Without a doubt, the best beaches in Brazil are located in the Northeast. Long stretches of sand that seem to go on forever. The ideal place for kiteboarding and chilling; the two main activities we’ve been doing for the last three weeks. It is the ideal spot to begin your kiting adventure as you travel North and you can’t beat the sound of the ocean crash the beach at night.

We are beginning the next chapter of our lives in the small village of Cumbuco, Brazil. Although the focus of our South American tour will be Argentina, we couldn’t come this far and not let Brent get in some kiteboarding. So, here we are.

Cumbuco is located about 25 km North of Fortaleza, along the Atlantic coast. It’s not an easy spot to get to. We took an international flight from Toronto, Canada to Sao Paulo, Brazil, then a domestic flight to Fortaleza and a final taxi ride to our hotel in Cumbuco. A total of approximately 24 hours. Be prepared for a long journey and bring lots of snacks if you have sights on coming here.

Although Cumbuco, along with the towns further up the coast, is an international destination for kite-boarders with a yearning to do downwinders, it is a favourite spot for the locals. On the weekends, bus loads come from Fortaleza to play in the surf and enjoy family time before heading back at sunset. They take horseback rides along the beach, Jangada rides in the ocean and buggy rides to the dunes. The Brazilians know how to enjoy life with family and friends, and I must admit I get a little homesick when I see them eating and spending time together on a Sunday afternoon.

Cumbuco is located in the Ceara State. Ceara has a rich history with the native Indian tribes forming commercial, political and military alliances with the French in the 1500s and it was home to ongoing battles between the Portuguese and Dutch until the Netherlands ceded their territories to the Portuguese in 1661.

We were here about 12 years ago and we can’t believe how much it has developed. The dirt roads are getting paved and there is an abundance of new builds. This does present challenges as development encroaches upon the dunes and I’m not sure the infrastructure and public services are keeping up with the pace. Saying that, the village was awarded the Blue Flag in recognition of achieving certain environmental standards. Let’s hope they can maintain the commitment.

It has a population of just under 2000 residents and the town square is the hub of the community with a variety of restaurants, shops and a grocery store. I love the square at night when it fills with locals who set up tables to sell their goods and “mom and pop” grills layered with fish, meat and veggie skewers. Even though we had a few good meals at Nice Point , Sorveteria Dorinha and Duro Beach , I still prefer the street vendors - tasty and much cheaper. The restaurants aren’t as inexpensive as you might expect, although you can always count on a cheap beer or Caipirinha, the famous Brazilian cocktail.

For me, the square has become the turnaround point on my early morning walks to feed the resident cats and dogs. I’ve come to appreciate my fellow early morning risers as they begin their day sweeping the streets, hanging laundry and opening doors for early deliveries and those seeking their first cup of coffee. It’s given me a sense of comfort and routine in my current nomadic lifestyle.

If you want to see more of our Cumbuco adventure, visit our Youtube Channel.

Cumbuco Brail

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