Pacatuba

Pacatuba is a municipality in the Fortaleza metropolitan area in Ceará state, situated on terrain about 69 meters above sea level. It spans approximately 145 square kilometers of land east of the state capital.

The municipality was founded in 1869 and saw growth after the Fortaleza-Baturité railway line opened in 1876, which had two stations serving the area. This rail connection linked the local economy to the regional capital and encouraged settlement and development.

The city hosts a grand Easter Passion play during Holy Week, with local residents performing Biblical scenes in a community tradition. This annual event shapes the town's religious and social calendar.

The town is easily reached from Fortaleza with good road connections for visitors exploring the region. Visiting during Holy Week offers a unique local experience, though the town is accessible year-round for exploring its surroundings.

The name Pacatuba comes from the Tupi language, combining 'paka' and 'tyba' to mean a place of many pacas. The paca is a small rodent native to this region that gave its name to the settlement.

Location: Ceará

Elevation above the sea: 69 m

Shares border with: Fortaleza, Guaiúba, Itaitinga, Maracanaú, Maranguape

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

GPS coordinates: -3.98389,-38.62000

Latest update: December 22, 2025 13:08