Fortaleza travel guide

Safety

The city is generally safe for visitors. However, tourists should avoid the following areas: Serviluz favela between the old lighthouse (Avenida Vicente de Castro), Mucuripe and Praia do Futuro; the favela behind the railway station; the Passeio Público at night; and Avenida Abolição at its eastern (Nossa Senhora da Saúde church) and western ends.

Getting around

The city is spread out, with its main attractions in the centre and along the seashore; transport from one to the other can take a long time. The city bus system is efficient if a little rough; buses and vans cost US$1 per journey. The cheapest way to orientate yourself within the city is to take the ‘Circular 1’ (anti-clockwise) or ‘Circular 2’ (clockwise) buses which pass Avenida Beira Mar, the Aldeota district, the university (UFC) and cathedral via Meireles, Iracema, Centro Dragão do Mar and the Centre, US$1.50. Alternatively, take the new Top Bus run by Expresso Guanabara (T0800-991992, US$2.50) an air-conditioned minibus starting at Avenida Abolição.

When driving outside the city, have a good map and be prepared to ask directions frequently as road signs are non-existent or are placed after junctions.

Getting there

International and domestic flights arrive at Aeroporto Pinto Martins (Praça Eduardo Gomes, 6 km south of the centre, T085-3392 1200) . There are connections with São Luís and Belém, as well as the Guianas, various destinations in Portugal and Italy. The airport has a 24-hour tourist office, T085-3477 1667, car hire, a food hall, internet facilities, bookstore, Banco do Brasil for exchange and Bradesco and HSBC for international ATMs. Bus No 404 runs from the airport to Praça José de Alencar in the centre, US$1. Expresso Guanabara minibuses run to the rodoviária and Beira Mar (US$2). Bus No 066 runs from Papicu to Parangaba; bus No 027 runs from Papicu to Siqueira. Taxis to the centre, Avenida Beira Mar or Praia do Futuro charge a fixed fee of US$20, or US$25 at night (30 minutes, allowing for traffic).

Interstate buses arrive at the Rodoviária São Tomé (Av Borges de Melo 1630, Fátima, 6 km south of the centre, T085-3256 2100) . Information is available from Disque Turismo booth, open 0600-1800, which also has lockers for storing luggage.

Opposite the rodoviária is Hotel Amuarama, which has a bar and restaurant; there’s also a lanchonete. Many city buses run to the centre (US$1) including No 78, which goes to Iracema via the Centro Dragão do Mar. If in doubt, the tourist information booth will point you in the right direction. A taxi to Praia de Iracema, or Avenida Abolição costs around US$15. Minivans to Jericoacoara leave from in front of the Hotel Casa Blanca .