landscape · Jijoca de Jericoacoara, CE
Árvore da Preguiça
A mangrove tree bent over by the wind, with its trunk leaning almost flat against the sand. It is outside the village, on the way to Preá.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Árvore da Preguiça
Árvore da Preguiça (the "Lazy Tree") is a mangrove tree that grew lying down, almost flat to the ground, shaped by the strong, steady winds of the Ceará coast. Its look of someone stretching out on the sand gave the place its name, and it became one of the best-known photos of Jericoacoara.
It is inside Parque Nacional de Jericoacoara, a few meters from the sea, on the sand road between the village of Jeri and Praia do Preá. Around it there is sand, low vegetation and open sky, and the tree changes over the year, with fuller or sparser foliage.
It is a quick stop, not an outing in itself. Almost every buggy tour of the east coast stops there on the way to the lagoons, and if you are staying in Preá or Jeri you can walk or bike there, with sunscreen and water.
The tree has suffered from vandalism. Don't climb the branches, don't cut the roots and don't leave trash: that is what keeps this postcard image standing.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Fifteen minutes is enough to see the tree and take photos.
Best time
In mid-afternoon, on the way back from the lagoon tour, or at the end of the day, when the low light brings out its twisted shape. The wind is strongest in the second half of the year, the kitesurfing season.
How to get there
It is on the sand road between the village of Jericoacoara and Praia do Preá, inside the national park. You can go by buggy, ATV or licensed 4x4, or on foot or by bike along the beach; most people get there on the east coast tour.
Tip
For a photo with no one in front, ask your buggy driver to stop at the start or end of the tour, outside the times when the groups go by.
A look at the place
Árvore da Preguiça in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Árvore da Preguiça
Where is Árvore da Preguiça?
On the sand road between the village of Jericoacoara and Praia do Preá, inside Parque Nacional de Jericoacoara, near the sea.
Why does the tree lie flat?
It grew shaped by the coast's strong, steady winds, which left it leaning, almost flat to the ground.
Is there a fee to see Árvore da Preguiça?
No. The stop is free and is on the itinerary of most east coast buggy tours.
Is it worth going just to see Árvore da Preguiça?
It is a quick stop. It is worth it on the way to the lagoons or to Preá, but it doesn't usually justify a trip on its own.
Can I walk to Árvore da Preguiça?
Yes, from Jeri or Preá, but it is a long walk in the sun. Bring water, a hat and sunscreen.