Cruise ships dock in the commercial port of Fortaleza. There are only a few taxis allowed into the port by the ship, but 200 meters further at the entrance to the port there are plenty taxis. They are metered and very reasonably priced. Take a taxi and tell them you want to go to Mercado Central. ( This is the main local shopping market and is a fun experience)

There's really nothing within walking distance of the dock.

Printable map to take along on your cruise.

Cruise calendar for this port.

Watch a destination video.

Fortaleza, the capital city of the State of Ceará, has been for decades one of the most popular destinations of Brazilian tourists. In recent years, the fame of Fortaleza has been gaining the world, and the number of Europeans, North and South Americans travellers coming to Cearás has grown fast.

What attracts so many Brazilian and foreigners to Fortaleza? Rather than pointing out one single reason, it is safer to say that visitors are attracted by a combination of the sunny beaches, the busy and safe nightlife, the delicious culinary, the rich Brazilian culture, the very peaceful and friendly people. On top of that, it's worthy mentioning that Brazil is free from natural disasters, and is a country with low cost of living.

It pays to compare your cruise line shore excursions here

If you want to swim, avoid the somewhat polluted beach areas in the hotel sector of Meireles, and take a taxi to Praia do Futuro (not a long ride from the port; opposite direction from town). Try to find a name of a popular "barraca" (pronounced ba-ha-ka, meaning tent, hut, shack, open-air restaurant or bar) so you don't end up in an empty area or some eatery run by the taxi driver's cousin.

Do not walk into the neighborhoods inland from the beach area (not safe).

You will find anything you are looking for in the Mercado Central's five stories. Indigenous artwork, pottery, basketry, bamboo, jewelry, beach items and clothes etc. A great place! Area is known for lace products.

Brazilian Real

Currency Converter

Portuguese spoken.

Internet cafes are sparse.

Basic hours for most stores and businesses are from 9am to 6pm, with an extended lunch hour from around noon to 2pm.

Many museums are closed on monday.

National holidays:

January 1
Carnival - the five days leading up to Ash Wednesday
Good Friday
April 21 - Remembrance of Tiradentes
May 1 - Labour Day
Corpus Christi
September 7 - Independence Day
October 12 - Nossa Senhora Aparecida
November 2 - Dia dos Finados (the Day of the Dead)
November 15 - Proclamation of the Republic
December 2

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