Fortaleza Travel Guide

Fortaleza is a major city on Brazil's northeast coast, and the capital of Ceará state. It is one of the largest cities in Brazil and certainly one of the most vibrant. The city is perhaps the most popular domestic package tour destination, and Europeans are following suit. Despite being quite a party town, the carnival in Fortaleza is rather feeble, though growing bigger by the year, with the largest parades being maracatu-style. In 2018, there were 2.6 million inhabitants in the city, and 4.1 million in the metropolitan area.

There are flights from almost every major city in Brazil and internationally fromBogotáBuenos Aires(Gol),Frankfurt(Condor),Lisbon(TAP),Miami(LATAM) andPraia(Cabo Verde Airlines). The status of flights can be checkedonline.

Even though the police are working hard to make Fortaleza safer and the city is less dangerous than it used to be, it's still one ofBrazil'smost dangerous cities. Avoid showing valuable items in public, carrying huge bags (a plastic bag from a local supermarket can be a good substitute) and showing that you're a tourist. The tourist zone around Beira Mar is relatively safe, thanks to a constant police presence.

Reservations are essential in January, when Brazilian holidaymakers pack in. September–November and March–May have room for bargaining at most posted prices. Many hotels will immediately give you 30% off.