Fortaleza Travel Forum

Prostitution is a big and serious thing in Fortaleza. And many of the clients are men from abroad. I am sure not all of you come here for that particular reason, so I was wondering, do you feel like you have that image attached to you when you arrive in Fortaleza, that you might only be here for that?!

hi cintia,
I went in Fortaleza for 2 times last year and I know that the prostitution is a big problem and that too many people go in this city only for that.
But I'm sure that when the people arrived in this city they love all of Brasil because it's fantastic, and if they'll come back in this state they don't come back for the prostitution.
Sorry for my english
Ciao
Fabrizio

Bookmark.

I am glad you enjoy the city. I think it's a great place as well. I travel, travel... but there is nothing better than coming back here :)

Yeah it's a fantastic city i would like to come back to Fortaleza a.s.a.p.
kiss

I've had the oposite problem. Since my country "exports" a lot of prostitutes, I'm sometimes afraid of being mistaken for one (never happened yet, but several guys have learned that no, brazilian women are not necessarily easy).

I havent been to Fortaleza. But I've seen many shady areas of RdJ. But in all my travels, I've visited, worked or passed through many areas with lots of prostitutes. Areas in Mexico, Thailand, Korea, Indonesia, and countless red-light districts in Europe.

Since I am more often alone when I'm in these areas, I'm sure that some people may view me as a client. Personally, I do not let that stop me. I continue doing what ever I am doing and enjoy my stay. If people look at me as a client, I smile, laugh and continue.

Hi,

I did not know that Fortaleza was known for prostitution. I was planning to visit in September and look for a retirment home on or near the beach. My research found nice beaches with affordable homes and the essence of true Brazilian people. But, I appreciate the information that you have provided.

Thank you fellow traveler,
James

Oh, it's not like Fortaleza is known for prostitution, it is just very common, like it is in Rio as well.
But well, good choice!
Fortaleza is a great place to live. Not only here, but along all the coast line of the state. And yes, properties are not as expensive as in Rio or Salvador.
So, welcome
And good luck :)

As I'm heading to Brazil first time ever in June, I bought both Lonely Planet's and Rough Guide's guidebook and in both guidebooks there is a special reference about how visible prostitution is in Fortaleza, especially around Iracema beach(?). Answering your question though, I wouldn't say that now, having read both guidebooks, prostitution is the first thing I bring in mind when thinking about Fortaleza. It's just that if I do include it in my itinerary, when I see prostitutes picking up clients along Iracema, I won't be surprised. That's all.

Hi Guys
We are coming out on holiday next week to fortaleza and are so looking forward to it. It is also a bit of a business trip as well, as we are seriousy thinking about buying a holiday apartment nearby in Cumbuco. As regards the prostitution problem locally, we should be okay, as we are a happily married couple!
We holidayed before in Brazil (Salvador and Natal) and with my work I have visted many cities in Brazil, therefore I am aware that prostitution exists in Brazil. But equally as it exists in many other developing countries. I think the problem in these such countries is the rise in sex tourism from America and europe mainly. Perhaps if these people were discouraged from travelling then perhaps all male tourists would not be viewed with suspician.
Looking forward to our trip as we love Brasil and it's amazing people.
Mike and vanessa

Hope you have a great time down here :)

Thank you Cintia. If yourself or any other locals would like to meet up for a drink or meal and introduce us to the area, then that would be lovely.
Vanessa and Mike

Yes, definitely. Let me know when you arrive. I am sure we can arrange something :)

Hello,

I know that some men are coming to ortaleza for that reason, or some lonely men are coming to find a wife.
Since I am there with my family, I have not at all felt problems connected to what you mention. I have only met nice persons all over:-)
I am the headmistress of a school back in Norway, and one of the mothers there is a Brazilian girl who met a Norwegian coming over to find a wife. They live happily together and have three nice children.
Best regards,
Solfrid

i'm coming in very late in this forum, but i just noticed it and i would like to give my 5 cents:

i have been to fortaleza several times.
the first time back in 1992 where prostitution was not that big a problem.
i stayed at the university and spend 5 fantastic weeks there and totally fell in love with the state of ceara.
together with pernambuco it's my favorite part of brazil.

in recent years prostitution has become a huge problem though and ugly men who can't get laid come from around the world to buy young girls these days.
i think it has gone this way because recife had a major clean up in the sex tourist trade in the late 90's and then that made the prostitution mafia move up to fortaleza where the local goverment is so far not doing too much to stop it.
recife managed to cut down the number of sex tourists big time because of pressure from various groups and i hope the same thing will happen to fortaleza.
cracking down on sex tourism will also indrease the number of ordinary well behaved tourists as many of them are staying away these days because they don't want to bring their kids to a place like that.

cracking down on it is quite easy if the goverment want to as the prostitution buiosness is mainly run by germans and italians who have no proper residence permits for brazil and they are often so heavy on coke that they can just bust them for that if they want them out.

all that being said i still want to return to that part of the world soon, but i plan to just use fortaleza as a stepping point for a long trip in to sertao, a part of brazil i totally love.