Cumbuco, Brazil

About Cumbuco

Cumbuco lies thirty-five kilometres north-west of Fortaleza on Brazil's Ceará coast — a fishing village that spent two decades reorganising itself around wind and is now among the most dependable destinations in the sport. The season runs July to January on trade winds holding 16 to 25 knots, consistent enough that most travellers rig the same kite for a fortnight.

The beach itself is wide and open, chopped through most of the tide and flattest at low water. But Cumbuco's real argument lies along the coast: Lagoa do Cauípe five kilometres away, glassy and shallow; Taíba at twenty-five, with waves and a lagoon of its own; Paracuru at forty. Buggies run between them along the sand, and the downwinder — the great Ceará ritual — begins here.

Air temperatures hold at 24 to 29°C the year round and the wind is warm, so little more than boardshorts is called for. The wet season falls between January and July, with the rain arriving mostly at night.

When to go

Best months: January, July, August, September, October, November, December.

Kite areas

1 distinct riding area documented within this destination.

• Praia de Cumbuco

  Best months: July, August, September, October, November, December, January.

Curated places to stay

• Carmel Cumbuco Resort

  For the non-kiting partner, the spa, regional gastronomy, pool, beach service and family facilities support a full resort day.