Jijoca

Jijoca (also spelled Gijoca) is a village in northwestern Ceara. Its full name being Jicoca de Jericoacoara, this is mostly a brief stop where travellers heading to Jericoacoara change from conventional transport to 4x4 or similar to cross the dunes. Jijoca however is a destination of its own, increasingly popular with kitesurfers on its lakes.

Most people arrive by charters from Fortaleza, but there is also regular buses by Rendenção www.redencaoonline.com.br. Other links include Sobral and Camocim. Pick up trucks leave for Jericoacoara, mostly during daylight hours, as soon as they have 4 passengers or more, -a bumpy 40 min ride at R$ 5. Scheduled trucks three times daily take a somewhat longer route via Preá, the latest leaving at midnight.

A 2500 metres runway is scheduled for completion mid 2010. The tourist industry is hoping for direct flights to Europe.

All walkable.

The nearby lake is popular with windsurfers, and also good for swimming.

• Zé Edson, (Just off the main avenue). Decent pizzas and burgers, day and night Large pizza R$ 14.

A number of small inns.

• Pousada Gincoara, Rua Nazaré Vasconcelos 170 (3 blocks off the main avenue.), ☎ +558836691121, www.pousadagincoara.com.br. Also has camping in the back yard. Friendly and clean. single/double R$ 30/50, with a/c R$ 40/70.

• Banco do Brasil has the only ATM around, which you might come all the way from Jericoacoara to use, 6am-5pm. It accepts international cards.