Canoa Quebrada Destination Guide
There's plenty to do in Canoa Quebrada, so whatever the season you are assured of a great time. Canoa Quebrada has a picturesque landscape with deep red cliffs. You can enjoy this spectacular view on a buggy ride or rafting past the beach. If you are looking for high-paced adventure, try esquibunda - skiing down sand dunes on wooden or plastic boards. For a slightly slower-paced recreation, take long walks through sleepy fishing villages or enjoy trekking the ecological trails that criss-cross the region. You can also enjoy the festivities and a great night life.
The most obvious and best thing to do in Canoa Quebrada is to enjoy the beach and admire the red cliffs as you walk on the powdery sand. You can also go into the sea on rafts and the traditional boats for which the beach has been named, and enjoy the views from a different perspective.
This Canoa Quebrada Destination Guide together with our Canoa Quebrada tour suggestions will show you all the amazing things that this beautiful part of Brazil has to offer. More general information about visiting Brazil can be found in our Brazil country guide.
Things to See & Do in Canoa Quebrada
After enjoying your fill of the sea and the beach, you can look forward to some urban entertainment on Broadway. Plenty of live shows are performed right through the evening. To indulge your taste buds, you can explore a variety of restaurants and bars on Broadway too. There are options to suit even the most demanding of palates. If you are peckish between meal times, the beach has several food and drink stalls open right through the day.
Follow the links below or scroll further down the page for details on some of the many interesting tourist attractions in Canoa Quebrada:
Acarati
Brazil’s most noted city during colonial times was perhaps Aracati. Little known Aracati is quiet and pristine. People flock here primarily because of the Canoa Quebrada beach. The Portuguese came here via the river Jaguaribe and colonised Aracati. You can see distinct architectural influences here from the mid 18th century. Old houses are covered with original Portuguese tiles. Some buildings, however, are in a very bad state and almost near collapse. You can see the colonial influence primarily in the old commercial parts of Aracati like the Grand Street.
Arguably, the oldest building in town is the House of Câmara e Cadeia, built in 1779. It has been painstakingly refurbished by IPHAN or the Institute of Historical and Artistic Heritage. The House of Câmara e Cadeia has been the erstwhile palace and the municipality building too. Now it is the headquarters of the City Hall. The cultural and religious ethos of this place is also seen at the Museum Jaguaribano, which was the former home of the Lord of Aracati. Another heritage building which is a must-see is the fabulous Church of Our Lady of the Rosary. Built in 1785, it reflects the Baroque style.
Arguably, the oldest building in town is the House of Câmara e Cadeia, built in 1779. It has been painstakingly refurbished by IPHAN or the Institute of Historical and Artistic Heritage. The House of Câmara e Cadeia has been the erstwhile palace and the municipality building too. Now it is the headquarters of the City Hall. The cultural and religious ethos of this place is also seen at the Museum Jaguaribano, which was the former home of the Lord of Aracati. Another heritage building which is a must-see is the fabulous Church of Our Lady of the Rosary. Built in 1785, it reflects the Baroque style.
Backstreet Gambling
Usually indulged in the cover of night, the Broadway has all sorts of games being played. You would find some people seriously gambling into the early hours of the morning. If you want to attempt to win some easy cash, try it, but don’t bet too much serious money here.
Broadway
The lively Broadway is the main street of Canoa Quebrada town and has many top notch restaurants, shops, bars and clubs. Though it is relatively quiet during the day, you will find many patisseries and delicatessens serving light lunch options. Its well laid cobblestone streets are a pleasure to take a stroll on.
By night, the Broadway is completely transformed into a lively and happening town centre. Whether it is indoors in bars and pubs or outside on the streets, people come here to let their hair down and have a great time. The weekends are especially lively, and the celebrations go on late into the night. You will find many street stalls packed with art and crafts, snacks and drinks, adding to the gaiety of the Broadway. There is no option but to join in the electric atmosphere charged with excitement.
By night, the Broadway is completely transformed into a lively and happening town centre. Whether it is indoors in bars and pubs or outside on the streets, people come here to let their hair down and have a great time. The weekends are especially lively, and the celebrations go on late into the night. You will find many street stalls packed with art and crafts, snacks and drinks, adding to the gaiety of the Broadway. There is no option but to join in the electric atmosphere charged with excitement.
Buggy Rides
This is the best mode to enjoy the beach and also discover the hidden treasures of the town. Though this fishing town is quite small, there is much to explore and enjoy. If you can get a local guide or just chat with the friendly locals, you will enjoy the tales and secrets of the era gone by. These excursions are good fun but you are advised to venture on the buggy with a reliable guide to avoid getting lost or running into danger.
You could try several routes, depending on what you’d like to see. Take a break for lunch at a good bistro; get your hands dirty playing in quicksand; and try sand skiing for a thrilling roll in the sand.
You could try several routes, depending on what you’d like to see. Take a break for lunch at a good bistro; get your hands dirty playing in quicksand; and try sand skiing for a thrilling roll in the sand.
Cajazeiras Cavern
Cajazeiras Cavern is located about 40 km (25 miles) from Aracati. Here you will find three caverns amidst some breathtaking rock formations. These caverns are not easy to access, making them excellent activities for the adventure enthusiasts. It is best to visit this location after contacting the Aracati Secretary for Environment and Tourism to hire the services of an experienced guide.
Canoa Quebrada Beach
The beach is what the world comes to visit Canoa Quebrada for. It is remarkably clean, uncluttered and a pleasure to walk along. Its endless fine white sand stretches for many miles along the emerald green sea. What makes this even more unique is the deep red sand cliffs standing perpendicular in contrast to the white sand. Unique geological features, the deep red cliffs of Canoa Quebrada are the greatest pull for tourists.
The red cliffs have very distinct etchings of the white crescent moon and star at various points. That is how Canoa Quebrada is immediately recognisable from afar. These symbols also seem to speak of the mysticism and spirituality this town is specially known for in the Ceara region.
Several restaurants and bars dot the whole beach. Freedom Bar is quite a famous one where you can relax and enjoy your drinks into the wee hours of the morning. It also hosts weekend beach parties where you can shake a leg or two to peppy reggae music or sit by the cosy fire and watch fire eaters and jugglers performing their acts. The same venue is subdued by day, offering fantastic views to those who want to soak in the natural beauty of Canoe Quebrada quietly. Because of the thick coral reef, the water here is amazingly quiet and tranquil.
The red cliffs have very distinct etchings of the white crescent moon and star at various points. That is how Canoa Quebrada is immediately recognisable from afar. These symbols also seem to speak of the mysticism and spirituality this town is specially known for in the Ceara region.
Several restaurants and bars dot the whole beach. Freedom Bar is quite a famous one where you can relax and enjoy your drinks into the wee hours of the morning. It also hosts weekend beach parties where you can shake a leg or two to peppy reggae music or sit by the cosy fire and watch fire eaters and jugglers performing their acts. The same venue is subdued by day, offering fantastic views to those who want to soak in the natural beauty of Canoe Quebrada quietly. Because of the thick coral reef, the water here is amazingly quiet and tranquil.
Cruz das Almas
Cruz das Almas is the southern gateway to Aracati. It is a brick column with a cross on the top. As a memorial to the slaves who died on this site, it is sited exactly where the whipping post used to be. For several years, people used to make pilgrimages to this spot and pray with rosaries and do the novena. The devout would then light colourful lanterns and candles in memory of the slaves.
Kite Surfing
Kite surfing is a much played sport on the Canoa Quebrada beach. From amateurs practising hard to expert kite surfers, this beach provides a massive expanse and the much-needed wind. From July to January, the winds notch up 20 knots, which helps all nautical sports. You wouldn’t want more space here – there is plenty of room. You could try kite surfing near restaurants to catch good gusts of wind, or strange as it may sound, go to the cemetery. Apart from the wind, you are assured of great morale boosting by tourists relaxing around there.
Apart from the unhindered sea on one side, there is a ridge about 120 metres away from the beach. The wind blows off the shore in the morning and by afternoon, the sea breeze starts blowing. Beginners may not find this spot suitable as the sea is quite choppy here.
Kite flyers may also explore Boca do Rio Jaguaribe, which is located 20 minutes west of Canoa Quebrada. With absolutely no distractions of any sort here, you can focus on the sport and sharpen your skills.
By and large, the huge expanse, quiet waters with small waves and constant wind all contribute to excellent kite surfing conditions here. Size-wise, 8 to 12 kites are recommended from June to January and 12 to 16 are favoured in the remaining months.
Apart from the unhindered sea on one side, there is a ridge about 120 metres away from the beach. The wind blows off the shore in the morning and by afternoon, the sea breeze starts blowing. Beginners may not find this spot suitable as the sea is quite choppy here.
Kite flyers may also explore Boca do Rio Jaguaribe, which is located 20 minutes west of Canoa Quebrada. With absolutely no distractions of any sort here, you can focus on the sport and sharpen your skills.
By and large, the huge expanse, quiet waters with small waves and constant wind all contribute to excellent kite surfing conditions here. Size-wise, 8 to 12 kites are recommended from June to January and 12 to 16 are favoured in the remaining months.
Majorlandia
This beach is 12 km from Aracati and has a dense grove of palm trees. The road to this place is paved, making access very easy. Here you can enjoy fresh shellfish served in kiosks along the beach. Dune buggy rides or banana boats, which gently float in the water, are also available. There’s plenty more to do during the day. By dusk, you could savour a picture-perfect sunset, best viewed from the top of Urubu Hill.
Skybunda
Sliding down sand dunes is great fun, especially if you have charged yourself with some Caipirinhas! Assured of a soft landing, you should definitely try this local activity. The only challenge is to climb up the dune again. At best, it will sharpen your sense of humour and enhance your competitive spirit if you’re with a group of friends.
The National Park of Jericoacoara
If you want to do some windsurfing, head towards Jericoacoara, which is about 300 km from Fortaleza. The national park of Jericoacoara is also worth a visit. Parque Nacional de Jericoacoara was declared an environmental protected area in 1984. Apart from its gorgeous beach, it has large sand dunes and unique rocky formations called Serrote. The Jericoacoara Park is home to many striking birds though, unfortunately, some of the rarer species are near extinction now.
The River Jaguaribe
The Jaguaribe River is located 10 km from Canoa Quebrada. You can take a pleasant buggy ride there. This area extends up to 2x2 km and you can sail at low tide, which generally lasts for up to four hours. This is a quiet spot with very few people so you can enjoy the peace here. Beginners can enjoy kite surfing on the sandy beach given the expanse. In fact, kite surfitas is offered here for all skill levels. At the mouth of this river, you can use a candle lower than what you would use at the Canoa Quebrada beach.
The Sunrise/ Sunset
After the celebrations and festivity, not many would be awake early enough to enjoy the beauteous sunrise at Canoa Quebrada. You can catch the sunset in the late afternoon, though, from the pier. The view point gives you a stunning view all the way up to Ponta Grossa.
Meet your local connection in Canoa Quebrada, the hardworking team of Brazil Incoming Services! We offer an extensive range of eco-friendly activities and programs and are proud to be a part of whl.travel and promote responsible tourism in our incredible destination.
