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Guide to Fortaleza, Brazil
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Click to go to Flight Prices for Fortaleza
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FortalezaA city less intense than its sibling (and capital) Brasilia, Fortaleza is where tourists and vacationers journey to "nosh" on authentic, South American cuisine, watch beautiful sunrises and sunsets from loungers on white beaches, still find venues where fast food lives, and walk city streets populated with businessmen by day and club-going crowds after dusk. Though Fortaleza is long past its days as a celebrity hangout, it still present itself with an air of high-class sophistication; simply take a few glimpses of the city's oceanside resorts and you'll know you're not too far from caviar, crystal, and champagne. Wonderfully enough however, is its accessibility (both in a location sense as well as one of economics) among a broad range of travelers. Forking over a chunk of your precious 401(k) is unnecessary. Budget hotels are numerous and the sands are open to all who come. A romantic's haven, Fortaleza offers eye candy amidst a rather conventional grid, providing visitors with the illusions that all of t he city is their playground, a complex of broad boulevards dotted with spectacular Brazilian restaurants and pleasant walks that cry commercial oasis. The only notable aspect of Fortaleza to detract from one's splendor here is its population, though with such a vast area to house all who live, work, and roam the city, it is hardly a trait worth deeper thought.
When to go:
Only a few hundred miles from the invisible line running through middle Earth (no Tolkien pun intended), Fortaleza receives our stamp of approval for consistency. Rarely disturbed by anything more than moderate to heavy storms, the city gladly welcomes visitors any time of year. Beware of the warmer months, as the frequency of downpours escalates. Checking with the city's weather authorities via an IP service or even traditional telephony is a basic precautionary measure.
Getting there and around:
Aeroporto Internacional Pinto Martins is at a distance from Fortaleza enough to ensure somewhat of a hushed tranquility for residents, but even taxi service is low-cost between the terminal and most major hotels. Fares vary by destination (downtown, coast, etc.) Fortaleza's bus system provides ample service to most major sites, but for the simple fact that most commuters rely on public transit it is best to rely on more private means such as taxis and rental cars. International chains such as Avis and Hertz are on-site at the airport, however some locally established chains occasionally provide cheaper rates.
Attractions:
For a part of the Fortaleza region to boast a symbol representing fertility, you're just about guaranteed a spot of earth good enough to stir some souls. Canoa Quebrada is the recipient of the moon and star designation, and what it has to show for itself are, quite literally, miles and miles of sand backed by beautifully contrasting red cliffs. Though the area's tourism industry has taken on a wealth of "fun" activity/adventures in Canoa Quebrada, many parts of its coastline are still off-limits to buggies and other ATVs. Another oceanside gem is Jericoacoara.
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