Guide to Jericoacoara, Brazil: 5 Essential Tips to Know Before You Go
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Jericoacoara, a picturesque and uniquely beautiful beach town in Brazil, offers the perfect tropical getaway. Located in the Northeast state of Ceará, this former fishing village turned beach resort, Jijoca de Jericoacoara, is a must-visit destination for those seeking relaxation or adventure. Whether you're sipping $3 Caipirinhas by the ocean or kite-surfing along the coast, Jericoacoara promises a trip of a lifetime. To help you plan your visit, here are five important things to know before you go:
#1 - CLOSEST AIRPORT
While there is a small airport near Jericoacoara, there are very few direct flights to and from other Brazilian cities, often with very high fares. If you're traveling from the US or other locations, it's more cost and time-effective to fly into and out of Fortaleza, which is a 4 to 5-hour drive away.
#2 - THE BEST WAYS TO GET THERE
For transport from Fortaleza to Jericoacoara, several options are available at different price points.
Budget: The most budget-friendly option (which we took) is the bus, costing around $15-$30 USD and taking approximately 6.5 hours. Buses run frequently throughout the day, making it a great choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Mid-price: A more convenient (but also more expensive) option would be to book a private or a shared transfer from the airport. Unlike the bus, these transfers will drop you directly within the village and will take no more than 5 hours. However, the convenience will cost you: transfers will go for anywhere between $45-$70 per person. Depending on your budget for the trip, a private/shared transfer or the bus might work better for you.
Luxury: For a truly personalized and comfortable experience, you can even book a helicopter ride from Fortaleza to Jericoacoara. Depending on the size of your group, this option might be more cost-effective than flying directly into the Jericoacoara airport, and it offers the most unique and scenic way to reach Jericoacoara.
WHERE TO STAY IN JERICOACOARA
#3 - NATIONAL PARK RESTRICTIONS
Since Jericoacoara is situated inside a national park, public buses are not allowed within the village. Keep in mind that if you take a bus to or from Fortaleza, it will stop in Jijoca de Jericoacoara, the main town just outside the national park. From there, you'll need to book private or shared transport to enter the national park, which takes about 30-40 minutes, most of it through the sand dunes within the park.
#4 - THERE ARE NO ATMS IN JERICOACOARA
Although cash is essential for various purchases in Jericoacoara, such as beachside drinks, food, lounge chairs, umbrellas, and souvenirs, there are no ATMs in the village, so don’t make the same mistake that we did and make sure to acquire your cash before entering the national park to avoid any inconveniences.
#5 - YOU MUST PAY THE NATIONAL PARK ENTRANCE FEE
As Jericoacoara is within a protected national park, there is a small environmental fee to enter. The cost is R$5.00 (approximately $1 USD) for each day in Jericoacoara. You can pay online in advance or upon arrival, so to save time and avoid lines at the park entrance, I highly recommend paying ahead of time online before you arrive.
Following the tips mentioned above will help you better plan for your trip to this incredible location and ensure that you have the best time in Jericoacoara. Happy traveling!
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Welcome to Points to Point Travel, your ultimate guide to unlocking the world of travel using points and miles. I'm Stacy, and my mission is to empower you with destination guides, insider travel tips, and strategies to maximize your credit card points, showing you countless ways to travel smarter and better!
