viewpoint · Jijoca de Jericoacoara, CE
Duna do Pôr do Sol
The big dune next to the village is the late-afternoon meeting point, with an open view of the sea. The climb is quick and the way down usually involves some sliding in the sand.
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 Duna do Pôr do Sol
Duna do Pôr do Sol (Sunset Dune) is the big dune to the left of Jericoacoara's main beach, as you face the sea, inside the national park. Every late afternoon, locals and visitors climb it to watch the sun sink into the sea, and the gathering has become the village's best-known ritual.
The dune is shrinking. It was about 60 meters high in the 1970s and 1980s and has lost much of its size since then. A survey published by Diário do Nordeste in 2023 showed its area falling from about 207,000 square meters in 2005 to 121,000 in 2018. The causes cited are the natural movement of the sand toward the sea, the village blocking the arrival of new sand, trampling and vehicle traffic.
Even smaller, it is still the best spot in the village for the sunset, with an open view of the sea and the kitesurfers on the water. Because this stretch of the Ceará coast faces north and west, the sun sets over the sea, which is rare on the Brazilian coast. Some people stay at the top and others prefer to watch from the beach, at the foot of the dune, where it is less crowded. Street vendors show up at that time.
Vehicles are prohibited on the park's dunes, and the climb is on foot, in a few minutes. Since the sand is what keeps the dune standing, every visitor makes a difference: climbing by the most-used path and avoiding sliding down the slopes helps reduce wear.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
The late afternoon: arrive a little before sunset and stay until the sky gets dark.
Best time
Late afternoon, every day. In the rainy season, from February to May, clouds can cover the horizon.
How to get there
On foot, less than 10 minutes from the village's main beach. There is no car access.
Tip
Arrive early to get a spot at the top, or watch from the beach at the foot of the dune, which is less crowded.
A look at the place
Duna do Pôr do Sol 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 Duna do Pôr do Sol
Where is Duna do Pôr do Sol?
To the left of the village's main beach, as you face the sea, less than 10 minutes on foot.
Why can you see the sun set over the sea in Jericoacoara?
Because this stretch of the Ceará coast faces north and west. On most of the Brazilian coast, the sun sets over the land.
Is it true that the dune is shrinking?
Yes. It was about 60 meters high in the 1970s and 1980s and has lost much of its size. Between 2005 and 2018, its area fell from about 207,000 to 121,000 square meters.
Can I watch the sunset without climbing?
Yes. Many people watch from the beach, at the foot of the dune, where it is less crowded.