Vale Monumental do Ceará

Sports & the Outdoors

Sertão & Pedras. You can hire guides to take you on hikes along the Trilha das Andorinhas (Andorinhas Trail). The valley is filled with giant rocks sculptured by the elements into unusual formations. Trails have been mapped out for moderate hikes to grottos, caves (some of which have prehistoric etchings), lagoons, canyons, and tunnels. Contact Sertão & Pedras to arrange canoeing or rock-climbing trips. Rua Basílio Pinto 365, Quixadá, 63900-000. 088/3412-5995.

Thermal wind conditions are just right for paragliding off a mountaintop near the towns of Quixadá and Quixeramobim, about two hours southwest of Fortaleza. One person's excursion of 6½ hours in the air made it into the Guinness Book of World Records. Once you're harnessed up, it's just a short downhill run before the wind grabs you and off you go. The most popular month for competitions is November because it's dry. Escola de vôo Livre. If you'd like to learn to paraglide, contact Claudio Henrique Landim, an instructor with Escola de vôo Livre. The course is R$680 for 30 hours. 085/9979-6027. www.fortalezavoolivre.com.br.