Lakes, Dams, and Waterfalls

Ceará’s semi-arid landscape is punctuated by massive engineering works and natural wonders. This list features the Castanhão Dam, Brazil's largest multi-use reservoir, alongside the Orós and Banabuiú dams, which form the state's strategic water reserve. Natural highlights include the 130-meter Bica do Ipu waterfall in the Ibiapaba Mountains and the coastal Lagamar do Cauípe, a hub for kitesurfing. These sites range from essential irrigation sources to high-altitude waterfalls in the Baturité Massif and Ibiapaba regions.

Lakes, Dams, and Waterfalls — Mapa

A

Lagamar do Cauipe

Coastal lagoon in Caucaia, near Cumbuco. It is a primary destination for kitesurfing due to consistent winds and flat fresh water.

Pablo Soares / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Castanhão Dam

The Castanhão Dam is a dam in the state of Ceará, Brazil. It is the largest multiple use reservoir in the country, the largest on an…

Gustavolgcr / CC BY-SA 4.0

C

Açude Quixeramobim

Reservoir on the Quixeramobim River used for regional water supply and irrigation in the Sertão Central region.

D

Bica do Ipu

A 130-meter waterfall in the Ibiapaba Mountains. It is a landmark of the city of Ipu and was immortalized in the Brazilian literary classic Iracema.

Vinicius fvss / Public domain

E

Açude Joaquim Távora

Water reservoir located in the Feiticeiro district of Jaguaribe, used for local agriculture and water management.

Fábio Barros / Public domain

F

Barragem Central

Dam located in Quixadá, providing water storage for the surrounding semi-arid landscape.

G

Orós Dam

The Orós Dam or President Juscelino Kubitschek Dam is located on the Jaguaribe River, in the northeastern Brazilian state of Ceará.

H

Cachoeira dos Espanhóis

Waterfall located in the rural area of Guaraciaba do Norte within the Ibiapaba mountain range.

I

Cachoeira Perigo

Waterfall situated in the Baturité Massif, known for its surrounding Atlantic Forest vegetation.

J

Cachoeira Talyta

Small waterfall located in the Palmácia region of the Baturité Massif, characterized by dense local flora.

K

Pirapora

Natural waterfall located in Viçosa do Ceará, featuring stone steps and natural pools.

L

Cachoeira do Boi Morto

Waterfall in the municipality of Ubajara, named after a local legend and situated near the Ibiapaba plateau.

M

Açude Arrojado Lisboa

Also known as Açude Banabuiú, it is the third-largest reservoir in Ceará, damming the Banabuiú River.

N

Açude Araras

The fourth-largest reservoir in the state, located on the Acaraú River in the municipality of Varjota.

O

Cachoeira de Morrinhos Novos

Seasonal waterfall located in the Ibiapaba region near Guaraciaba do Norte.

P

Cachoeira Park

Recreational park featuring natural waterfalls and swimming areas in the Ibiapaba mountain range.

Q

Cachoeira do Urubu

Waterfall located in the rural area of Canindé, typically active during the rainy season.

R

Cachoeira São Paulo

Waterfall in the Palmácia region, part of the Baturité Massif's environmental protection area.