Jericoacoara National Park lies on the coast of Ceará in northeastern Brazil, beside the village of Jericoacoara. White dunes run down to the sea, and inland you find lagoons, a small oasis and mangroves. Marked trails let you walk through the scenery and spot birds, butterflies, crabs and plants. Many visitors plan the day around sunset from Jeri beach.
Dunes, lagoons and mangroves
The park is made up of sand dunes that reach the sea, but its interior is more varied than the coast suggests. Behind the dunes you find lagoons, a small oasis and mangrove areas, all within a short walk of one another.
The marked trails are the easiest way to take this in. Walking gives you more time to notice the birds, butterflies, crabs and plants that live among the sand and water. One visitor who walked rather than riding in a vehicle described landscapes that were worth the slower pace.
The dunes are a large part of the park's appeal, but one visitor noted that they have shrunk noticeably in recent years, so expect a landscape that has changed from older photographs.
Getting there and getting around
Reaching the park takes some planning. Vehicles going into the park need to be a 4x4, and many visitors take a buggy or 4x4 tour from the village. A car hired in Fortaleza is one option, as is flying to the nearby airport, which one visitor suggested as the easier route.
Traffic inside the park can be busy, with cars, buggies and motorbikes moving around the sand. Walking sections of the route avoids most of this and gives a quieter experience.
The village is lively, with restaurants and drink stalls in the evening, but it is busy with tourists and many people find the guides and tourist tax a nuisance. Local shops have a limited range, and prices are higher than in larger towns, so buy food and water before you arrive if you plan to self-cater.
Beach, tides and sunset
The beach changes with the tide. At low tide, the water pulls back a long way and leaves a wide sandy area. At high tide, the beach becomes narrow and the water is shallow. Plan your time on the sand around the tide table, and check it before your visit.
Kite surfing is common on the beach, and a few surfers also ride the small waves. Shade is scarce on most beaches in the area, so bring your own sun protection and water.
Sunset from Jeri beach is the moment most visitors aim for. Seaweed can wash up on the shore at some times of year, so if the beach looks unclear or smells strongly, a stretch of coast further along may suit you better. Other beaches along the coast, such as Lagoinha, are a quieter option.
FAQ
How do you get to Jericoacoara National Park?
Vehicles need to be a 4x4 to enter the park. Many visitors take a buggy or 4x4 tour from the village, hire a car in Fortaleza, or fly to the nearby airport.
When is the park open?
The park is closed on Saturdays and Sundays and opens on weekdays. Check the park's official website for current hours before you travel.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are allowed, but only in some areas of the park. Check the pet rules before your visit.
Is it better to walk or take a buggy?
Walking the trails gives you more time to see the birds, butterflies, crabs and plants, and it avoids much of the vehicle traffic inside the park.
