Jericoacoara Day Trip from Fortaleza: Lagoa do Paraíso & Pedra Furada

Summary

Swim in clear lagoons, walk dunes and watch Jericoacoara’s sunset

You’ll start before sunrise from Fortaleza and spend a full day exploring Jericoacoara: swimming in Lagoa do Paraíso, walking to Pedra Furada, tasting local food, and watching sunset from the sand. Expect laughter with your group and small surprises along the way — this isn’t just a tour; it feels like a real adventure across Ceará’s wild coast.

What’s the experience like?

The van rolled out of Fortaleza while it was still dark — I barely remember climbing in, just flashes of streetlights and the driver (I think his name was Paulo?) handing out sleepy nods. By the time we reached Jijoca, the sun was just starting to warm up the air. There’s this moment when you switch vehicles and climb into these open-sided trucks — sand everywhere, wind whipping through your hair. Someone next to me tried to balance their coffee cup and gave up laughing.

Lagoa do Paraíso is honestly something else. The water’s so clear it almost looks fake, but it’s chilly when you first wade in. I watched a couple of kids splashing each other near those hammocks that sit right in the lagoon — they kept daring each other to go deeper. Lunch was simple but good; grilled fish with farofa and lime, nothing fancy but somehow perfect after swimming. The main keyword for today? Jericoacoara day trip from Fortaleza — I’d heard so much about it but didn’t expect how relaxed everything felt.

We stopped at Praia do Preá for a quick look at that famous mangrove tree (the one everyone calls “da preguiça” because it looks like it’s lazing around). Our guide Li explained how its branches drag along for meters — she laughed when I tried repeating her explanation in Portuguese. The walk to Pedra Furada took longer than I thought (bring water!), but seeing that stone arch up close with waves crashing underneath…yeah, worth every step. There were a few vendors selling coconut water along the way — not cold enough, but honestly refreshing anyway.

The sun was already low by the time we wandered into Jericoacoara village itself. Shops selling woven bracelets, people barefoot on sandy streets, music drifting out of a bar somewhere. We all ended up on the beach for sunset — nobody really talked much then, just watched as everything turned gold and pink. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home. The ride back was quieter; everyone sort of lost in their own thoughts or half asleep against the window.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day tour from Fortaleza to Jericoacoara

• Depart from Praia do Futuro early morning
• Stop at Lagoa do Paraíso for lagoon bath
• Visit Blue Hole natural landscape
• See mangrove tree with long branches
• Walk to Stone Furada ecological site
• Explore Jericoacoara beaches and shops
• Enjoy sunset at Jericoacoara
• Return to Fortaleza

Top questions

What time does the Jericoacoara day trip from Fortaleza start?

The tour departs as early as 02:30 AM from various points in Fortaleza.

Is hotel pickup included on this Jericoacoara tour?

Yes, pickup is available from Praia do Futuro, Av. Beira Mar, Praia de Iracema and nearby hotels.

How long is the walk to Pedra Furada?

The ecological walk takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes round-trip.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No, meals are not included; you can buy lunch at local restaurants during stops.

Are entrance fees included for attractions like Blue Hole?

No, entrance fees for some attractions such as Blue Hole are not included.

What should I bring on this Jericoacoara tour?

Bring water, sunscreen, comfortable shoes for walking, and swimwear for lagoon bathing.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

How many people are there per vehicle?

The vans hold up to 15 people; minibuses can carry 28-35 passengers; buses up to 50 seats.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation from Fortaleza with early morning pickup at your hotel or nearby point. Transfers between Jijoca and Jericoacoara are by open-sided truck for that breezy coastal feeling. All drivers have years of experience ensuring safe travel throughout Ceará’s wild landscapes—meals or attraction entry aren’t covered but there’s plenty of time for local food stops along the way before returning late evening.