WHEN -

You could come here anytime throughout the year.

The rainy season is from January to mid June but the rain does not last that long. The lagoons are full and the vegetation is nice and green. The hotels are usually cheaper at this time too.

July to December is warm dry, sunny and windy. August to November is peak season with the biggest crowds and highest prices.

After peak season in December the locals might be a little jaded. So that makes July the ideal month to go.

STAY -

Essenza Hotel ***** - 

set in Jericoacoara National Park completely facing the sea and 100 metres from the village centre. Ground floor rooms have direct access to the pool and top floor rooms have their own private balcony pool. It has a restaurant, bar and fitness centre.

ABOUT -

You have two options here. Either fly in directly and spend all of your time in Jericoacoara which is a pretty good idea. Or you could see a bit more of Brazil  and add on the cities of Rio de janeiro and Forteleza. (Or any others for that matter)

Make your way directly to Jericoacoara through nearby Cruz, Ceará (Jijoca de Jericoacoara) (JJD) airport which is about an hour away. It has dirct flights to Fortaleza and Sao Paulo which you should be able to connect with.

Or make your way to Fortaleza which is the closest major airport to Jericoacoara - known affectionately as "Jeri". Have stopovers in Rio de Janeiro and Fortaleza either side if you so desire. Just check out Brazil in 'Countries A - L'.

You will have a wonderful honeymoon in this special place. So stay for at least a week if not a lot longer.

It was a quiet little fishing village until the Washington Post named it as one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world. In 2002 the surrounding area was made a National Park so development is rigidly restricted. And the fishermen are still there providing wonderfully fresh sea food every day.

The town has 5 sandy streets so everything is a short walk away and don't worry about getting too dressed up.  Footwear optional. Everything is laid back and casual around here.  Horses, cows and donkeys wander around unchaperoned. There are now plenty of boutique cafes, bakeries, restaurants, bars and shops to satisfy your needs.

ADD ONS -

You need to come through Fortaleza anyway so it makes sense to spend a few days here enjoying the beaches and nightlife. You may like to spend a few days in Rio while you're in Brazil. Have a look at Brazil in Countries A - L. Fly there first and take a domestic flight to Fortaleza. See EXTRAS.

ROMANCE -

Adult Only hotel

Floating Breakfast

Couples Massage

Take a Sailboat out at sunset

No street lights - only the light of the moon and stars

SUNRISES & SUNSETS -

Jericoacoara has the very rare phenomenon of Emerald Sunsets. As the sun sinks below the horizon it flashes bright green for just a moment.

Mirante do Por do Sol - the Sunset Dune is next door to the hotel, there is even a drinks cart at the top selling Caipirinhas

Horseback ride up to the Light House

Rooftop Sunset Circus Party - at Cafe Jeri

BUDGET -

Moderate. Cheaper than the US and Europe but not as cheap as Asia. It's worth having enough funds to do it in style. Food and drinks can be quite cheap if you want them to be. It all depends on the exchange rate with the Brazilian Real which can be more volatile than most currencies. Real is pronounced Hey-al and the plural Reals is pronounced Hey-ice. At the end of the day you will get a good value holiday for your money, but  more importantly you'll have priceless memories for life.

HIGHLIGHTS -

Amazing sand dunes

In 1987 the Washington Post named Jericoacoara as one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world. Not long after Brazilians voted it as the best beach in Brazil. And these people know a little bit about beaches! In 2004 Lonely Planet voted it the best beach in the world.

PAMPER -

Spa / Wellness Packages - Hammam - Massage - Sauna - Hair Styling

RELAXING -

This place is relaxation

Floating Cafe

Sun Loungers by the Infinite Edge Swimming Pool

Hang out in hammocks in the lagoons

VIEWS -

Pool and Stunning Sea Views and the beautiful white sand Jericoacoara Beach

FOOD -

The Essenza Bistro - al fresco dining by the beach

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Always start the day with some Acai

Gelato & Grano - 

for ice cream o'clock, 20 flavours in the main square

There are many foreigners living here so there is a good variety of good food not to mention the fantastic fresh and cheap sea food. Just wander about you'll be spoilt for choice. The old rule of thumb is if it's popular with the locals the food is probably pretty good.

DRINKS -

Pool Bar - Drinks and cocktails can be ordered by the pool.

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Live Music in the Beer Garden

Beach restaurants swaying to energetic Forro and Capoeira performances

There is always something happening in the village. Wander down main street, pick up a Caipirinha (the National Drink made with the local firewater Cachaca) or the smoother Caipiroska (made with vodka) from a street side stall and wander about seeing what's of interest.

SIGHTS -

The Capoeiristas - 

at the base of Sunset Dune you will be treated to a show after the sun has set. Capoeira is a form of martial art developed by the slaves and can be mesmerising at times and amazingly acrobatic at others.

Pedra Furada - 

the natural rock archway at one end of the beach

Sloth Tree - the lazy sideways tree

Buraco Azul - 

the Blue Hole

Climb up to the Light House and check out the views

ACTIVITIES -

Tours - Bike Rental - Personal Trainer - Kite Surfing - Wind Surfing - SUP - Yoga - Pilates - Capoeira - Zumba - Horse Riding, Sand surfing, Beach volleyball

Kayak through mangrove forests

ATV or dune buggy trip through the dunes - 

try the dune buggies Fortelza if you're a thrill seeker 

SOUVENIRS -

Check out the artisanal stores in the main street

TIPS -

· Bring cash as there are no ATM's here, although restaurants and hotels will take credit cards

· Bring change as well, not just big notes. Nobody has change.

· Bring any medications you may need as well as sunscreen etc. It is very close to the equator so you'll need lots of sun screen.

CHEAPER OPTIONS - all on Booking.com

Vila Kalango ***** - 

Bungalows and stilt houses, swimming pool, beachfront, restaurant - Themed Nights, bar - Happy Hour

Pousada Jeriba ***** - 

2 swimming pools, beachfront, restaurant, bar

La Villa Jericoacoara - 

large pool and sun deck, bungalows, beachfront, restaurant, bar

Pousada O Refugio - 

400 metres from beach, swimming pool, chalets and suites, Jacuzzi

Pousada Sahara ** - 

100 metres from the beach, swimming pool, Bridal suite, Massage, Coffee House, BBQ

VISAS -

Many countries are exempt from needing a visa for Brazil

Click here to check your status.

TRANSPORT - Check for airfares here

São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) - 

is the largest airport in Brazil, it has direct flights to 92 cities in 26 countries.

Cruz, Ceará (Jijoca de Jericoacoara) (JJD) -

from Sao Paulo you can take a domestic flight to this airport which is about an hour away from Jericoacoara.

You can also fly to Fortaleza from Sao Paulo as well.

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Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport (GIG) - 

has direct flights to 41 cities in 14 countries. If you want to spend a few days in Rio fly here to connect with Fortaleza.

Fortaleza Pinto Martins International Airport (FOR) - 

has direct flights to 19 cities in 5 countries including Miami, Lisbon, Paris and Buenos Aires.

You could find your way to Fortaleza the state capital of Ceara. It is worth spending a few days here as it has some great beaches and interesting nightlife including the Pirata Bar which advertises the craziest place on earth on a Monday night.

Organise a transfer to Prai de Jericoacoara with your hotel. Or catch the bus to save money. It is a 300km trip which takes 4 hours. The last 45 minutes is made by off-road vehicles that can traverse sand. This last barrier seems to keep unwanted elements out and makes the little village even more special.

EXTRA -

See #8 Brazil Explorer in 'countries'.

Click here to go to the marker map.