The place

The beach was internationally considered by Washington Post Magazine as one of the 10 most beautiful in the world. The article might be quite old, but beaches and nature did not change that much since then. By Brazilians, it was often elected the best in the country. Come judge for yourself!

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.

Jeri 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.

No wonder as well, that we are visited by people from all over the world! Most stay longer than intended.

Why?

There are many reasons: Jericoacoara village is within a National Park, where the environment is under protection. The surrounding scenery 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… There are two beautiful beaches at a few minutes walk from the village center. 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!).

The weather - daily temperature between 29-35 degrees centigrade during the whole year! Almost guaranteed no rain during the 2nd. semester but lots of wind, for the joy of kite-surfers and windsurfers. There might be some rain (fortunately) between February and May.

Activities & Leisure

Sports

• Windsurf and Kitesurf – Jericoacoara is one of the best places in Brazil and the world, with perfect wind direction and constancy. Best conditions are from July to December. 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 the National Park surrounding the village, to the Pedra Furada (rock formation that is the landmark from Jeri)
• Horseback riding

Day tours

• Buggy rides to Tatajuba or to the lagoons – along secluded beaches and mangrove areas, adventure rides over dunes, swim in sweet water lakes, fresh seafood…
• 4-wheel ATVs or motorcycles rental

Nightlife

• “Forró” (regional dance-music style) dancehalls
• Live music
• Bars, clubs, parties, restaurants…
• Caipirinhas, cold beers….  

Body and Soul 

• 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:

Cash -  There are no banks, official exchange offices or ATMs in Jeri. US$ or EURO (only cash, no traveler cheques) might be changed privately but exchange rates are unfavorable. Some places accept credit cards but you will still need cash in Brazilian currency (Reais), so better bring it. There is cash/ATM machine in a village named Jijoca, approx. 1 hour ride from Jeri.

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:

Jericoacoara is approx. 300km away from Fortaleza. There is a regular bus service twice a day, with a 3rd bus in peak high season months. In Jijoca busses connect with a 4-wheel drive vehicle for the last part of the route, the whole trip takes 5-7 hours. Please check schedules at www.redencaoonline.com.br
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.

Not easily, but it is also possible to reach Jeri through the São Luis-Barreirinhas-Lençois Maranhenses-Parnaiba-Camocim route. 

Leaving Jeri is hard – not due to lack of transport, but because one feels like staying forever!

Keep reading and you will find out how it happened to me....