The Northeast, Brazil
Jericoacoara Regional Airport (JJD) is in Cruz, about 30-40 minutes from the village, mainly for domestic flights. Pinto Martins – Fortaleza International Airport (FOR) is about 300 km east, the main international gateway.
Flight prices increase during Brazilian national holidays and peak wind season (July-January). Booking in advance is good. FOR offers comprehensive services (car rental, taxis, ATMs, duty-free). JJD is smaller, with basic facilities.
Located in Cruz, about 30-40 minutes from Jericoacoara village. Best for domestic flights.
Main international gateway, about 300 km east of Jericoacoara.
Direct flights to Fortaleza from Lisbon, Paris, and Amsterdam. No direct flights from North America.
Plan for 4-6 hours travel time. Pre-booking 4x4 transfers from Fortaleza is ideal.
A much shorter 30-40 minute 4x4 transfer directly into the village.
Be aware that you may need to transfer luggage to smaller local buggies upon arrival at Jeri's entrance.
Expresso Guanabara is the main bus company from Fortaleza to Jijoca de Jericoacoara. From Jijoca, transfer to a 'jardineira' (open-sided truck) or 4x4 for the final sandy stretch into Jeri. Buses depart several times a day.
Driving to Jericoacoara in a regular car is not recommended due to unpaved, deep sand tracks beyond Jijoca. These roads require a 4x4 vehicle and sand driving experience. Attempting this in a standard vehicle can cause issues.
Fortaleza to Jijoca uses paved highways in good condition. Jijoca to Jericoacoara involves unpaved, sandy tracks requiring 4x4 vehicles.
Road conditions change with shifting dunes and after rainfall. Use local, experienced 4x4 drivers who know routes and park regulations.
Do not attempt to drive a standard vehicle on the sandy tracks beyond Jijoca. It is dangerous and impractical.
No ferry services or cruise ports exist directly for Jericoacoara. It is not a coastal city with a deep-water port.
No significant river transportation options lead directly to Jericoacoara. The village sits on the coast, and while there are lagoons, they are not connected to major river systems for transport.
Brazil does not levy specific exit fees or taxes for departing from airports; these costs are typically included in the airline ticket price. The Jericoacoara environmental preservation fee is paid for the duration of your stay upon entry, not upon departure.
Make sure you have proof of payment for the environmental fee, as it might be checked when you leave the national park area. Planning your departure from Jericoacoara is as important as planning your arrival.
| Option | Cost (Approx. Per person) | Travel Time (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Shared 4x4 Transfer | R$150 - R$300 | 4-6 hours |
| Private 4x4 Transfer | R$600 - R$1000 per vehicle | 4-5 hours |
| Bus to Jijoca + Jardineira | R$80 - R$150 | 6-8 hours |
