How to get to Jericoacoara: airport, transfer, and the final 4x4 stretch

Part of Jericoacoara’s magic is that it’s a bit hidden. The village sits within an environmental protection area on the west coast of Ceará, and the last few kilometers are done on sand in 4x4 vehicles. That gives it special charm — and requires a bit of planning.

Option 1: flying to Jericoacoara airport

Jericoacoara Regional Airport is in Cruz, about 40 minutes from the village. It’s the quickest way to arrive. From the airport, you take a transfer to Jijoca, and from there, a 4x4 to the village. Many companies do the full route — worth booking ahead.

Option 2: flying to Fortaleza

Fortaleza has many more flights and is usually cheaper. The distance to Jeri is about 300 km, and the trip takes 4 to 6 hours, depending on transport:

• Private or shared transfer: pickup at the airport or hotel and goes all the way to Jeri, including the switch to the 4x4.
• Bus: leaves from the bus station and some city points to Jijoca; there, you change to an open-top truck or pickup to the village.

Option 3: by car

You can drive your car to Jijoca de Jericoacoara and leave it in one of the city’s parking lots. Regular cars don’t enter the village — the final stretch is done in an authorized vehicle.

The sustainable tourism tax

To enter Jericoacoara, visitors pay a Sustainable Tourism Tax, charged per day of stay. The amount changes periodically, so check the updated rate on the official website of Jijoca’s town hall before you travel. Keep your receipt.

You’ve arrived, now what?

Everything within the village is done on foot, by bike, or in tours with authorized vehicles. To move around freely, an electric bike is the most practical and enjoyable way — and that’s what our guide on how to get around Jeri is all about.

Luggage tip: rolling suitcases and sand streets don’t mix. If you can, come with a backpack or light luggage; many guesthouses offer help carrying your bags from the arrival point.