Fortaleza Brazil Tourism & Travel Information Hotels Tours Airport Transfers

Fortaleza					Brazil

Fortaleza Travel Information

About Fortaleza

Fortaleza is the capital of the State of Ceará, on the northern coasts of Brazil. It is located 2,181 Km. (1,354 mi.) away from Rio de Janeiro, to the south of the Equator line (see map). It is a strategic location given its closeness to the easternmost point in South America.

Fortaleza was built on a land of mild undulations, which allowed for an almost perfect layout of streets, particularly downtown. In addition, it is surrounded by several rivers, such as Pageú, that make up seven nearby lakes, including Messejana, Parangaba, and Mondubim.

Fortaleza has a beach coastline of 25 Km. (15.5 mi.), most of them urban and offering good tourist facilities. The climate is mainly equatorial, with sunny days almost all year round, and favored by a constant sea breeze that results in a mean temperature of 27ºC (80.6ºF).

Modern Fortaleza keeps traces of the past in museums, churches, forts -such as Fortaleza de Nossa Señora da Assunção (Nossa Señora da Assunção’s Fortress), squares, Farol do Mucuripe (Mucuripe Lighthouse), and other historical places such as Palacio da Luz (Palace of Light) located downtown (see customers’ reviews).

The culture, resulting from the mix of white, black and aboriginal peoples, is present in food (lobsters and crabs with typical seasonings), in handicraft (laces and nets) and forró music characterizing the Nordestino (resident of the northeastern area). This traditional richness can be seen in the Municipal Market, Tourist Center, and Dragão do Mar Art and Culture Center (see photos).

Hotels in Fortaleza

Hotels and apart hotels in Fortaleza offer a wide range of state-of-the-art buildings, similar to those of other destinations in Brazil.

Most hotels and apart hotels in Fortaleza are located along the coastline, offering excellent panoramic views of the sea, in addition to the best facilities. Rates vary depending on beach proximity, particularly in the case of downtown beach resorts, with a wide range of prices.

Fortaleza also offers some other less expensive options: inns, which are managed by their owners, and renting small, fully furnished apartments, located near the coast (see packages).

Tours in Fortaleza

Tours in Fortaleza offer an opportunity to enjoy its beaches, the sun, and tourist activities provided by local residents.

In Fortaleza, Praia do Futuro, which is 8 Km. (5 mi.) long, is the most crowded beach with its warm sea-waters and huge waves. It features excellent facilities with different stands offering specialties, such as grilled fish, crab and oysters, as well as iced coconut water and other drinks. In the evening, there are music and art performances (see customers’ reviews).

From Barra do Ceará to Farol do Mucuripe, the coast is highly urbanized, with typical food stores and full services. From Praia do Futuro to Sabiagua, quieter places can be found.

Visitors do not usually swim in the waters of Iracema Beach; however, it is one of the most active and famous beaches in Fortaleza’s nightlife due to its large number of bars and restaurants offering live music shows and dance floors. It also features the Steel Bridge or English Bridge, from where magnificent sunsets can be watched.

Meireles Beach offers spaces to practice different sports, including beach volley, cycling, and skating rinks. It has a widely visited pedestrian area that in the evening is turned into a handicraft market.

Mucuripe Beach has the shape of an inlet, with white sands and calm waters, inviting visitors to take a stroll to the Lighthouse on the east end. From the coast it is possible to watch the activity of rafts (jangadas) or fishers’ boats, and visitors can also taste the seafood offered at the different restaurants on Beira Mar Avenue.

Transportation and Car Rental in Fortaleza

Car rentals in Fortaleza are located at the airport or the offices on Abolição Avenue. This service is available to visitors willing to travel around the area on their own.

Air access to Fortaleza is through Pinto Martins International Airport, 10 Km. (6.8 mi.) away from downtown. From there, shuttles, taxis, or buses can be hired.

The port of Fortaleza, located on the inlet of Mucuripe, is properly equipped for receiving cruises sailing off the coasts of Brazil. From there, it is also possible to take sea tours.

Land transportation is mainly gathered at Rodoviária Eng. João Tomé Station.

The public bus transportation service is rather inefficient; however, there is an alternative service supplied by vans, which have regular schedules and are more comfortable.

Tourist Information in Fortaleza

Tourist information in Fortaleza can be obtained at the offices located at Pinto Martins International Airport, Ceará Tourist Center (downtown), Farol do Mucuripe, Rodoviária Eng. João Tomé Station, and at other stands in the most important tourist centers.

In summer, in particular around New Year and during the Carnival season, it is essential to make hotel reservations in advance.

It is advisable not to go far into the sea or swim far from the shore due to the presence of marine currents. Most beaches have lifeguard services available.