Fortaleza in 3 days: the accordion rhythm of forró music, the red sandstone cliffs of Canoa Quebrada, the cashew juice of Ceará, and the wind-sculpted dunes of Jericoacoara at sunset.
The 5km Atlantic seafront with the morning walkers and the northeast trade wind blowing fresh.
The 4-story traditional market: lacework, hammocks (Fortaleza exports 90% of Brazil's), cashew wine and cachaça.
🎫 Book tickets via GetYourGuideSeasoned crab in the shell and fish-coconut milk stew — the signature Ceará seafood lunch.
Fortaleza's postmodern cultural hub — contemporary art, amphitheater and the old bohemian Iracema district.
🎫 Book tickets via GetYourGuideNortheast Brazil's accordion dance music — everyone dances, everyone dances with strangers. The finest forró in Ceará.
40m red cliffs above a white beach — the moon-and-star symbol carved into the cliff, the hippie village on top.
🎫 Book tickets via GetYourGuide4WD open-frame buggies over the dune crests and into freshwater lagoons — the defining Ceará experience.
Spiny lobster grilled whole on charcoal at a beach restaurant — the freshest lobster in Brazil.
Fresh cashew fruit juice (sweeter than the nut), cashew dishes and live forró on the Beira Mar.
4.5 hours on highway then dune tracks — the last 50km requires 4WD. Worth every minute.
🎫 Book tickets via GetYourGuideA hammock suspended in turquoise freshwater, surrounded by dunes — the most relaxing hour in Brazil.
The natural stone arch in the sea west of Jeri village — the most photographed landmark in Ceará.
Hundreds of people climbing the 30m dune to cheer the Atlantic sunset together. One of South America's great travel experiences.
Grilled shrimp and rice at a Jeri beach restaurant before the overnight return to Fortaleza.
The 4.5-hour return through the Ceará interior. Arriving at midnight, exhausted and happy.