lagoon · Jijoca de Jericoacoara, CE
Lagoa do Paraíso
A huge lagoon of shallow fresh water, with hammocks and swings in the water and stalls on the shore. It makes for a full-day outing.
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 Lagoa do Paraíso
Lagoa do Paraíso is in Jijoca de Jericoacoara, about 5 km from the town center and outside the national park. It is a lagoon of clear fresh water, surrounded by dunes, that forms a pair with neighboring Lagoa Azul. The level rises with the rains, which run from February to May, and the lagoon is fullest in the second half of the year.
Its fame comes from the hammocks set up in the water. In the shallow parts, restaurants and stalls spread out hammocks, tables and chairs, and the day goes by between swimming, resting and lunch with your feet in the lagoon. At several restaurants, the tables stand in the shallow water. The water is calm, with no waves or current, which makes life easier if you are traveling with kids. On sunny days, the color shifts between blue and green depending on the depth.
It is usually part of Jericoacoara's east side tour, done by buggy or 4x4, which combines other stops in the region. From the village, it is about 15 km along sand tracks, passing near the town of Jijoca. Lagoa Azul, right next door, is smaller and quieter, and many tours visit both.
The facilities are almost entirely private stalls and beach clubs. Most charge a minimum spend or a day-use fee to use hammocks, tables and shade. If you arrive early you can pick your spot at leisure: it gets busier around lunchtime, when the tours all arrive together.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
About two hours at the lagoon. The full east side tour takes up much of the day.
Best time
In the second half of the year, after the February-to-May rains, when the lagoon is full. Go in the morning: most visitors arrive around lunchtime. Sunny days make the water more colorful.
How to get there
From the village of Jericoacoara, about 15 km along sand tracks, by buggy, 4x4 or jardineira (open-sided truck), on a booked tour or transfer. Regular cars can't drive on the sand. From the town of Jijoca, it is close.
Tip
Ask beforehand whether the stall charges a minimum spend or a day-use fee to use the hammocks: the rule varies from one to another.
A look at the place
Lagoa do Paraíso 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 Lagoa do Paraíso
Is Lagoa do Paraíso inside the national park?
No. It is in Jijoca de Jericoacoara, about 5 km from the town center and about 15 km from the village of Jericoacoara.
Is it fresh water?
Yes. The lagoon is fresh water, calm and waveless.
Do I have to pay to use the hammocks?
The hammocks and tables belong to the stalls and beach clubs, and most charge a minimum spend or a day-use fee. Ask about the rule before sitting down.
Can I go without a booked tour?
Yes, by transfer or jardineira (open-sided truck), but always in a vehicle suited to sand. Regular cars can't make the trip from the village.