Things To Do
in Assaré

Assaré is a small, welcoming town in Ceará that blends rural charm with a distinct regional culture. Set amid semi-arid landscapes and green agricultural patches, the town offers a peaceful pace and authentic Northeast experiences. Visitors can explore a compact center rich with local crafts, simple eateries, and friendly residents.

With walkable streets and a backdrop of farmland, Assaré invites relaxed exploration and genuine exchanges with locals.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional Brazilian pão de queijo and fresh fruit juice. Afterward, embark on a guided walking tour through the historic center of Assaré, where you'll admire colonial architecture and vibrant street art. As you stroll, listen to stories about the city's rich cultural heritage and its significance in the region.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, visit the Museu da Cidade, where you can explore artifacts that narrate the history of Assaré and its people. Take a leisurely lunch at a nearby restaurant, trying regional dishes like carne de sol and feijão verde. Afterward, enjoy some free time wandering through local craft shops to find unique souvenirs.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to a local plaza where the community gathers for evening activities. Join in the festivities, which may include live music or traditional dances, immersing yourself in the local culture. End your day with a delicious dinner at a restaurant known for its mouth-watering grilled meats and refreshing caipirinhas.

day 2
Nature Hike in Chapada do Araripe
morning
:

Rise early and prepare for a day of adventure by packing a picnic lunch and plenty of water. Drive to the stunning Chapada do Araripe, an area known for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse flora and fauna. As you hike through the trails, keep an eye out for endemic bird species and vibrant wildflowers that paint the scenery.

afternoon
:

Stop for lunch at a scenic viewpoint within the park, where you can relax and enjoy the tranquility of nature. Continue your hike, exploring hidden waterfalls and natural pools perfect for a refreshing dip. Capture photos of the stunning vistas, which offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

evening
:

As you return to Assaré, unwind at a local eatery with a focus on regional cuisine, enjoying dishes that highlight the local ingredients. Reflect on the day's adventure while sampling a selection of local beers or cachaça. If you're up for it, take a stroll through the town to experience the quiet charm of Assaré by night.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
Coffee or tea$1-3
🏨Budget hotel room$25-60
🛍️Local souvenirs$5-25
🚎Public transport day pass$1-2

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Charming, walkable town with authentic Ceará culture
  • Low-key, safe and affordable for travelers
  • Limited nightlife and fewer high-end amenities
  • Occasional gaps in English-speaking services in rural areas
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Onde fica?" - Where is it?
  • "Eu gostaria de..." - I would like to...

Places to Visit in Assaré

Visit one of these nice places.

Praça Central e Igreja Matriz

The central square framed by the town church offers classic daytime and golden-hour photography of daily life and architectural details.

Rua das Fachadas Coloridas

Main street with colorful, traditional façades perfect for vibrant street photography and portraits.

Mirante do Morro da Serra

Panoramic hillside viewpoint ideal for sunrise or sunset shots over Assaré and surrounding farmlands.

Mercado Municipal

Bright market scenes with textiles, produce, and locals bargaining—great for documentary photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Assaré

Assaré’s cuisine reflects Ceará’s hearty, resourceful flavors: cassava staples, beans, corn, and dairy-driven dishes, often enjoyed in simple, communal settings. Expect robust, comforting meals built on local produce and meat when available. Street food and small eateries provide quick, flavorful options for travelers. Hydration is essential in the warm climate, especially during day trips.

Assaré Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Carne de Sol com Macaxeira

Dried, salted beef served with cassava (manioc); a regional staple that showcases enduring northeastern flavors.

Must-Try!

Baião de Dois

A hearty mix of rice and beans with cheese, often prepared with herbs and/or pork; a signature Ceará dish.

Cuscuz Nordestino

A moist, steamed corn couscous often served with milk, cheese, or coconut; a simple, comforting option.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de Assaré

Market stalls offering fresh produce, local cheeses, dried meats, and everyday staples; a great place to observe daily life and grab quick bites.

Street Food Corners

Tapioca, pamonha, and caldo de cana stalls line the streets, ideal for a casual, authentic snack while discovering the town.

Climate Guide

Weather

Assaré has a hot, tropical semi-arid climate with high daytime temperatures most of the year. Rainfall is concentrated mainly from February to May, while the dry season lasts from June to January, bringing clear skies and abundant sunshine.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and politeness

Begin interactions with a friendly greeting such as "Bom dia" or "Boa tarde"; handshake is common, with warm exchanges among friends.

Safety Guide

Safety

Take standard travel precautions: stay aware of your surroundings in crowded areas, keep valuables secure, use licensed taxis or rideshares, and avoid isolated rural roads at night. Carry a light water supply for day trips and be mindful of heat exposure.

Tipping in Assaré

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants, a tip of around 5-10% is common if service is not included; small tips to drivers or guides are appreciated but not always expected.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and sunny with high daytime temperatures; stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.

Autumn

Continued heat with occasional tropical showers in the afternoons; humidity can be high; a good time for photography in softer light.

Winter

Warm days and cooler nights; temperatures are comfortable for outdoor exploring, especially at higher elevations.

Spring

Warm and often dry to mildly rainy; ideal for outdoor activities and market visits with pleasant daylight.

Nightlife Guide

Assaré at Night

Nightlife in Assaré is low-key and community-focused. In the evenings, locals gather in plazas or small bars where forró or sertanejo music is played. Expect relaxed atmospheres, casual conversations, and sociable crowds rather than large clubs or late-night venues.

Hiking in Assaré

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Trilha do Morro da Serra

A short hillside hike with panoramic views over Assaré and surrounding farmlands.

Trilhas rurais ao redor do vale

Gentle country trails through orchards and scrub, ideal for a relaxed afternoon hike.

Airports

How to reach Assaré by plane.

Juazeiro do Norte (Cariri Regional Airport)

Regional airport serving the Cariri region; limited international flights; about 230 km from Assaré; taxis and buses available.

Fortaleza International Airport (Pinto Martins)

Major international airport serving Ceará; offers many flight options; longer drive or domestic connections from Assaré.

Getting Around

Walkability

Assaré's compact center is very walkable, with most attractions, markets, and eateries reachable on foot within a short radius.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Mixed-race and Afro-Brazilian communities

Assaré reflects Ceará’s diverse population with rural families and local artisans.

Rural residents and farmers

Many residents live in farming communities surrounding the town; traditional crafts are common.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular sport in Ceará; local matches often draw crowds in town venues and schools.

Futsal

Indoor football widely played in community centers and local leagues.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in the town center is light to moderate; regional roads are generally paved but narrow; intercity buses connect Assaré to nearby towns; taxis are common for short trips.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Assaré.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many dishes can be adapted by omitting meat; request baião de dois sem carne or substituões with extra oringa or vegetables; inform staff when ordering.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Assaré consists of local clinics and basic services; for more advanced care, visitors typically travel to larger centers such as Juazeiro do Norte or Fortaleza; public health system (SUS) available, private clinics also present.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide