Jericoacoara’s Turquoise Lagoon (Buraco Azul)
The Complete Guide to Buraco Azul, Jericoacoara’s Stunning Turquoise Lagoon
So, are these famous turquoise lagoons near Jericoacoara a natural wonder or something man-made? Turns out, it’s a bit of both.
A few years ago, construction trucks were digging around the Jericoacoara area to build a road. Then, nature took over—it rained, and the hole left behind filled up with rainwater. Voila! The result? Two stunning turquoise lagoons that quickly became Instagram hotspots.
Buraco Azul: Castelhano vs. Caiçara
There are actually two “blue holes” or lagoons here, even though they both go by the same name—Buraco Azul. Here’s a breakdown of each one:
The lagoons have gotten pretty popular with tourists, so now there’s a small restaurant with some shade to chill in right by them.
Price
Caiçara is free, but Castelhano will set you back R$ 5 since it’s a bit more “developed.”
“Instagram Value”: Which Lagoon is More Photogenic?
Buraco Azul Castelhano: This one has a super photogenic hammock hanging over the lagoon and a flower-decorated swing that screams “Instagram moment.”
Buraco Azul Caiçara: There are three hammocks, but they’re more to the side. For drone shots, Caiçara might be your go-to since it’s smaller and shallower, making it easier to get to the middle. I had to use a floatie to get to the middle of Castelhano for my shots!
The Water: What’s the Difference?
- Castelhano: This one’s deeper and the walls around it are steeper, so it’s considered a bit riskier. There are three floaties available at the entrance if you’re feeling cautious.
- Caiçara: It’s smaller and has lower walls, making it perfect for jumping in. The vibe is a bit more laid-back.
How to Get to the Turquoise Lagoons
The lagoons are about 40 minutes from Jericoacoara, located in northeastern Brazil. You can take a buggy for around R$ 100 (up to 4 or 5 people, if you’re squeezing). This will take you to either lagoon. Alternatively, you can visit Caiçara as part of the East Side Tour of Jeri, which runs about R$ 400 per buggy.
Pro tip: If you’re going just for the lagoon, try to get there before 9 a.m. to beat the crowds. If you’re doing the tour, ask to switch the itinerary so you can hit the lagoons first—trust me, the emptier, the better.
Drone Shots: Get That Perfect Insta Pic
If you don’t have a drone but want that killer aerial shot, you can hire a local. But beware—Jericoacoara’s pretty touristy, and some will try to overcharge you.
An hour of drone shooting shouldn’t cost more than R$ 150. I had a guy try to charge me R$ 350, and he ended up messing up my shot because his drone malfunctioned. To top it off, he ruined my own drone, leaving me with bad footage and no juice for the rest of the day. This guy’s name was Gerson—wouldn’t recommend him at all. He even sent me low-quality videos afterward and refused to give me the originals!
On the flip side, here’s someone I do recommend: Entony – +55 88 97544179
Hopefully, your drone experience will be better than mine!
