The place
The village itself has changed and is not any longer a fishermen community with no electricity, where you would overnight in a hammock… – it has grown and now offers a good infrastructure for tourists and locals, in terms of restaurants, bars, internet, shopping, activities, night life… not available years ago. The development cannot be avoided, but the beauty and charm of Jeri has remained, with its unpaved streets covered by sand and relaxing atmosphere.
Jericoacoara is increasingly becoming known worldwide, as a fascinating and special place to spend vacations or to live part-time or year round. Most travel guides such as Lonely Planet, describe it as a must while in Brazil or even South America (Lonely Planet Brazil 7th. edition 2008 - Quote: "Hightlights: The ultimate backpacker hideaway, with fantastic coastal scenery, good nightlife, and fine surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. Text: Jericoacoara magnetizes travelers with its perfect combination of isolated location, stunning coastal scenery, enjoyable activities...... it is an easy place to make new friends and many people end up staying longer than they planned..." Unquote).
No wonder Jeri has become home for Brazilians from around the country, as well as for Germans, Americans, French, Italians, Swiss, Canadian… living in harmony with each other and the locals in a tolerant community. The estimated number of inhabitants is between 2.500-3.000, mostly nice, kind of crazy people.
There are many reasons: Jericoacoara village is surrounded by a national park, where the environment is under protection. The scenery in Jericoacoara National Park is fascinating, with diverse and splendid landscapes of high dunes of white sand (worldwide among the largest of this kind), blue lagoons with crystal clear sweet water, secluded beaches… The two beautiful Jericoacoara beaches are at a few minutes walk from the hostel.
In Jericoacoara, the days are sunny and a fresh breeze blows, the weather being pleasant during the whole year. Jeri is among the few places where the sun sets over the Atlantic Ocean, so the sunsets viewed from the top of the “Sunset Dune” by the beach, are astonishing, followed by happy hour and capoeira presentations at the beach. The skies at day or night are incredible (not exagerating!).
Activities & Leisure in & around Jericoacoara
- Jericoacoara windsurfing and Kitesurfing are considered among the best in Brazil and the world, with perfect wind direction and constancy. Best conditions are from July to December, (check here). There are plenty of schools with qualified instructors and rental equipment.
- Capoeira – you can take lessons with one of the many local instructors or just watch the “roda” presentations at the beach right after sunset.
- Sand-boarding – on the dune directly at the beach.
- Hiking – around Jericoacoara National Park surrounding the village, to the Pedra Furada (rock formation that is the landmark from Jeri)...
- Horseback riding
- Buggy rides to Tatajuba or to the lagoons (Paraiso + Azul) – along secluded beaches and mangrove areas, adventure rides over dunes, swim in sweet water lakes, fresh seafood…
- 4-wheel ATVs or motorcycles rental
- “Forró” (regional dance-music style) dancehalls
- Live music
- Bars, clubs, parties, restaurants…
- Caipirinhas, cold beers….
- Professional massage and beauty treatments
- Yoga classes
- Enjoy the beach and the sun, have fun, relax on your own way…
Private Portuguese classes for foreigners, with experienced teacher (fluent in Portuguese, English, German). Teaching material provided. Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
TIPS/USEFUL INFORMATION
What to bring:
Gear - We are close to the Equator, so don’t forget sun lotion, sunglasses, hats… Clothing is very casual, there is no need at all for fancy or warm clothes, a long sleeve T-shirt might be useful for the nights though. Since you will walk just on sand (no paved streets), shoes/sneakers are out, flip-flops are the official footwear, easily available in Jeri.
Cameras, films, and extra batteries. Personal medicine if necessary.
How to get there:
It is also possible to arrange private or semi-private transfers, faster but more expensive. Request information when booking your accommodation.
It is not advisable to drive by yourself since the last part of the route requires 4-wheel-drive vehicles and drivers familiar with the region and road conditions.
Keep reading and you will find out how it happened to me...
JERI AND ME
Although knowing many places the choice was not difficult, as I fell in love with Jeri from the first time. Since then, I had this dream of running my own small hostel, the dream came true and here I am!
Traveling usually as backpacker on low-mid budget, the kind of accommodation I used to look for is what I offer my guests now: comfortable but not luxurious, good value for money, nice athosphere, clean, good location, friendly with a personal touch...
Hope to see you here soon!
(Ingrid & Pituco-Dog)
