Fortaleza, a dangerous city?

Illustration of a military policeman in Fortaleza

Introduction

The city of Fortaleza in Brazil is very often listed as one of the most dangerous cities in Brazil , and even in the world! But what about reality? Is this a preconceived idea and widespread on all the sites and forums that rank dangerous cities; or is it a real fact?

Statistics and data

Fortaleza, often perceived as one of the most dangerous cities in Brazil, is now showing encouraging signs of improvement in security . According to data from the Ceará State Government, Fortaleza recorded a significant reduction of 21.4% in violent crimes with loss of life (CVLIs) between January and September 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. This progress was maintained since 2023 ended with a 13.2% reduction in these crimes compared to 2022. These figures demonstrate a positive change in the city's security panorama.

Statistics on the reduction of violent, lethal and intentional crimes in Ceará between 2022 and 2023

Statistics on the reduction of violent, lethal and intentional crimes in Fortaleza between 2022 and 2023

Risk factors that make Fortaleza a dangerous city

To fully understand the security situation in Fortaleza, it is essential to address the risk factors that contribute to crime and insecurity in the city. Among these, poverty, socioeconomic inequality and drug trafficking are predominant.

1. Poverty : Fortaleza, like many large Brazilian cities, faces significant levels of poverty . This poverty, which is unfortunately impossible to ignore in Brazil in general, is often a breeding ground for crime , as the lack of resources and opportunities leads some people to turn to illicit activities to survive.

2. Inequality : Economic disparities in Fortaleza are another critical factor. The gap between rich and poor can be staggering, creating social tensions and a sense of exclusion among disadvantaged communities. These inequalities often exacerbate crime problems, as they create a sense of injustice and hopelessness.

3. Drug Trafficking : Drug trafficking remains a major problem. Gangs involved in drug trafficking contribute significantly to violence and crime in some areas of the city. These gangs compete for control of territories, often leading to violent confrontations and impacts on public safety.

These factors, combined, create a complex security environment in Fortaleza. However, recent improvements reported in crime statistics show that strategies put in place to address these risk factors are beginning to bear fruit. Initiatives aimed at reducing poverty, mitigating inequality and combating drug trafficking are playing a key role in this positive development.

Neighborhoods to avoid in Fortaleza

Understanding the dynamics of neighborhoods in Fortaleza is crucial for a fair assessment of security in the city. Some neighborhoods present higher risks, requiring increased caution.

List of risky and dangerous neighborhoods in Fortaleza:

1. Vincente Pinzon

2. Barra do Ceará

3. Iracema Beach

4. Serviluz / Porto Box

5. Farm Portugal

6. Good Garden

7. Genibaú

8. Messejana

9. Jangurussu

10. Passed away

Safer neighborhoods in Fortaleza

In contrast, neighbourhoods such as Aldeota, Meireles, Cocó and Dionísio Torres are generally considered safer. These areas benefit from better infrastructure, a stronger police presence and a higher standard of living. However, even in these neighbourhoods, vigilance is still required. Visitors are encouraged to remain aware of their surroundings, avoid showing ostentatious signs of wealth and follow local safety advice.

The list of less risky neighborhoods in Fortaleza:

1. Aldeota

2. Meireles

3. Coco

4. Dionisio Torres

5. Papicu

6. Varjota

7. City 2000

8. Guararapes

9. Parklandia

10. Fatima

Safety Tips in Fortaleza

Visiting Fortaleza can be an enriching and memorable experience, but it is important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety . Here are some recommendations to minimize risks during your stay:

1. Caution when traveling at night: Avoid walking alone at night, especially in alleys, isolated squares or places with few people and poor lighting. Most of the time, local residents can provide you with valuable information on the safety of different neighborhoods.

2. Be aware of your surroundings: When venturing into unfamiliar neighborhoods, stay alert. Even if an area seems peaceful and close to the beach, there may be hidden risks that are not apparent to an outsider.

3. Plan your outings carefully: Think about how you will dress and what you will bring. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry, expensive watches, or carrying expensive electronics in public. Choose discreet clothing and adapt your mode of transportation to the time and location of your outing. For example, take taxis or Uber at night.

4. Use safe means of transportation: As seen above, prefer official taxis or transportation applications like Uber (the most used and secure in Brazil), especially at night. Be careful with public transportation after sunset.

5. Keep your valuables safe: Don’t leave your valuables in plain sight, especially on beaches and in public places. Use the safes in your hotel or Airbnb to store passports, money, and other important items.

6. Stay informed: Before and during your trip, keep up to date with local news and travel tips. Social networks, travel forums and local news sites can be good sources of information. Or if you are staying in Fortaleza, do not hesitate to contact me for information, through my contact form , my Instagram or even by WhatsApp .

7. Learn some key phrases in Portuguese: Knowing basic expressions can be very useful, not only for everyday communication but also in emergencies. For a quick and easy way to learn the basics of Brazilian Portuguese, I recommend the Mosalingua app. For me, it is the app that allowed me to learn the language in a few months.

By following these tips, you can fully enjoy all that Fortaleza has to offer while minimizing risks to your safety.

Local initiatives to strengthen security

Fortaleza has recently seen promising local and government initiatives to improve safety. The city has one of the strongest police presences in the country, and community engagement in crime prevention efforts is on the rise. These collective measures are crucial to ensuring a safe experience for all.

My experience

As I write these lines, 5 years have passed since I set foot on Brazilian soil (Fortaleza, Natal and São Paulo) for the first time. You might think I must have seen a lot of things! But what is the truth?

1. My first time in Brazil, in Fortaleza itself in 2019, I have nothing to report in terms of insecurity. Like many tourists arriving in Brazil and Fortaleza, as was my case the first time, I had found an Airbnb in the Aldeota neighborhood, very close to the Beira Mar so there is a good chance that it could have helped. On the other hand, I was quickly impressed by the heavily armed police presence (especially the Policia Militar), unlike what I was used to seeing in France.

2. In 2021 I arrived in Natal for my second time in Brazil. There, I remember being woken up in the middle of the night by the scream of a man in the street where my Airbnb was located who, apparently, had just had his motorcycle stolen.

3. I then moved to São Paulo the same year (in the middle of the pandemic that everyone went through).

4. Finally, I arrived to settle in Fortaleza in 2022. My first Airbnb was in the Vincente Pinzon neighborhood. Despite a duplex apartment with a sea view and a few meters from the beach, the neighbors quickly advised me not to go for a walk too far because it was dangerous. Being curious by nature, I ventured beyond what I had been advised, fortunately nothing happened to me. Three weeks later, I found an apartment for a long-term rental in the Joaquim Távora neighborhood, bordering the Aldeota neighborhood. There, on two occasions I could hear gunshots fired, in the very street of my apartment (without injuries or deaths). Another time, as in Natal, I was woken up in the middle of the night by the screams of a man who had also had his motorcycle stolen. In the Aldeota neighborhood, at the Aldeota Shopping Center more precisely, I was able to witness and even participate in the arrest of a smartphone thief in the street, at the entrance to the shopping center. This time I reacted in a few seconds, with a cool head, but it's the kind of reaction that's best avoided: he could have been armed without me being able to see it from the start.

Finally, in five years of living in Brazil, my experiences in these three cities have been quite lively although I personally was not directly affected. These experiences have reminded me how one must always remain cautious, without becoming paranoid.

Conclusion

I wrote this article to try to give you an objective and up-to-date perspective on safety in Fortaleza. While vigilance remains paramount, it is also important to recognize the progress made and continued efforts to make the city safer for its residents and visitors. Awareness and concrete actions to improve safety are essential to changing the perception of Fortaleza as a tourist destination .

I wish you an excellent stay in Fortaleza and I am always available to accompany you and advise you in your Brazilian adventure!

To discover all the activities to do and discover in Fortaleza, go to this page !