JERICOACOARA - THE VILLAGE
SLOW PACE, RELAXED MOOD. Not much has changed since Jeri was just a sleepy little fishing village, visited only by the most adventurous travelers. Upon arriving in Jeri you will only walk on sand and drive in dune buggies. It's as though the absence of cement streets changes the pace of life and the mood of the people. Everything is a touch slower and more relaxed.
MINI MANHATTAN. Being on the edge of the earth doesn't mean being deprived of comfort and luxury. It's a little like a mini Manhattan. Almost anything you hanker for, you can have; from massages to delicious dinners, to laid back bars and lively dance clubs, there's something for everyone.
Sunset Dune
One of the most popular daily rituals in Jeri is to watch the sun make its ascent and descent from the top of "Sunset Dune" - which stands just west of the village.
Night Sky
One of the most impressive sights Jeri has to offer is her night sky, completely unpolluted by city lights, it shines brightly - perfect for astronomy enthusiasts or simple star gazers. You may never have seen a sky so filled with stars, perfectly framed by the gently swaying palms.
Igreja - Church
It is worth making a visit to the stone Church, built by the locals, since the tower offers a splendid view of the Bay.
Capoeira
Everyday after sunset you can watch the capoeristas practicing their art at the base of the dune. Capoeira is a fight that was disguised as a dance by slaves from Angola and other African countries during the slave trade in order for them to conceal their ceaseless desire for freedom from their owners, the oppressor man.
New Years Eve
Jeri becomes transformed over New Years Eve, when people flock to her normally tranquil shores for one of the biggest beach parties in the world. As the count down begins "sunset dune" becomes completely covered in party goers who bring in the New Year with a bang as the annual fire works are displayed over head. After midnight, the festivities really begin when Main Street is filled with revelers and the entire clubs and restaurants host happening parties.
Carnaval
Is a tamer version of New Years Even for people who want to forgo the more upbeat and crowded festivities of Olinda, Salvador and Rio but still want to party. It's definitely a good time had by all. Jeri just kicked up a notch.
EAST OF TOWN
Pedra Furada - Rock Arch
The Arched Rock has become the symbol of Jericoacoara. Walking east from town along the shore line you'll first pass Malhada Beach, which is a smaller beach popular with surfers and wavesailing windsurfers. Continuing for 2km next to the water (if the tide allows), or taking the higher path up along the Serrote hill, you will pass rocky cliffs and a ruggedly beautiful shoreline. The walk takes about 2 hours in total, one hour there, one hour back. If the rock formation doesn't thrill, you most certainly will. It offers beautiful vistas from all directions which truly make you feel as though you've reached the edge of the earth. If you happen to be in Jeri between June 15th and July 30th, you will have the good fortune to witness the sunset right in the middle of the Arch; it's an excellent photo opportunity.
Light House
This lighthouse is situated atop the Serrote (about 100m high). Horse back riding tours often stop there since it offers a 360 degree view of Jeri and the surrounding area, hence it is also the best spot to the sunrise and moonrise.
WEST OF TOWN
Beach
To the west of "sunset dune" is a seemingly endless stretch of beach, where people enjoy strolling along, jogging or horse riding.
Mangue Seco is about 5 kms from Jeri along the beach. It’s a small fishing village which hosts a small fresh water lake. As it gets closer, you will see the surreal looking forest of long dead mangrove trees, thus the name "dried mangrove".
Guriu
Continue west along the beach and you will reach Guriu, another small community of fishermen, which is situated next to the mouth of a small river. This marks the western limit of the Environmental Protection Area. It is at this point where you can hire one of several rafts which take passenger vehicles accross the river mouth. You can also hire a fisherman to take you through the mangroves to get a glimpse at the sea horses who live here in abundance. We advice to not take out the sea horse from the water, since they can die.
Tatajuba
Tatajuba is a village approximately 25 kms from Jericoacoara, reachable by buggy or 4 wheel drive vehicle, which lays accross the river and through the dunes. Some of these dunes might pass through a cristallization process, sometimes revealing small sand sculptures. Tatajuba also hosts a magical fresh water lagoon, where you can take a jangada ride; eat fresh fish while lazing in a hammock which dips comfortably in the water.
SOUTHEAST OF TOWN
Lagoa Azul & Lagoa Paraiso
Take a thrilling (40 min - 1 hour) buggy ride through the dunes and you'll be rewarded with a fresh water lagoon. Lagoa Azul and Paraiso actually lie next to one another and share the same white sand and tranquil bright blue waters. You will find a couple of beach side restaurants which offer delicious food and a place to relax under a shady palapa. These lagoons might be with its volume of water reduced due to the dry weather at times.
