Morro Branco is famous for its cliffs, which are layered in bands of red, orange, yellow, pink and white sand carved by wind and water into twisting corridors. It lies in the municipality of Beberibe, about 85 kilometres southeast of Fortaleza, and it has long been a favourite stop on the Ceara coast. Visitors walk through the cliffs on a guided route, sometimes squeezing through narrow passages known as the labyrinth, and many buy small bottles filled with layered coloured sand, a traditional local handicraft. The village also has a tradition of lace making, and you can see lacemakers at work and buy handmade pieces. A short drive away is Praia das Fontes, where freshwater springs seep out below sand cliffs and flow toward the sea, with beach bars and tables set under the cliffs. Rafts called jangadas bob on the water and can be hired for short trips. Together these two stops give a half day or full day of scenery, shopping and relaxation. Tours from Fortaleza usually combine them with another beach, such as Canoa Quebrada, and the journey is short enough to make a comfortable outing for most travellers. The cliffs are best seen in good light, and the colours glow in the morning and late afternoon.
How to visit well
Wear light clothes and sturdy sandals, as you will walk on sand and slopes, and bring a hat, sunscreen and water. A guide is useful in the labyrinth, because local guides know the routes and the history of the cliffs, and the fee is modest. Note that the cliffs are fragile, so do not climb on the walls or take sand from them. The bottled sand art is sold by many vendors and makes a good souvenir.
Praia das Fontes is a relaxed place for lunch, with fish, shrimp and crab at tables near the water, and you can enjoy a short jangada trip if you wish. The sea there can be rough, so be cautious when swimming. If you want to see both Morro Branco and Canoa Quebrada in one day, expect a long trip with several hours on the road, so start early. An alternative is to take a more relaxed day with just Morro Branco and Fontes, with time for shopping and lunch.
The dry season, from July to January, brings clearer skies and stronger sun, while the wetter months make the scenery greener. Weekends can be crowded, so a weekday visit is calmer. Photographers and families with older children will enjoy the colours and the sense of exploration, and it is an easy introduction to the landscapes beyond Fortaleza. If you want a slower pace, consider staying a night in Beberibe or nearby villages, then visiting the cliffs at sunrise or sunset.
Extra advice
The labyrinth passages can be narrow and warm at midday, so go early or late, and keep children close to avoid slips on the sand. Ask the local guides about the lacemakers, since a small purchase directly from a maker supports the community and gives you a better souvenir than a mass-produced piece. Remember to carry cash for the guide fee, parking and small purchases, as card machines are not common at the cliffs.
What to expect
The experience
A tour to the coloured sand cliffs of Morro Branco and the spring-fed Praia das Fontes, with time for shopping and lunch.
Best time
Morning or late afternoon for the best colours; weekdays are calmer.
How long
Half to full day, depending on the programme, with about 1.5 hours of driving each way.
Tips
Wear sandals, bring a hat, sunscreen and water, hire a local guide for the labyrinth and do not climb on the cliffs.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Photographers and families who like short walks and scenery.
- Families
- Children enjoy the labyrinth and the jangada boats.
- Couples
- Late light on the cliffs is romantic.
- Pair with
- Canoa Quebrada or Aguas Belas for a longer coastal day.
- Time needed
- A half or full day.
Good questions
How far is Morro Branco from Fortaleza?+
About 85 kilometres southeast, roughly an hour and a half by road.
What are the coloured cliffs?+
Layers of red, orange, yellow, pink and white sand carved by wind and water, with narrow corridors known as the labyrinth.
What is Praia das Fontes?+
A beach where freshwater springs seep out below sand cliffs and flow to the sea, with beach bars and jangada rides.
Can I buy sand art?+
Yes, bottles of layered coloured sand are a traditional local handicraft sold by vendors in the village.
Is it easy to combine with Canoa Quebrada?+
Yes. Many tours combine them, although it makes for a long day.
