Fortaleza, Ceará: the vibrant conclusion of the Route of Emotions
After unforgettable days in Jericoacoara, I hit the road towards Fortaleza, the capital of Ceará. It was about a 5-hour journey, crossing landscapes of dunes, coconut groves, and coastal villages that looked like they came straight out of a postcard. As the city approached, the atmosphere changed—leaving behind the calm pace of Jeri and entering the contagious energy of one of the most vibrant capitals in the Northeast.
Arrival in Fortaleza
Arriving in Fortaleza means being greeted by a vibrant mix of colors, sounds, and flavors. The city is large, modern, and full of life, but without losing that welcoming charm of the people of Ceará. On the very first day, I went straight to Avenida Beira-Mar, where everything happens. The boardwalk, the sea in the background, and the handicraft market create the perfect setting for a walk at sunset.
Watching the colorful jangadas (traditional fishing boats) returning from the sea is like watching a living painting. The sunset seen from Mucuripe beach is a spectacle in itself.
What to do in Fortaleza
Fortaleza is a complete destination: urban beaches, strong culture, good food, and lots of excitement. Every corner of the city has something different to offer.
- Praia do Futuro – One of the most famous beaches. Wide, with clean waters and well-structured beach huts. I spent an entire afternoon there, trying fresh crab and listening to live music.
- Mercado Central – A true paradise for those who like handicrafts and local products. Colorful hammocks, lace, cashews, and typical souvenirs fill the aisles.
- Centro Dragão do Mar de Arte e Cultura – An incredible space that mixes museums, cinema, bars, and exhibitions. It’s the cultural heart of the city and a great place to feel the soul of Fortaleza.
- Praia de Iracema – The most bohemian spot. At night, the bars and restaurants come alive and music fills the streets.
What to do in Fortaleza
Fortaleza is a complete destination: urban beaches, strong culture, good food, and plenty of excitement. Every corner of the city has something different to offer.
- Praia do Futuro – One of the most famous beaches. Wide, with clean waters and well-structured beach bars. I spent an entire afternoon there, trying fresh crab and listening to live music.
- Central Market – A true paradise for those who like handicrafts and local products. Colorful hammocks, lace, cashews, and typical souvenirs fill the aisles.
- Dragão do Mar Center of Art and Culture – An incredible space that mixes museums, cinema, bars, and exhibitions. It’s the cultural heart of the city and a great place to feel the soul of Fortaleza.
- Praia de Iracema – The most bohemian spot. At night, the bars and restaurants come alive and music fills the streets.
Unmissable Day Trips
From Fortaleza, you can take day trips to incredible places. One of them is Cumbuco, just 30 km from the capital, known for its dunes and buggy rides – guaranteed excitement.
Another is Morro Branco, with its colorful cliffs and sand labyrinths, one of the most photogenic landscapes in Ceará.
Then there’s Canoa Quebrada, one of the most charming destinations in Ceará, famous for its colorful cliffs, intense blue sea, and relaxed atmosphere. The village, once a hippie refuge, maintains a bohemian and welcoming atmosphere, with Broadway.
A street full of lively bars, shops, and restaurants. During the day, buggy rides through the dunes and the sunset over the cliffs are unmissable. At night, music takes over the village.
Canoa Quebrada is the kind of place where time slows down and the vibe of freedom makes everyone want to stay another day.
GET YOUR FREE TRAVEL STARTER KIT
Enter your email and receive planning tips including a step-by-step checklist, how to pack, and more so you can plan your trip like a pro!
Morro Branco
Canoa Quebrada
Flavors of Fortaleza
Ceará’s gastronomy is a feast of flavors. I tried the traditional baião de dois with sun-dried meat, accompanied by clarified butter and chili pepper. I also indulged in the Ceará-style fish stew, served piping hot, with vegetables and that unique seasoning that only the Northeast has.
And of course, I couldn’t miss the rapadura (sugar cane candy) with curd cheese, the perfect sweet and salty combination to finish the meal.
Fortaleza: the end (or the beginning) of the Route of Emotions
Ending the trip in Fortaleza was like closing a cycle with a golden key. After days of nature, silence, and almost untouched landscapes, it was good to feel the pulse of a big city again, full of culture and joy.
As I walked along the Beira-Mar (waterfront), I thought about everything I had experienced since São Luís.
The wonders of the Lençóis Maranhenses. The flock of scarlet ibises in Parnaíba. The sunset in Barra Grande, the lagoons of Jericoacoara, the wind on my face, the people I met along the way. Each stretch of the Route of Emotions showed me a new way of traveling — lighter, more present, and more conscious.
Fortaleza, with its brightness and energy, was the perfect ending to this journey through the Northeast.
And, as every good traveler knows, every end is also a new beginning.
Time to go home and plan the next adventure.