Fortaleza - Jericoacoara: Round Trip Transfer with Local Drivers

Summary

From Fortaleza’s bustle to Jericoacoara’s quiet dunes, a ride that’s half journey, half window into Ceará

You’ll move from Fortaleza’s city streets to Jericoacoara’s sandy calm without worrying about logistics. Expect hotel pickup, friendly local drivers who know every turn, snack stops (don’t miss the pão de queijo), and help navigating vehicle changes or taxes along the way. It’s more than just getting there—it’s feeling each shift in landscape and mood.

What’s the experience like?

“You sure you packed the sunscreen?” That’s what my friend asked as we waited outside our Fortaleza hotel at 7am, both still blinking sleep out of our eyes. The van pulled up right on time, air conditioning already humming (thank god), and our driver—Marcos—gave us a nod that said he’d done this route more times than he could count. The city faded fast behind us. I remember watching the buildings thin out, replaced by stretches of green and flashes of red dirt. By the time we stopped in Paraipaba for snacks, it was just past ten and the smell of fresh pão de queijo drifted from a stall near the bathroom line. I grabbed one and burned my tongue a little—worth it.

The road got bumpier after Jijoca. That’s where everyone shuffled off to switch vehicles—something about the sand tracks ahead being too much for regular wheels. There was a bit of confusion with the environmental tax payment (I didn’t have small bills; Marcos just shrugged and helped me sort it). The sun was high by then, making everything look washed out and kind of endless. It hit me how far we’d come from Fortaleza when I saw locals loading up their motorcycles with crates of fruit, kids waving as we passed. Arrival at Jericoacoara felt like stepping into another world—sand underfoot instead of pavement, salty air everywhere.

On the way back a few days later, pickup was right at 11am sharp from our pousada. We all looked a little sunburned but happy. Lunch in Jijoca wasn’t included but honestly, sitting in that open-air restaurant with everyone swapping beach stories over grilled fish felt like part of the trip anyway. The last stretch back to Fortaleza was quieter; most people napped or stared out at the changing light. I kept thinking about that first bite of warm cheese bread in Paraipaba—and how sometimes, even a simple transfer ends up sticking with you longer than you expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Transfer from Fortaleza to Jericoacoara

• Pick up at Fortaleza hotels
• Stop in Paraipaba for snack and bathroom
• Stop in Jijoca for vehicle exchange and tax payment
• Arrive at Jericoacoara hostel

Day 2 — Return from Jericoacoara to Fortaleza

• Pick up at Jericoacoara hostel
• Drive to Jijoca
• Lunch at Jijoca restaurant (not included)
• Vehicle exchange in Jijoca
• Arrive in Fortaleza

Top questions

How long does the transfer from Fortaleza to Jericoacoara take?

The journey takes about 7 hours including stops for snacks and vehicle changes.

Is hotel pickup included in Fortaleza?

Yes, pickup from your hotel in Fortaleza is included in the transfer service.

Are there bathroom breaks during the trip?

Yes, there is a stop in Paraipaba around 10:00 for snacks and bathroom use.

Do I need cash for any fees?

You’ll need cash to pay the environmental tax at Jijoca before entering Jericoacoara.

What time will I arrive in Jericoacoara?

The scheduled arrival at your hostel or pousada in Jericoacoara is around 14:00.

Is lunch included on the return trip?

No, lunch at Jijoca on the return leg is not included—you can buy your own meal there.

Are guides provided during the transfer?

An accredited guide accompanies you during the journey alongside authorized drivers.

Can infants travel on this transfer?

Yes, infants can ride on an adult's lap or in a stroller/pram if needed.

What’s included

Your round-trip includes hotel pickup and drop-off in both Fortaleza and Jericoacoara, travel with accredited guides and authorized drivers in air-conditioned vehicles, plus help managing vehicle changes and entry fees along the way—so you can focus on soaking up every mile between city and sea.