The Jaguaribe River and the wonders of Fortim, Ceará
The Jaguaribe River is the main attraction of the Fortim municipality in Ceará, located between Aracati and Beberibe and surrounded by beautiful beaches.
The main access to the city is via the CE-040 motorway, which connects Fortaleza with these places.
River Jaguaribe CE
From the Barra Viewpoint in Fortim, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the river and watch the fishermen’s boats crossing to the other side. The town of Fortim is located on the banks of the River Jaguaribe, 118 kilometres from Fortaleza.
One of the main attractions for visitors to the city is a boat trip on the River Jaguaribe, the longest watercourse in Ceará with a length of 633 kilometres.
It rises in Tauá, in the south of the state, and flows into the Atlantic Ocean, where Fortim has the privilege of hosting the mouth of the Jaguaribe River.
The Jaguaribe River is made up of a series of channels, islands and a rich variety of birds, fish and vegetation that add a special touch to the already majestic local nature.
Among the species that can be seen are herons, kingfishers and fish such as curimata and tilapia, which are part of the aquatic fauna of the region.
Features of the Jaguaribe River
Before the construction of the Castanhão Dam, the Jaguaribe River was known as the largest dry river in the world, as it had abundant water during the rainy season, but could disappear completely during the dry season.
With the construction of the dam, the river became perennial and its flow was regulated.
The Jaguaribe is extremely important to the people of Ceará, occupying about 51.9 per cent of the state’s total area, or about 75,669 km². Its upper reaches form the border between Ceará and the states of Piauí, Pernambuco, Paraíba and Rio Grande do Norte.
The Jaguaribe River also has an important historical and social side, as its banks have been inhabited since the beginning of the state’s history, facilitating agriculture and cattle raising.
However, excessive deforestation of the riparian vegetation has contributed to the silting up of the river, resulting in stretches that are less than a metre deep.
Barra Viewpoint
The meeting of river and sea is one of the highlights of a trip to the coast of Ceará. Tourists have the opportunity to experience the mixture of fresh and salt water in the Jaguaribe River during boat trips.
On the banks of Ceará’s largest river and on the beach at Fortim, you can choose what water you want to enjoy.
One tip is to start with a boat trip on the Jaguaribe River, where it’s common to see fishing and water sports boats sharing the same space.
The holiday villas next to the centuries-old church were built facing the river at a time when wealth was transported by its waters.
Walk along the Jaguaribe River
The Jaguaribe River is the largest watercourse in Ceará, rising in the Serra da Joaninha, at the Santiago Lagoon in Tauá, and flowing into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Fortim.
With its many channels, islands and rich flora and fauna, a trip along the river is a must for anyone visiting the region.
The route includes mangroves, river islands and the famous Pedra do Chapéu, a sandbank ideal for a refreshing freshwater swim.
Walkers can also see the luxurious holiday homes of Barra do Fortim and the Church of Nossa Senhora do Amparo, built overlooking the river.
Fortim Tourist Attractions in Ceará
Rio Jaguaribe é o maior atrativo de Fortim no Ceará
Of the beaches on the east coast of Ceará, Fortim stands out as one of the quietest and least hectic, located about 135 kilometres from Fortaleza.
The destination has a privileged geography, with distinctive landscapes such as dunes, cliffs, cactus forests, mangroves and a sea with almost always calm waters. The winds in the region are also perfect for kitesurfing.
Tourism in Fortim began to be explored around 20 years ago, when French travellers discovered the tranquil village and fell in love with the destination, with many choosing to settle there.
1. The beaches of Fortim
Fortim’s main beaches include Praia de Pontal de Maceió, the most popular, Praia do Canto da Barra and Praia das Agulhas.
Pontal de Maceió, six kilometres from the centre, is an authentic fishing village that has retained its authenticity, with colourful houses and an ideal setting for relaxing.
At low tide, you can explore the natural caves formed by the tide and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Canto da Barra Beach, located at the mouth of the Jaguaribe River, is a place still little known by tourists, with calm waters and one of the best spots in Brazil for kitesurfing.
2. Church of Our Lady of Amparo
The Church of Our Lady of Amparo was built facing the river, reflecting the importance of water in the life of the city.
As the town grew, houses were built behind the church, making it necessary to open the doors at the back of the church, creating a small square where the faithful now enter for celebrations.
3. Buggy Rides
The local geography, rich in dunes, cliffs and wild beaches, is perfect for buggy rides. From Fortim, the vehicles cross the river by ferry and head for the dunes of the Costa do Sol do Nascente beaches, almost reaching Rio Grande do Norte.
Shorter tours can include stops at Canoa Quebrada, a popular destination, or Praia de Redonda, which offers a more relaxing experience.
The last beach on this route, Ponta Grossa, is home to a magnificent 100 metre high dune, considered to be the largest mobile dune in Ceará.
Fortim is therefore an ideal place for those seeking nature, tranquillity and a rich cultural heritage.
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