WHERE: Itapipoca, Ceara Brazil
PROXIMITY TO FORTALEZA: 2.5 – 3 hourse by Bus
DO THEY SPEAK ENGLISH: NO!
- If you want to tour Lajinhas Natural Tanks, the Mountains (Serra) or the Prehistoric Museum, you need to have an interpreter available to help you.
GETTING THERE:
- BUS : Rodoviária ( Bus Station) de Fortaleza – João Thomé
- Address – Av. Borges de Melo, 1630 – Fatima, Fortaleza – CE, 60415-510
- Bus Company to use: FRETCAR
GETTING AROUND IN ITAPIPOCA :
- TAXI : Usually available when you arrive at the bus station
WHERE TO STAY:
- POUSADA AYRUMA (aka: CAVUTTO POUSADA): This one was well located and had 3 single beds in 1 room. Hot showers, air conditioning, and breakfast included in the price. It also included an excellent breakfast and staff were very helpful in giving tips on where to eat and general information about the small town.
POINTS OF INTEREST:
- LAJINHAS: Natural tanks and granite rock formations
- PRE HISTORIC MUSEUM OF ITAPIPOCA (MUSEU DE PRE-HISTORIA DE ITAPIPOCA): If you want to visit the museum, the mountains, and Lajinhas rocks, it is best to have a Portuguese speaking person contact the museum and allow them to put you in contact with a local guide.
- PRACA 3 CLIMAS (3 Climate Square): The square features colorful monuments that celebrate the fact that Itapipoca is known for it’s 3 climates, which include a beach, the semi-arid “sertao”, and the mountains that surround the town.
- City center, which includes street markets, places to eat, and the Catholic church.
- Great look into the life of people living in the countryside of Ceara
- Great for an eventful and fast 2 day trip
WHAT I THINK: I really loved visiting this little city that’s off the beaten path! I was enchanted by the landscape, rock formations, the humble but interesting museum that featured the Megafauna (large animals) of prehistoric times, the laid back atmosphere, and the extreme helpfulness of the people living there! If you speak Portuguese or have a Portuguese speaking friend or interpreter that can go with you, it is DEFINITELY worth the journey.
IS IT WORTH IT? YES! YES! AND YES!