Things To Do
in Ubajara
Ubajara is a small town perched on the Serra da Ibiapaba plateau in Ceará, Brazil, offering lush forests and cool mountain air. It serves as a gateway to the Ubajara National Park, famed for its dramatic cave illuminated for guided tours and accessible via a scenic cable car. The surrounding landscape blends emerald forests, waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints that reward hikers and photographers alike.
With a relaxed, rural rhythm and friendly local hospitality, Ubajara provides an authentic glimpse of Ceará’s natural beauty.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing hike through Ubajara National Park, where you can immerse yourself in the lush greenery and diverse wildlife. The morning sun filters through the trees, creating a magical atmosphere as you make your way to the breathtaking Ubajara waterfall. Be sure to capture stunning photographs of the unique rock formations and vibrant flora along the trail.
After enjoying a picnic lunch surrounded by nature, continue your adventure by taking the park's cable car to the top of the cliffs. From here, you can marvel at the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the nearby town. Spend some time exploring the various lookout points and trails that offer a glimpse into the park's rich biodiversity.
As the sun begins to set, return to your accommodation and unwind with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Savor traditional Brazilian dishes, perhaps trying a regional favorite like carne de sol or a hearty feijoada. End your day by enjoying a leisurely stroll through the town, soaking in the local culture and vibrant atmosphere.
Begin your day at the local artisan market, where you can browse handmade crafts and souvenirs that reflect the rich culture of Ubajara. Engage with friendly artisans who are eager to share their stories and the inspiration behind their work. Don’t forget to sample some local delicacies such as queijo coalho and tapioca, which are often sold at the market.
Visit the Ubajara Municipal Museum to learn about the history and traditions of the region through its fascinating exhibits. The museum showcases artifacts and artwork that tell the story of the local people, their customs, and their connection to the land. Afterward, take a leisurely walk through the charming streets, taking in the colorful colonial architecture.
For dinner, choose a cozy local restaurant known for its warm atmosphere and delicious regional cuisine. Enjoy a meal of freshly caught fish or a vegetarian dish made from local ingredients. Conclude your evening by attending a cultural performance if available, showcasing traditional music and dance of the Northeastern region.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🥗Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| 🚗Taxi ride (short distance) | $2-6 |
| 🏨Hostel or budget hotel per night | $15-30 |
| ☕Coffee or soft drink | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural scenery and access to Ubajara National Park
- Cooler climate in the highland region compared to coastal Ceará
- Authentic small-town atmosphere with friendly locals
- Strong opportunities for hiking, photography, and outdoor adventures
- Limited nightlife and fewer high-end dining options
- Public transport is sparse; a car or guided tours are helpful
- Seasonal rainfall can affect outdoor plans and hiking conditions
- Smaller healthcare facilities; may require travel to larger towns for some services
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica ...?" - Where is ...?
- "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
- "Eu não falo Português muito bem" - I don't speak Portuguese very well
- "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
- "Água" - Water
Places to Visit in Ubajara
Visit one of these nice places.
The cave entrance area is accessible by cable car and framed by lush forest, offering dramatic light and shadow for interior and exterior shots.
Panoramic viewpoints along the plateau provide sweeping vistas of valleys, forests, and distant towns—great for sunrise/sunset photography.
Forest trails and natural pools around Ubajara offer opportunities for long-exposure shots of cascades and verdant canopies.
Food in Ubajara
Ubajara Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Rice and beans cooked together with carne de sol, often served with mandioca and a fresh salsa.
Must-Try!
Sun-dried beef paired with creamy manioc purée for a comforting, protein-rich plate.
Creamy corn pudding that can be served sweet or savory, scented with coconut milk and cinnamon.
A regional fish stew featuring tomatoes, peppers, and herbs, reflecting coastal influence that travels inland.
Skewered, grilled queijo coalho—simple, smoky, and perfect as a snack or starter.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local market offering fresh fruits, mandioca, queijo, and snacks; great for sampling regional produce and juices.
Street stalls around the central area selling queijo coalho, grilled skewers, and quick bites; ideal for a casual meal on the go.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Begin with a friendly greeting (Oi/Olá) and a handshake; addressing people with respectful forms (senhor/senhora) is common.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites; avoid loud behavior in sacred spaces; ask before taking photographs of people.
Polite, patient communication is valued; a calm demeanor goes a long way in social interactions.
Dispose of trash properly; keep noise reasonable at night in residential areas.
Safety
Tipping in Ubajara
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; 5-10% at restaurants if service is not included; small tips to guides and drivers are common.
Cash (BRL) is widely accepted; credit/debit cards are common in towns; Pix (QR code) is popular for quick transfers; some small vendors may be cash-only.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Relatively hot days with high humidity; expect brief afternoon showers. Start outdoor activities early to avoid peak heat and carry water, sunscreen, and a light rain jacket.
Milder temperatures with intermittent rain; trails can be slick after rain. Layers are useful, and misty mornings create atmospheric photographs.
Cooler nights and pleasant daytime temperatures; perfect for outdoor exploration and photography with clear skies. Pack a light jacket for evenings.
Warm days with increasing humidity and occasional showers; vegetation blooms, making trails vibrant and photogenic.
Ubajara at Night
Hiking in Ubajara
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest trails with varying difficulty; the park offers guided hikes to viewpoints, waterfalls, and the cave area.
Scenic hikes along the plateau with panoramas over valleys and villages; suitable for day trips and photography.
Airports
How to reach Ubajara by plane.
Major gateway for the region; domestic and international flights; typically the easiest option for reaching Ubajara via road trip.
Another regional option in Ceará; can be used for domestic travel with connections to larger hubs, requiring a longer drive to Ubajara.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of rural Cearenses with families living in and around Ubajara; communities are generally close-knit and hospitality-focused.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Ceará and rural Brazil; local teams and informal matches are common in town squares and fields.
Indoor and outdoor courts are frequently used in communities and schools.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ubajara.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most places offer beans, rice, manioc, and vegetables; request dishes without carne ou caldo de carne (meat or meat broth) and ask for vegetables on the side.
Rely on legumes, rice, manioc, fruits, and vegetables; confirm that broths or cheese are not used in preparation.
Many dishes rely on rice, beans, and manioc; check for gluten-containing condiments or cross-contamination in shared kitchens.