rock formation · Jijoca de Jericoacoara, CE
Pedra Furada
A rock arch carved by the sea, the symbol of Jeri, reached by a walk along the beach at low tide. Between mid-July and August the sun sets right inside the opening.
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 Pedra Furada
Pedra Furada is a rock arch carved by the waves on the east coast of Jericoacoara, about 3 km from the village, and it is the best-known image of the place. It is inside Parque Nacional de Jericoacoara. The area has been protected since 1984, when it became an Environmental Protection Area, and was made a national park in 2002; today the park covers about 8,850 hectares, including a strip of sea.
There is no road to the arch: the last part is always on foot. At low tide, the route follows Praia da Malhada and the rocky shore, passing natural pools and Caverna do Morcego (Bat Cave). Part of the stretch has loose, slippery rocks. At high tide, the way is to climb Serrote, the lighthouse hill, which at 95 meters is the highest point in the park, and go down the other side.
People go there to see and photograph the rock up close, with the sea crashing at its base. Along the way you see other rock formations and pools where water is trapped when the tide goes out. Between July and early August, the late-afternoon sun sets right inside the arch's opening, and the beach fills with people for the photo.
The formation is fragile and climbing it is not allowed. There are no facilities, shade or fixed place to buy water on site, and if you walk along the beach you need to head back before the tide comes in again.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
An hour and a half to two hours, round trip on foot, with photos.
Best time
Along the beach, only at low tide. Early in the morning there are fewer people: tour groups arrive from mid-morning and in the late afternoon. Between July and early August, the sun lines up with the opening in the late afternoon.
How to get there
On foot from the village, along Praia da Malhada at low tide, or by the Serrote trail, which doesn't depend on the tide; either way, 30 minutes to an hour. On the east side buggy or 4x4 tour, the vehicle stops far away and you still have about a 20-minute walk.
Tip
Check the tide table before going along the beach and bring water: there is no shade or guaranteed place to buy anything along the way.
Official website
A look at the place
Pedra Furada 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 Pedra Furada
Can you get to Pedra Furada by buggy?
No. The last part is always on foot. On the east side buggy or 4x4 tour, the vehicle stops far away and you still have about a 20-minute walk.
Do I need low tide?
Only for the beach route, which becomes impassable at high tide. The trail over Serrote, the lighthouse hill, doesn't depend on the tide.
When does the sun appear inside the rock's opening?
Between July and early August, in the late afternoon.
How long does the walk take?
30 minutes to an hour from the village to the rock, by either route. Plan on an hour and a half to two hours in total.
Can you climb the rock?
No. The formation is fragile and is inside Parque Nacional de Jericoacoara.