Jericoacoara, or simply “Jeri,” is one of Brazil’s most stunning beach destinations. Nestled within a protected national park, its remote location makes getting there an adventure in itself. If you’re flying into Fortaleza Airport (Pinto Martins International Airport – FOR), you have several options to reach this paradise. The journey consists of two main stages: Fortaleza to Jijoca de Jericoacoara, followed by Jijoca to Jericoacoara.
Stage 1: Fortaleza to Jijoca de Jericoacoara
Distance: ~280 km
Duration: ~4 to 5 hours
Jijoca de Jericoacoara (often called “Jijoca”) is the last town before reaching Jeri. It serves as the entry point to the national park and is where vehicles transition from paved roads to sand paths. There are multiple ways to get from Fortaleza to Jijoca:
1. Private Transfer (Most Comfortable & Fastest)
- Best for those seeking convenience and speed.
- A 4×4 vehicle or minivan will pick you up at Fortaleza Airport and take you directly to Jijoca.
- Travel time: ~4 hours.
- Prices range from R$700 to R$1,200, depending on the vehicle and service provider.
- Recommended for families, groups, or those with luggage.
2. Shared Shuttle (Budget-Friendly)
- Minivans or buses operated by private companies.
- Pick-up from the airport or hotels in Fortaleza.
- Takes 5 to 6 hours, as there may be multiple stops.
- Prices range from R$100 to R$200 per person.
3. Bus (Cheapest Option)
- Operated by Fretcar, this is the most affordable way to get to Jeri.
- Leaves from Fortaleza bus terminal (Rodoviária) and stops in Jijoca.
- Takes 6 to 7 hours, as it stops in several towns along the way.
- Tickets cost around R$90 to R$150.
- From Jijoca, you need to take a separate transfer to Jericoacoara.
4. Rental Car (For Independent Travelers)
- You can rent a 4×4 vehicle in Fortaleza and drive yourself.
- The road to Jijoca is paved, but the last part from Jijoca to Jericoacoara is only accessible by 4×4.
- Travel time: 4 to 5 hours.
- You can park in Jijoca and take a shared 4×4 truck into Jeri.
Stage 2: Jijoca to Jericoacoara
Distance: ~20 km
Duration: ~45 minutes to 1 hour
From Jijoca, the terrain changes drastically. Since Jericoacoara is inside a national park, there are no paved roads, and only 4×4 vehicles can reach the village.
1. 4×4 “Jardineira” (Most Common Option)
- These open-air trucks transport visitors across the sand dunes.
- Operated by the same transfer companies or local services.
- Costs around R$30 to R$50 per person.
- Runs regularly throughout the day.
- Expect a scenic, bumpy ride through the dunes!
2. Private 4×4 Transfer
- Some private transfer services from Fortaleza offer a direct ride all the way to Jeri.
- This is the fastest and most comfortable option, avoiding the need to switch vehicles in Jijoca.
- Prices range from R$800 to R$1,500 for door-to-door service.
3. Self-Drive (Only with a 4×4 Vehicle)
- If you rented a 4×4 vehicle, you can drive yourself into Jeri.
- GPS may not always be reliable, so it’s best to follow local guidance.
- There are two main routes: one through the dunes (more scenic but challenging) and another along the beach (easier, but only accessible at low tide).
- Be prepared for deep sand driving and reduced cellphone signal.
Final Tips for Your Journey
- Book your transport in advance, especially during high season (July-January).
- Bring cash, as there are limited ATMs in Jericoacoara.
- Pack light, since luggage space on 4×4 vehicles is limited.
- Check the tide schedule if driving along the beach route.
- Enjoy the adventure—getting to Jeri is part of the experience!
Once you arrive in Jericoacoara, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking landscapes, crystal-clear lagoons, stunning sunsets, and a laid-back atmosphere that makes the journey worthwhile. Safe travels!