Jericoacoara Day Trip: Lagoa do Paraíso, Pedra Furada & Sunset

Summary

One-Day Jericoacoara Tour: Paradise Lagoon, Village & Dunes

You’ll get to swim in crystal-clear lagoons, snap photos at iconic Pedra Furada, stroll through Jericoacoara’s sandy streets, and watch one of Brazil’s most famous sunsets—all packed into one unforgettable day trip.

What’s the experience like?

The alarm went off at 4am—honestly, I barely slept from the excitement. By 5, we were already rolling out of Fortaleza in a comfy van, windows fogged up from the early chill. The drive’s long but smooth, with the sun slowly lighting up the Ceará countryside. Around 9:30am we reached Jijoca, where things got interesting: everyone piled into these rugged Hilux trucks for the sandy ride ahead. The air smelled faintly salty and warm as we bounced down red-dirt tracks toward our first stop—Lagoa do Paraíso.

If you’ve seen those photos of hammocks half-submerged in turquoise water, that’s here. We had about two and a half hours to swim, nap in the hammocks (yes, they really are as relaxing as they look), or just sip coconut water from a beach shack called Barraca Alchymist. The lagoon’s water is so clear you can see tiny fish darting around your toes. After a quick rinse and change, we stopped by the Preguiça Tree—a wild-looking cashew tree bent sideways by years of wind. Our guide, Lucas, explained how locals believe it brings good luck if you touch its trunk.

The walk to Pedra Furada was next—about 30 minutes along a sandy trail with ocean views on one side and cacti on the other. It gets hot fast here; I was glad I packed extra water. When you finally reach that famous stone archway (Pedra Furada), it’s smaller than you’d expect but somehow more impressive up close. Everyone took turns snapping photos through the hole with waves crashing behind.

Back in Jericoacoara village by mid-afternoon, we wandered narrow sandy streets lined with colorful pousadas and little shops selling açai bowls and handmade jewelry. There’s no pavement here—just sand everywhere—which gives it this laid-back vibe you don’t find in bigger beach towns. Kids played soccer barefoot while older folks chatted outside bakeries.

The day wrapped up at the Sunset Dune—a huge sand hill right by the sea where everyone gathers before dusk. Climbing it isn’t easy (my calves still remember), but sitting at the top with wind in your hair and watching that fiery sun drop into the Atlantic is something I’ll never forget. We headed back to Jijoca around 6pm, shoes full of sand but hearts pretty full too.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Jericoacoara Beach Tour

• Travel from Fortaleza to Jericoacoara area
• Visit Lagoa do Paraíso (including lunch and bath)
• Stop for photos at Preguiça Tree
• Ecological walk to Pedra Furada
• City tour of Jericoacoara village
• Watch sunset on the Dune

Top questions

How early does the tour start from Fortaleza?

Pick-up usually begins around 4am so you can make the most of your day in Jericoacoara.

Is there time to swim at Lagoa do Paraíso?

Yes! You’ll have about two and a half hours to relax, swim or enjoy the hammocks in Lagoa do Paraíso.

Is walking to Pedra Furada difficult?

The trail takes about 30 minutes each way on sandy paths—it can be hot but is manageable for most people with moderate fitness.

Are meals included?

No meals are included but there are several local spots at Lagoa do Paraíso and in Jericoacoara village where you can buy food and drinks.

What kind of vehicles are used after Jijoca?

You’ll switch to open-back Hilux or D20 trucks for crossing sand roads between attractions.

What’s included

Your round-trip transport is covered—from Fortaleza all the way to Jericoacoara village and back—including comfy vans for highways and rugged Hilux or D20 trucks for sandy stretches between Jijoca and Jeri. A local guide leads every step of the way so you won’t miss any hidden details or stories along the route.