane

The nearest airport is the Pinto Martins International Airport (FOR) of Fortaleza it is possible to book a transfer.

Another airport is that of Marechal Cunha Machado International Airport (SLZ) to São Luís which is, however, 650 km away.

A new international airport is still under construction between Cruz is Jijoca, about 30 km from Jericoacoara. The new airport was supposed to be operational by the end of 2012, however the date has been moved to the future on a regular basis. As of mid-2016, the airport is not yet completed.

There is indeed a small airport close to Jijoca, which for the wealthiest can give the opportunity of short access with an hour's flight by helicopter.

By car

Currently the only possible way to get to Jericoacoara is by land, with a jeep at a cost of about 100 R $ (22.00 Euro). The trip takes 4 hours and the distance covered is 300 km. The last 20 km are covered on stretches of beach and sandy expanses as there are currently no asphalted or dirt roads leading to the small town. Get ready to also plan a descent from the car with its hand push to get it out of the sand.

Better to avoid renting a car if you have never had to deal with sand driving. Much easier to rent a buggy on site (always better if there is a driver) who will take you wherever you want.

How to get around

Jericoacoara is full of sandy paths, walking is, in fact, the best way to get to know the area.It is recommended to use footwear, especially on the rocky beach areas. evening!

By car

Once in Jericoacoara the only way to get around quickly is by jeep, the aluguer (collective transport vans), with dune-buggies or by renting a horse. The town is small and in reality you will have to do real transportation by means of transport only if you intend to leave the town or go surfing at some nearby beach. There is no urban transport service in Jericoacoara.

What see

After having toured the village, climbed the giant dune at sunset and "descended" to the "pedra furada", there is not much left to visit, except to catch one of the many bugueiro that for a few reals carry groups of 4 tourists to the Lagoa do Paraiso The name already says it all: it is a real freshwater lake formed thanks to the rains and a layer of impermeable sediments. White beach and transparent water, combined with rich vegetation and a refreshing wind make this place a real paradise. You can choose between 4-5 pousadas to spend an unforgettable day.

• -2.794-40.5081 Jericoacoara Beach. It is said to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil, although mostly too shallow for swimming. It is made of very fine gray sand that hardens at low tide and is wide and flat. Every evening a crowd climbs the dune of "Por-do-Sol" to watch the sunset over the ocean, a rare sight in Brazil, as very little coast faces west.  
• Pedra Furada. This rocky arch is the symbol of Jericoacoara. It offers beautiful views in all directions. If you are in Jericoacoara between June 15 and July 30 you can admire the sunset in the middle of the arch, an unmissable opportunity for photography enthusiasts. Moving east from the city and along the shore you will reach the beach of Malhada, small but well known among surfers. At low tide you can do almost everything on foot passing through the Malhada beach, otherwise take the path higher up the hill Serrote. The walk takes about 2 hours. Do not walk around barefoot: always use shoes to protect yourself from rocks and any snakes. Leave immediately after sunset because the night falls quickly. Many hostels are able to organize guided tours, highly recommended as the local guides know the tides. If you want to take the path through the dunes then you can do it yourself and you will probably find other tourists. 
• Lagoa Azul. It is worth a day trip passing through beautiful freshwater lagoons. Nearby there are authentic and unspoiled villages to stay, for those who want to get off the beaten track. 
• Lagoa do Paraiso. Incredible lagoon, also known as the Brazilian Maldives which is located not far from the town of Jericoacoara. Too bad that the place is occupied by a mega bathhouse that takes up all the space and that blasts music at full volume even by the sea. 
• Lagoa Tatajuba. Small town north of Jerico on the banks of the Torta lake. 
• Lagoa do Coração. 
• Duna do Pôr do Sol. Just before sunset people gather on this dune, which is located a few meters from the main beach, to watch the sunset. 
• Árvore da Preguiça. The tree bent by the wind 
• Praia do Preá. Lagoons, coconut palms and mangroves is the official beach for kitesurfing, as well as being attractive for other sporting activities. 
• Poço Da Princesa. 
• -2.833333-40.6166672 Rio Guriú. River mangroves with their seahorses.  

Events and parties

What to do

The activities that you can undertake during your stay in Jericoacoara are almost all related to water and ... the wind. Here it blows steadily 9 months a year (it drops only from December to March), throughout the day, changing direction from morning to afternoon. These conditions are therefore favorable to the windsurfing and al kitesurfing: in the sheltered coves even beginners can try their hand while for the open sea it is necessary to have a little more experience. A great spot is in the windy Praia do Preá, 12km from Jericoacoara. On the other hand, those who want to learn without the slightest danger and in maximum tranquility can go to the lake of paradise, a few km by buggy from Jericoacoara.

Shopping

There is no credit institution or ATM in Jericoacoara. Purchases can be easily paid with major credit cards or with the most common Euros. Usually the exchange rate applied is almost similar to the actual one so, at most, you will lose a handful of cents. Beware that they will almost always offer you a 10% discount if the purchase is made in cash. To get the local currency you need to take one of the many aluguer who go to Jijoca several times a day; a short half hour trip through the sand and then they will drop you off in front of the village bank. The cost of travel one way is about 5 R $ (1 Euro). However, it is always advisable to collect a "survival sum" at the airport for the first few days. The coconut, the beer on the beach in the evening, the pack of cigarettes must always be paid in local currency.

How to have fun

In Jericoacoara there is no problem in remedying alcoholic and no alcoholic beverages. Frozen coconut or fruit juices are everywhere. Everywhere there is also the inevitable caipirinha that will be offered to you after sunset from the numerous stalls that occupy the access to the beach. It is almost a ritual to go for a walk among these stalls run by local young people who are not at all insistent in their offer. A caipirinha will cost you around 3R $ (less than 1 Euro). You can also have Caipiroska (same as caipirinha but made with vodka instead of cachaça), or a variant made with other fruit such as maracujaroska, which has vodka with maracujá (passion fruit).

Night clubs

Every day you will find out which club or posada organizes a party and at the weekend the offer increases thanks also to the parties organized by the municipality. Nightlife usually ends around 2-3 am.

• ^{[link previously not working]}Sky Bar and Restaurant (main road and beach). open for lunch and dinner until late at night. Accept credit cards. 
• Chico Drinks, main road (in front of Planeta Jeri). Chico Drinks is an open-air bar on the main street just before the beach (where the barracas start). The difference with the barracas is that Chico has frozen stools and beers. 

Where to eat

The country has restaurants of all kinds: from Indian to Chinese, from exclusively Italian to those specialized in sushi. There are also numerous bars that offer cold dishes, sandwiches or real fish-based first courses. In the streets of the village you can enjoy strictly homemade desserts, savory pies or sip excellent fresh fruit juices or guarana-based preparations.A medium meal (appetizer, first course, second course, dessert, drinks) in any restaurant costs from 50R $ to 100R $ (11-22 Euros).

Moderate prices

• Sabor in Lenha (main road and beach). lunch and dinner. Very famous in Jericoacoara. Everything is cooked in a wood oven. 

Average prices

• Tempero da Terra, Rua São Francisco. Lots of dishes for R $ 5-6. 
• Na dela house (main road, partly to the ice cream parlor). Typical cuisine, open only for dinner. They accept credit cards. The owners also have the nearby ice cream parlor. 
• Café Brasil, Beco do Guaxelo, 65, ☎ 55 88 3669 2272. open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. One of the first bars / restaurants in Jericoacoara. Very welcoming. 
• Pizza Nômade, Rua da Pharmacy, ☎ 55 88 3669 2103. Wood-fired pizza, pasta, fish, meat and salads. 
• Casa de Pedra (main street, near the Na casa dela restaurant). Artisan ice cream, special flavors. Açaí na tigela, served with cereals and banana is delicious. Try the tapioca with coconut, chocolate, banana or cheese. 
• Of course, at the beach. Very good crepe. 
• ClubVentos Buffet, Rua da Praia, ☎ 55 88 3669 2288. 9:30. 

High prices

• Carcará, Rua do Forró 530, ☎ 55 88 3669 2013. Great variety of fish dishes, from local to international specialties such as sashimi and ceviche. Indoor and outdoor seats, credit cards accepted. 

Where stay

A double room with breakfast included in high season can cost around R $ 100 (about 22 Euros) in a fairly good hotel. If it's not the peak season, it's usually quite easy to find accommodation.

Moderate prices

• Maresia hostel, Rua Principal upon entering Jeri. from R $ 20. Good budget and quiet hostel. They also have single rooms. 
• Cumelen Bed & Windsurf, Beco do Serrote s / n, ☎ 55 88 3669 2187, 55 88 9601-4106, 54 11 5256 7432 (offices in Argentina), @[email protected]. 5 minutes from the beach. 
• Jeri Athome Guesthouse, Rua Principal (of fairytale to the PH Neutral laundry), ☎ 55 88 36692078, @[email protected]. It combines the warmth of home with the hostel. Rooms with bathrooms, some with balconies. You can use a kitchen for free. Large garden and veranda with hammocks. WiFi internet. 
• ^{[link not working]}Pousada Juventude Familiar, Rua do Forró. double R $ 40, negotiable.. 
• Relax in Brazil, Near Caicara, @[email protected]. In the lagoons near Lagoa Azul, 16 km from Jericoacoara, ideal if you want to get away from it all in a small community. 
• ^{[link not working]}Casa das Meninas Jerihomestay, Rua dos Coqueiros, @[email protected]. from R $ 80 per person in a 40m² private apartment. Cheap and cozy, with Wi-Fi. 

Average prices

• Pousada Calanda, Rua das Dunas (about 100 meters from the beach.), ☎ 55 88 3669-2285. Bed & breakfast with garden, relaxation areas and swimming pool. Next to the beach. 
• Pousada do Serrote, Rua da Igreja, 480, ☎ 55 88 3669-2299, @[email protected]. From R $ 120. Check in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Quiet and very nice pousada. Suites and chalets with air conditioning, LCD TV, Wi-Fi, swimming pool. 
• Pousada Maurizio, Rua Prinicipal. Double R $ 80. Owned by an Italian, very welcoming. 
• ^{[link not working]}Pousada Tirol, Rua São Francisco, 202, ☎ 55 88 3669-2006. 
• Recanto do Barao, Rua do Forró, 433, ☎ 55 88 3669-2136, 55 85 3266-4005. Double R $ 90-120 low season. Great breakfast, air conditioning, two swimming pools, internet, laundry, nice environment. 
• ^{[link not working]}Vila Bela Vista, ☎ 55 88 9962 9810, 55 88 3669 92359, @[email protected]. Rooms from R $ 370. Bed & breakfast with 13 rooms, WiFi, air conditioning, swimming pool and more. 
• ^{[link not working]}Pousada Aqua, Rua do Forro 147, ☎ 55 85 9755 1222, @[email protected]. Rooms from R $ 140. Check in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00. Nice atmosphere and breakfast served until 12pm. Close to restaurants, bars and the beach. WiFi, air conditioning, minibar, safe, TV. 

High prices

• Pousada Galoo, Rua do Forró, 11, ☎ 55 88 99885027, @[email protected]. R $ 150/350. Check in: 14, check-out: 12. Pousada Galoo is located on the main beach. All rooms have sea views with balconies, air conditioning, TV, WiFi, hammocks. Homemade breakfast. The Pousada offers private or shared transfers and tours. 
• Mosquito Blue. One of the nicest hotels in the area, it also offers transportation to and from Fortaleza. 
• Hotel Villa Terra Viva, Rua do Forro, ☎ 55 88 99678739, @[email protected]. R $ 170-320. Stunning ocean views and jacuzzi pool, great breakfast and comfortable rooms. 4 star hotel built in the Portuguese colonial style. 
• ^{[link not working]}Vila Bela Vista Prea, Rua Beira Mar ([email protected]), ☎ 55 88 9961 3927. 350R $. 16 bungalows and rooms and a 23 meter swimming pool directly on the Prea beach, 12 km from Jericoacoara 

Safety

How to keep in touch

Telephony

Currently the area is covered by a network of two GSM operators which is often not very stable. 3G services are not yet supported. There are about ten internet points throughout the country (4 R $ / hour - about 1 Euro) that will allow you to download your digital photos and in some cases to burn CDs or print in color. The speed remains quite low but still more than satisfactory.

It is always advisable to call from the various telephone booths if you want to limit the cost of the roaming call.

In Jericoacoara there is the post office that sells stamps, so you can rest assured that you can send your postcards directly.

Around

Other projects

• Wikipedia contains an entry concerning Jijoca de Jericoacoara
• Commons contains images or other files on Jijoca de Jericoacoara

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