Northern Brazil on a budget

The once-little fishing village of Cumbuco is around just 30 minutes journey North of Fortaleza airport in the North Eastern state Ceara, Brazil. From the months of June to January this part of Brazil has to be one of the windiest places on the Planet! Combined with some of the friendliest people you are ever likely to meet, and a vibrant South American atmosphere, Cumbuco makes for a Kitesurfing Holiday of a lifetime.

PLANET first visited this area about 20 years ago on a research trip along the entire Northern Coastline from Fortaleza right up to Jericoacoara. At that time Cumbuco was a relatively little-known quiet spot. Since then the word has got around about what an astounding place this is and so the resort has become one of the best known kitesurf resorts in Brazil. On a more recent visit we have found a range of new, very good accommodations, the best in Cumbuco (we went to see every hotel!). Cumbuco is best suited to those looking for a very sociable and fun kitesurf holiday with some amazing conditions for all levels; from total beginner through to those looking for small waves. For bigger waves it is better to head further North (ask us about this if you are advanced rider).

As with all of our resorts it is always best to speak with us, we are Brazil experts and know this region very well. It is very important to get the right accommodation and location for your budget and level - when booking with Planet Kitesurf Holidays you can be assured of both. If you have a little longer we strongly recommend combining a kitesurf holiday to Cumbuco with one of the other kitesurf resorts and / or some other trips around Brazil - see our suggested tours below.

There are so many amazing kitesurf spots around Brazil, most of them amazing in one way or another, whether it be beautiful accommodations, huge kite lagoons, wave spots, great places to eat, Wing Foiling, and high-standard professional kite schools. However, it is very hard to find all these things in one place, making Ilha Do Guajiru such a unique place for the ultimate all-around Brazilian kitesurf holiday. The resort works really well for solo travellers, couples or families, although the choice of accommodation is essential. 

Here is Ilha Do Guajiru the first thing you notice is the stunning flat water lagoon created by a massive sand bar; this is an excellent flat water spot. There are some small gusty sections, and at very low tides, it is necessary to kitesurf just outside the lagoon (or over the sand bar into the open sea), but on the whole, the kiting area is great with lots of space. As well as this, there are 3 other super flat water lagoons a short drive away, or you can visit some as part of a downwinder. There is also one trip here where you can kitesurf in a river estuary amongst a mangrove forest - an incredible experience.  Ilha Do Guajiru is one of Brazil's best all-around kitesurfing spots, and maybe even in the world!

Other than amazing kitesurfing, there is also amazing food, both in our recommended properties and outside. Just behind the main Lagoons beach, there are a number of superb restaurants and small bars, but all quite relaxed - this is not a party town, but it does have a great ‘vibe’.

It is definitely possible to spend 7-10 days (or longer) here without getting bored. Still, Brazil has so many amazing and very special spots, so we do recommend combining a stay here with one to two other locations as part of your trip, if time allows. Speaking to one of the Brazil kitesurf holiday specialists is always best. We have extensive first-hand knowledge of the majority of kitesurf locations in Brazil, as well as other interesting places such as the stunning Parnaíba Delta, the Amazon, the Pantanal wetlands and the cities of Rio and São Paulo. We can construct personalised, tailor-made itineraries to ensure you get the most out of your Brazil experience. Brazil can be a complex destination to understand and requires good planning, the use of experienced off-road drivers with the correct permits, and it is very important to get the correct accommodation.

Prea used to be a quiet fishing village but has now developed into a well-established small town that revolves around the kitesurfing scene. In recent years the level of accommodation has become much higher, and a number to great restaurants have sprung up. Prea now has a great vibe, but still not overdeveloped. 

This is a great location to combine Kitesurfing with Wing Foiing. It is also good for all types of holidays, including family (we have stunning 2-bedroom luxury rooms with child care if needed), couples or solo travellers looking for a friendly and social environment.

Here at Planet Travel, we think Prea is the best when combined with one of the other resorts in Brazil, such as Tatajuba, Taiba, Camacim, Icaraizinho or Cumbuco. Also, we run one-week downwinder trips from Cumbuco finishing in Prea!