Ipú

Ipú is a municipality in northwestern Ceará that sits at 760 meters elevation in a mountainous setting shaped by the Chapada da Ibiapaba formation. The town covers around 831 square kilometers (321 square miles) and is surrounded by highlands that define its landscape.

The area was originally inhabited by the Tapuia indigenous people and grew from a settlement called Sítio São José before becoming a municipality in October 1827. The rubber cycle of the 19th century brought waves of migrants seeking work, shaping its early economic development.

The Nossa Senhora da Conceição festival shapes religious life and brings residents together to celebrate their faith traditions. This celebration shows how deeply Catholic practices are woven into the town's everyday culture.

The town sits roughly 257 kilometers (160 miles) from Fortaleza and operates on Brazil's standard UTC-3 time zone. Visitors should prepare for the mountainous location, as the higher elevation affects both climate and accessibility.

The town was founded from an earlier settlement whose name pointed to Saint Joseph, reflecting its religious roots from the beginning. This connection to saint veneration continues to shape the place's character today.

Location: Ceará

Elevation above the sea: 270 m

Shares border with: Pires Ferreira, Croatá, Guaraciaba do Norte, Hidrolândia, Ipueiras, Nova Russas, Reriutaba

Website: http://ipu.ce.gov.br

GPS coordinates: -4.32194,-40.71083

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:06