What to do in Jericoacoara: 15 experiences to leave with no regrets
Honest itinerary with tours, beaches, lagoons, and experiences worth doing in Jeri — and how much time to set aside for each one.
Jericoacoara has a curious way of scrambling plans. You show up thinking you’ll do a thousand things, and by day two you find yourself sitting in the sand watching the wind shape the dunes. And that’s okay — Jeri is about that too.
But to not leave thinking “how did I not do that?”, here’s what really counts. Free order, no rules.
In the village and on foot
1. Watch the sunset at Sunset Dune
It’s the village ritual. Late afternoon, everyone walks to the big dune at the beach’s edge to watch the sun sink into the sea. There’s capoeira, music, and often applause when the sun goes down. Get there about 40 minutes early to grab a good spot. Read the full Sunset Dune guide.
2. Head to Pedra Furada (at the right tide)
The most photographed rock arch in Ceará, about 3 km from the village. You can go along the beach — only at low tide — or by the trail over Serrote. The tide detail is so important we wrote an article just about it.
3. Climb Serrote and see the Lighthouse
The hill behind the village is a short walk with a beautiful view: ocean on one side, dunes and the village on the other. Go early or late afternoon, when the sun is kinder.
4. Get lost in the sand streets
No asphalt, no cars. Walking barefoot down Main Street, ducking into little shops, finding a hidden café and ending the night at a caipirinhas stand on the beach — that’s a day’s agenda in itself.
5. Experience Jeri’s forró and nightlife
The village has lively nightlife with forró, bars with live music, and restaurants of all kinds. Which days have parties changes with the season — ask at your guesthouse.
In the wind and water
6. Take a kitesurfing lesson
Jeri and the Preá region are among the world’s best-known kite spots, with strong and consistent wind in season (usually July to January). Even those who never thought about riding usually leave their first lesson with a huge smile. See what the lesson is like.
7. Swim in Jeri Beach or Malhada
The main beach has calmer sea for much of the year. Malhada Beach, by Serrote, is quieter and full of pretty rocks.
The classic tours
8. Relax in the hammocks at Paradise Lagoon
The photo you’ve already seen a thousand times: hammocks hung in turquoise water. It exists, and it’s even more beautiful in person. Learn more about Paradise Lagoon and Blue Lagoon.
9. Meet the Sloth Tree
A tree that grew almost lying down, shaped by wind over the years. It’s on the East tour route and makes a curious photo.
10. Cross by ferry and see seahorses at Mangue Seco
On the West side, a canoe ride through the mangrove shows seahorses up close. It’s delicate, beautiful, and different from everything else on your trip.
11. Have lunch with your feet in the water at Tatajuba
Enormous dunes, mangrove, a lagoon full of beach bars and swings over the water. Tatajuba is the highlight of the West tour. Compare East and West tours.
With adrenaline
12. Ride a quad through the dunes
With a guide, you ride your own quad through sand trails, lagoons, and viewpoints. There’s a 2-hour option for a taste, and a 6-hour one to go far. See quad tours.
13. Go on a CRF dirt bike trail
For experienced riders: a guided trail through the dunes, at a pace matched to your level. Check out the dirt bike trail.
At your own pace
14. Explore by electric bike
The freest way to get around Jeri. Wide tires roll well in sand and the motor does the work for you. Rent an electric bike.
15. Do absolutely nothing
Seriously. Block out at least an afternoon with no plans. Jeri has a gift for making time move slower, and that’s a tour too.
How many days should you stay in Jeri?
With 3 days you can see the essentials: one day for the village and Pedra Furada, one for the East tour, and another to enjoy the beach and sunset. With 5 days or more, add the West tour, kite lessons, and rest days — that’s when Jeri really happens.
