Pedra Furada, Jericoacoara, Brazil

Pedra Furada, Jericoacoara, Brazil

Some landscapes are shaped not by people, but by the steady forces of nature over thousands of years. That's exactly the story of Pedra Furada in Jericoacoara, in the Brazilian state of Ceará. Wind and sea gradually carved this natural arch, which has become one of the region's most recognisable landmarks. Located within Jericoacoara National Park, the arch stands along the coast and frames the Atlantic Ocean. From July into early August, visitors gather to watch its most famous spectacle, when the setting sun aligns with the opening in the rock, shining through it for a few minutes before dipping below the horizon.

Reaching Pedra Furada is part of the experience, with a scenic coastal walk from the village revealing beaches, rocky shores and sweeping ocean views. About 300 kilometres from Fortaleza, Jericoacoara began as an isolated fishing village surrounded by shifting dunes, steady trade winds and seasonal freshwater lagoons. Although it has grown into an internationally known destination, its sandy streets and laid-back atmosphere have remained largely intact.