Fortaleza

A major city on Brazil's northeast coast with a seafront promenade, beach bars and water parks, plus nearby dune kitesurfing in Cumbuco, the colored cliffs of Morro Branco and the red cliffs of Canoa Quebrada.

Fortaleza is the capital of Ceará State in northeastern Brazil, with a population of about 2.5 million. It lies on the Atlantic coast about 3 degrees south of the equator, with temperatures of 26–32°C year-round. January–June is the rainy season, with the heaviest rain in March–April; July–December is the sunny dry season with strong trade winds, the best time for beaches and kitesurfing. The city has three main areas. The first is the waterfront around Avenida Beira-Mar, Iracema Beach and the Ponte dos Ingleses, where hotels, seafood restaurants and the handicraft night market are concentrated. The second is the historic center, where the cathedral, the Central Market, the José de Alencar Theater, the Ceará Museum and the Dragão do Mar Cultural Center can be linked on foot. The third is Praia do Futuro on the east side and the Beach Park water park about 25 km southeast. Classic day trips include the Cumbuco dunes and Cauípe Lagoon to the northwest, Lagoinha farther on, and the colored cliffs of Morro Branco and red cliffs of Canoa Quebrada to the southeast. Pinto Martins International Airport is about 20 minutes by car from the waterfront; taxis or ride-hailing apps are recommended for getting around the city. Plan on 4–5 days. Note: safety in the city is so-so — avoid walking on deserted beaches and in the historic center at night, and keep valuables out of sight; the equatorial sun is intense, so sun protection is a must. Local specialties include crab, lobster, grilled cheese and cashews.

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