This easy-to-follow 4-day Jericoacoara itinerary combines leisure and adventure in Brazil’s favorite seaside oasis.
Following this itinerary, you’ll explore the Jericoacoara National Park and surrounding towns like Preá Beach, cruise the golden dunes by beach buggy, relax at the trendy Casa Uca Hotel, swim in blue lagoons, hike to the impressive Pedra Furada, bask in the incredible sunsets over the ocean, dine at the best restaurants and much more!.
For more information about the specific travel logistics involved with visiting Jericoacoara check out my comprehensive Jericoacoara guide.
In the guide, I share greater details about traveling to and around the region, how to pay the tourism tax, booking buggy tours, where to eat and drink, the top hotels on every budget, and the 10 best things to do while you’re in town.
4-Day Jericoacoara Itinerary
Day 1 in Jericoacoara
- Arrival, hotel check-in
- Explore the Jericoacoara Village
- Sunset at Jericoacoara Beach
- Dinner at Dinner at Restaurante Tamarindo
Day 2 in Jericoacoara
- Morning beach walk
- West coast of Jericoacara buggy tour
- Casa Uca Hotel Beachclub
- Sunset at the “Sunset Dune”
- Dinner at Na Casa Dela or Dona Amélia
- Live music in the village
Day 3 in Jericoacoara
- Full-day buggy tour of the east coast of Jericoacoara
- Lunch at Vivendo do Mar in Preá Beach
- Sunset at Barrinhas Dune
- Easy dinner at Los Locos
Day 4 in Jericoacoara
- Hike to Pedra Furada and Jericoacoara Lighthouse
- Lunch in the village
- Afternoon beach time in Jericoacoara
- Shopping in the village
- Sunset and happy hour at Café Jeri
- Dinner at Éllo Restaurante
Day 1 in Jericoacoara
Arrival at the Village of Jericoacoara
If your budget and travel logistics allow, I highly recommend flying into Jericoacoara’s regional airport. Your other option is to fly into Fortaleza and then arrange transportation to Jericoacoara. It’s about 5 hours by car or 8 hours by bus from Fortaleza to Jericoacoara.
Jericoacoara Tourism Tax
Before you can officially enter the village and check in to your hotel, you must prove that you paid the city’s Sustainable Tourism Tax. It is easiest to pay the tax online before your arrival. If you can’t pay in advance, you must pay in person upon arrival at the village gate. Your hotel will also ask to see proof of payment.
Starting soon, there will be another fee to enter Jericoacoara National Park and the village. This fee was only announced in 2024 and has yet to be fully implemented but it is expected to cost R$50 per person.
For more information about paying the Sustainable Tourism Tax – see the City of Jijoca de Jericoacoara’s official tourism site or my travel guide for visiting Jeri.
Where to stay in Jericoacoara
If you’re still searching for a hotel in Jeri, I recommend Villa Mango Jeri! Tucked away into a quiet corner of Jeri, Villa Mango is cool and inviting with modern rooms and a delicious daily breakfast served next to the pool.
The Village of Jericoacoara
Following your hotel check-in, familiarize yourself with the Village of Jericoacoara.
The village is small, but when you first arrive it can feel like a sandy maze of colorful buildings, flowery vines, and narrow alleys called becos in Portuguese. Unlike a lot of places in Brazil, it is totally fine to just wander around the Village and feel a little lost. It is very safe amongst the sandy village streets.
You’ll notice an abundance of shops, restaurants, bars, and hotels everywhere you go. Before the 1990s, Jeri was a sleepy fishing hamlet, practically cut off from the surrounding region by the towering dunes, blue lagoons, groves of palm trees, and wind-swept beaches.
These unique and beautiful natural features have transformed Jericoacoara into an international destination.
Jericoacoara’s Forró Street in 1989
Sunset at the village beach
Before the evening on your first day in Jeri, head to the beach to pick out a place to watch the best sunset in Brazil.
If you’re looking for a caipirinha or cold cerveja to go along with the sunset views, grab a table at Bar do Alexander. You can also walk up to one of the many drinks carts where Rua Principal or Main Street meets the beach.
Dinner at Restaurante Tamarindo
For dinner on your first night in Jeri, walk to Restaurante Tamarindo. Just about everywhere in Jeri is very casual, no need to bring any fancy clothes, and especially no high heels.
Restaurante Tamarindo has a tropical and romantic atmosphere, perfect for setting the mood during your first evening in Jeri!
For dinner, order the flambé shrimp in cachaça with grilled mango and risotto or the Vatapá with shrimp and lobster in a creamy coconut sauce.
Day 2 in Jericoacoara
Morning beach walk
Mornings in Jeri are peaceful. If you are an early riser, walking the beach in Jericoacoara is a nice morning activity.
The beach is very wide with hard-packed sand – perfect for walking or running. During your walk on the beach, you’ll notice village workers and guides arriving via motorbike from the neighboring towns.
If you’re looking for a spot to burn a few extra calories during your stay, check out Crossfit Jericoacoara or Academia Swellness.
Buggy through the west coast of Jericoacoara
Your first big adventure in Jericoacoara starts on the morning of Day 2.
Travel by buggy to the “west coast” of Jericoacoara for a relaxing day at Casa Uca Hotel’s Beachclub. During the 30-minute drive, you will first glimpse the National Park and surrounding region just west of the village.
The two most popular day tours in Jericoacoara explore the west and east coasts. Since Casa Uca Hotel is on the western side of Jeri on the Guriú River, it is easy to combine the two.
If you don’t want to spend the entire day at Casa Uca Hotel, you can arrange to spend the morning touring the west coast attractions and then go to Casa Uca Hotel for lunch and an afternoon dip in the pool.
Popular attractions on the west coast of Jericoacoara
- Canoe through the Guriú River to see seahorses (cavalos-marinhos) : ICMBio, Brazil’s leading environmental conservation organization, runs a tour that allows tourists to view the seahorses that live amongst the mangrove trees in the Guriú River.
- The Dried Mangrove Forest (mangue seco) on Guriú Beach: Once you arrive at Guriú Beach west of Jeri, you will encounter the mythical dried mangrove trees that look petrified from the sun. This stop is mostly a photo-op. Sometimes vendors are selling crafty goods nearby.
- Dune Sledding and Grande Lagoon with Waterslide in Tatajuba: Kids and adventure-seeking adults love these two stops on the west coast tour. Get your adrenaline going as you descend one of the highest dunes in the park on a sand sled and at the Grande Lagoon there is a huge slip-and-slide into the lagoon.
Casa Uca Hotel Beachclub
Whether you spend the whole day at Casa Uca Hotel Beachclub or just go for lunch, you won’t regret your decision!
The hotel’s natural driftwood look is designed to harmonize with its surrounding environment and highlight Guriú’s unique setting.
The atmosphere at the Beachclub is peaceful and zen-like. The pool deck is thoughtfully designed, and built around large trees that provide much-needed shade during hot days in Guriú.
Guests can choose to recline in one of the plush, leopard-printed loungers or reserve a table for lunch. From a lounger, you can spend the day gazing at the ocean as the tide rises and falls, enjoy a juicy beach read, or take a siesta.
Casa Uca also has spa services available at affordable prices.
The menu at Casa Uca is inspired by Ceará cuisine. Try the grilled local lobster with banana ceviche, braised octopus with beet hummus, or a burger with Brazilian coalho cheese. Casa Uca’s bar serves up handcrafted cocktails using fresh ingredients that go perfectly with a day in the sun and water.
Sunset at Duna do Pôr do Sol
On your drive back to the Village, ask your buggy driver to drop you off at Jericoacoara’s famous dune – Duna do Pôr do Sol or Sunset Dune.
This dune is one of Jeri’s most popular attractions. Every afternoon, tourists flock here to applaud the sun as it sets over the ocean.
In the 1980s, the dune was as tall as 60 meters or nearly 200 feet. Due to natural and human-caused erosion, it is only half as tall nowadays. However, it remains one of the best places in Jericoacoara to watch the sunset!
Dinner at Na Casa Dela or Dona Amélia
The gastro scene in Jericoacoara is sneaky good. On night 2, choose between Na Casa Dela or Dona Amélia Restaurante. Both offer savory and creative menus in lively settings.
In Jeri, Dona Amélia Restaurante isn’t just well-known for its delicious food but also for live Forró.
Forró is the most popular genre of music across northeast Brazil. It is also a style of dance. A triangle, zabumba (drum), and accordion are the primary instruments used in Forró music.
Newer event spaces like Quintal Jericoacoara and Espaço Serramar Jeri also have live music events almost every night of the week in Jericoacoara.
Learn more about Forró here.
Day 3 in Jericoacoara
Full-day buggy tour of the East Coast of Jericoacoara
On this itinerary’s third day, arrange a buggy tour of the East Coast of Jericoacoara. Buggies can be booked through an agency or directly with a buggy driver.
The cost of the buggy rental is not by person. It’s a flat rate for the tour, usually between R$400-R$550 for the day. So with four people, the buggy tour price is more reasonable.
Some buggy drivers have massive Instagram followings. Besides driving you around for the day, they will ensure you get the best photos and videos at every stop. Check out the following buggy drivers’ Instagram profiles. It will give you an idea of what to expect if you rent a buggy in Jeri.
@valpasseios
@RafaPasseios
@jerioffroad4x4
@rony.passeios
@danielpasseios
@fenix_tour_jeri
@robsonpasseios
If you prefer to book through a local tour agency, Jeri Férias’s website has excellent reviews and English-language options. Agencies like Loucos por Jeri and Partiu Jeri Turismo also have professional-looking websites with fantastic Google reviews.
If you are a solo traveler, I recommend reserving a seat with a Jardineira or safari-style pick-up truck. These tours are done in large groups and priced per individual. Since it is not a private tour and no tour modifications are made, it is considerably cheaper to book. The tour price per person is ~R$70.
Attractions on the East Coast of Jericoacoara
- Amâncio Lagoon: One of the most picturesque lagoons in Jericoacoara. It is only present after the rainy season. Similar to the lagoons found in Lençois Maranhenses National Park.
- Paraíso Lagoon and the Alchymist Beach Club*: When it’s not too windy, Paraíso Lagoon is a delightful way to pass a couple hours lounging by the lagoon or in one of the hammocks hung in the blue-green waters. There are several beach clubs and restaurants around the lagoon. The most popular is The Alchymist. Try to get here early to snag one of the best spots close to the water.
- Buraco Azul*: An accidental man-made lagoon formed in 2018 after intense rainfall in the region. The water is bright blue due to the high levels of calcium carbonate found in the earth here. Amenities include a restaurant, bar, and many cheesy photo opportunities. You can also schedule a quick helicopter tour of the area at Buraco Azul.
- Preá Beach: Preá is famous for its laidback fishing village vibe and kitesurfing. If you want to eat lunch in Preá ask your buggy driver to take you to Vivendo do Mar. Order the locally caught shrimp and lobster with a cold Corona beer.
- Árvore da Preguiça or “The Lazy Tree”: An enormous wind-blown tree on the beach. This is a photo-op stop on the tour. The tree can be visited during the day or at night. The tour guides use their headlights for a cool effect if it is the last stop on your tour after the sunset in Barrinha.
Sunset at Barrinhas Dune
If the day isn’t too long, extend your tour to see the sunset at the Barrinhas Dune.
This is the best spot to see the sunset in Northeast Brazil. Your buggy driver will drive you to the top of the dune where you will have 360-degree views of the ocean, lagoons, groves of palm trees, and rolling dunes.
Easy Dinner at Los Locos
If you extend your tour to the Barrinhas Dune, plan on returning to the Village of Jericoacoara around 7 p.m.
After a long day in the sun, cruising around Jeri, grab a quick dinner at Los Locos, a local burger chain. If you sit outside at Los Locos, there is usually live music and good people watching.
Day 4 in Jericoacoara
Hike to Pedra Furada
Day 4 of this itinerary is my favorite. It starts with the region’s most popular hike to Pedra Furada – Jericoaoara’s postcard landmark.
Don’t worry though, it’s not a very long or intense hike, and depending on the tides, you can choose a flat walk on the beach to get there instead of hiking over Sertão Hill.
The trailhead to Pedra Furada is just 10 minutes walking from the center of the Village. From here, two different trails lead to the rock formation: Serrote Lighthouse Trail (Trilha do Farol Serrote) and the Pedra Furada Trail (Trilha da Pedra Furada).
The Serrote Lighthouse Trail is 2 miles from the trailhead to Pedra Furada while the Pedra Furada Trail is only 1 mile long.
If the tide is low, Pedra Furada can be reached by walking eastwards along the coast from Malhada Beach.
Plan on dedicating 2 hours to this activity.
Post-hike lunch in Jericoacoara
During the day, the village is fairly sleepy but there are still a handful of restaurants open for tourists during the lunch hour.
I suggest trying one of the following establishments:
Afternoon beach time in Jericoacoara
After your late breakfast or lunch, walk down to the main beach area in the village. While Jericoacoara’s Beach is not the most beautiful in Brazil it is still a super enjoyable way to spend the afternoon. Typically the main beach is slightly less windy than Preá.
On the beach, beachgoers can rent loungers and umbrellas, and beach bars and restaurants serve tropical drinks and fried seafood right to your chair.
Check out Malhada Beach if you want a more remote, nature-forward beach within walking distance of the village. This beach is also a popular choice for surfers.
Just remember to grab sunscreen and a towel from your hotel before hitting the beach!
Souvenir shopping in Jericoacoara
There is no shortage of shopping opportunities in Jericoacoara. There are dozens of clothing boutiques, touristy shops, and artisan street vendors. Pick up a classic Jericoacoara t-shirt or a new beach cover-up and bikini.
Cipó Jeir: Tiny shop that sells handwoven goods like purses, bags, and mats. Cipó means vine in Portuguese.
Greenish: A Brazilian surf and clothing brand with storefronts in a few of Brazil’s most beautiful locations like Jericoacoara and Fernando de Noronha. Their store in Jeri has great beach staples like linen shirts, sundresses, bikinis, and boardies.
Jericoacoara Republic: A fun shop offering brightly colored Jericoacoara t-shirts, tank tops, and hats plus beachy, boutique clothes from local brands.
Café Jeri Store: Just below the Café Jeri is the hotel boutique with beach sand for flooring. In addition to selling fun t-shirts and hats with the classic Jeri sayings on it, Café Jeri Store has attractive beach attire for men and women.
Casa Rosa: A small boutique with bold, tropical designs for men and women.
One last sunset in Jericoacora
Tonight is the last night to savor one of Jeri’s special sunsets. Instead of watching from the beach or dunes, elevate the experience and head to one of Café Jeri’s rooftop parties or check out the rooftop restaurant and bar at the Pousada Vila Gallina. Both of these venues may require reservations or have a bar tab minimum.
If you happen to be visiting in July, you can rearrange the day’s itinerary to see the sunset through the “hole” in Pedra Furada. The sun only lines up perfectly with Pedra Furada in July.
Check the daily sunset times in Jericoacoara.
Pousada Vila Gallina Rooftop
Special dinner at Éllo Restaurante
Celebrate your last night in Jericoacoara with a memorable dinner. If you are a foodie, a trip to Jeri would be incomplete without dining at Éllo Restaurante.
The interior of Éllo has an impressive and airy design. The menu draws on Brazilian and French cuisines to create a 6-course experience that is creative and seasonally driven. There is also an a-la-carte option if you don’t want to sit for 6 courses.
Looking for more activities to fill your time in Jericoacara? Check out my blog post – The 8 Best Things to Do in Jericoacoara.
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