Things To Do
in Acarape

Acarape, Brazil is a small municipality in Ceará set among rolling hills and rural countryside, about a short drive from Fortaleza. The town offers warm hospitality, a relaxed tempo, and a canvas of coastal and inland landscapes. Visitors can explore local churches, markets, and viewpoints that reveal Ceará’s agricultural heart and resilient culture.

With year-round sunshine and a welcoming community, Acarape makes a authentic base for experiencing rural Brazil near the coast.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Acarape
morning
:

Arrive in Acarape and settle into your accommodations, taking in the local landscape and vibrant energy of this charming town. Have a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional Brazilian dishes like pão de queijo. Explore the streets and find local artisan shops selling handmade crafts.

afternoon
:

Visit the historic center of Acarape, where you can admire colonial architecture and vibrant murals that depict local culture and history. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, trying regional specialties such as carne de sol or feijoada. Spend the afternoon visiting the nearby natural parks or take a guided eco-tour to learn about the local flora and fauna.

evening
:

As the sun sets, stroll through the bustling night market where local vendors offer unique handicrafts and delicious street food. Find a cozy spot to enjoy dinner with live music, experiencing the vibrant nightlife that Acarape has to offer. Wind down with a relaxing walk along the riverside, taking in the peaceful ambiance and twinkling stars.

day 2
Exploring Local Culture
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the local art gallery, showcasing the works of talented local artists inspired by Acarape's landscapes and culture. Participate in a workshop where you can learn traditional crafts such as pottery or weaving. Next, meet some locals and hear their stories that deep dive into the community’s rich traditions.

afternoon
:

Enjoy lunch with a local family and indulge in home-cooked Brazilian cuisine, gaining a deeper understanding of their culinary practices. Spend the afternoon at a nearby farm, where you can participate in the harvesting of tropical fruits like banana and coconut. Learn how these ingredients play a role in the local diet and cuisine.

evening
:

Attend a traditional dance performance showcasing the folklore of the region, immersing yourself in the lively rhythms and colors of Acarape’s culture. After the show, share a meal with the performers, discussing the significance of their dance and music. Reflect on the day's experiences and enjoy a quiet evening at your accommodation.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-12
🍽️Meal for 2 at mid-range restaurant$25-40
🏨Budget hotel or hostel per night$18-35
🚖One-way local transport$0.50-1.50
Coffee at cafe$1-3

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Warm hospitality and rural charm
  • Low-cost living and easy access from Fortaleza
  • Limited nightlife and fewer touristic facilities
  • Seasonal rain can affect outdoor plans
  • "Olá" - Hello
  • "Bom dia" - Good morning
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado" - Thank you
  • "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?

Places to Visit in Acarape

Visit one of these nice places.

Igreja Matriz de Acarape

Historic church with colonial architecture and colorful interiors that glow in the morning light.

Mirante do Serrote

Panoramic hilltop overlook offering sweeping views of the town and surrounding valleys.

Praça Central

Vibrant square with local life, murals, and daily market activity perfect for candid photography.

Ribeiro do Vento

Riverside path and wind-swept banks ideal for landscape photography at golden hour.

Culinary Guide

Food in Acarape

Acarape’s cuisine reflects Ceará’s Nordeste traditions: hearty legumes, cassava, corn, and dairy, with fresh coastal fish available in season.

Acarape Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Baião de Dois

A classic mix of rice and beans with cheese, often served with carne de sol or pork.

Must-Try!

Carne de Sol com Purê de Macaxeira

Sun-dried beef paired with creamy cassava mash.

Queijo Coalho Grelhado

Grilled queijo coalho skewers often enjoyed with a drizzle of honey or molasses.

Mungunzá (Canjica)

Creamy sweet corn pudding spiced with cinnamon.

Peixada Cearense

Coastal fish stew with coconut milk and local vegetables.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Local de Acarape

A small-town market offering tapioca, grilled cheeses, fresh fruit juices, and regional snacks.

Feiras de Rua

Street stalls around the central square serving tapioca pancakes, pamonha, and other quick bites.

Climate Guide

Weather

Acarape has a tropical hot climate with a rainy season and humidity; temperatures typically range from the mid-20s to mid-30s Celsius year-round, with coastal breezes helping on hotter days.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with a smile and a handshake or cheek kisses among friends; address elders with Senhor/Senhora.

Punctuality

People tend to have a flexible approach to schedules; arrive on time but be adaptable.

Photography

Ask permission before taking photos of people or private spaces; respect religious or cultural sites.

Safety Guide

Safety

Remain aware of petty theft in market areas; travel with water, secure valuables, and choose well-lit routes at night; in tropical weather stay alert for rain and avoid flooded paths.

Tipping in Acarape

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory; 5-10% in casual meals, 10-15% in full-service restaurants if service is not included.

Payment Methods

Cash is common; credit/debit cards widely accepted in towns, with some mobile payment options.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and humid with strong sun; expect tropical showers later in the day and take sun protection.

Autumn

Pleasant days with cooling evenings; rainfall is possible but less frequent.

Winter

Warm days with sea breeze; nights can be cooler, pack a light jacket.

Spring

Bright days with scattered showers; perfect for outdoor activities and photography.

Nightlife Guide

Acarape at Night

In Acarape, nightlife centers on social plazas, casual bars, and occasional live music; evenings are relaxed with friends, street food, and coconut water. Larger clubs aren’t common in this small town, but nearby areas may offer more options.

Hiking in Acarape

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Serra da Ira Trail

A nearby hike offering views of the region’s hills and farmlands

Airports

How to reach Acarape by plane.

Fortaleza International Airport (FOR)

Main gateway to Ceará; typically about a 1.5–2 hour drive to Acarape depending on traffic.

Getting Around

Walkability

Acarape's town center is compact and walkable, with most amenities within a short stroll; the terrain includes gentle hills, so some streets may be steep; the surrounding countryside is best explored by car or bike.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local residents

A mix of families and farmers; communities centered around agriculture and crafts.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Soccer (futebol)

The most popular sport in the region, with local games and community clubs.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light in Acarape; rural roads can be unpaved or rough, while Fortaleza experiences typical urban congestion during peak hours; public buses and shared vans connect to nearby towns.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Acarape.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

In Acarape you can find beans, cassava, corn, vegetables, and fruit; ask for vegetable-intensive dishes and avoid meat-heavy preparations.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Acarape is supported by local clinics and a municipal health post; for more complex services, residents often travel to Fortaleza which offers public SUS facilities and private hospitals. Carry health insurance and any essential medications.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide