Along with Recife and Salvador, Fortaleza is one of the major economic hubs of this of northeastern Brazil. Although it is a vibrant, modern and historically rich city, outside of Brazil, Fortaleza has the unfortunate reputation of being a sex-tourism destination.
High humidity throughout the year. It isn't as safe as Florianopolis, but it is quite a bit safer than Recife or Salvador. Do your self a favour and don't go near Barrio Serviluz. You will, almost without question, be robbed here. The touristy areas of the city are heavily patrolled though, so you should be pretty safe. For the colonial-style buildings and nightlife. If you're not from Brazil, don't speak fluent Portuguese and over 30, you will automatically assumed to be a sex tourist.
Because of this soiled reputation of the gringo, not many non-prostitutes are exactly going to be fighting over you. In fact, normal girls may be more reluctant to hook-up with you, because by doing so they risk developing a reputation. Although, admittedly, that statement is an extreme rather than the norm. Luckily for you, certain bars have been more or less established as places for pay for play, and as long as you stay away from those you'll have a fighting chance.
And remember, if any girl is alone or with only one other girl and approaches you, she's a pro. There is a noticeable decline in quality here from Rio de Janeiro and Florianopolis; There is a lot of debate about where the hottest girls in Brazil come from, but I don't imagine anyone is claiming that they reside in Fortaleza. A hard and fast rule for Brazilian women is that they get less attractive the farther north and farther inland you go. I don't entirely agree with this sweeping generalization; Natal for instance shatters the northern stereotype.
That being said, if you have a preference for lighter-skinned women, I'd recommend sticking south of Salvador, and east of Brasilia. On the low-end. Investment hounds have been pouring into this city to try and make a killing on their pre-World Cup purchased properties. As a tourist, this is where you should be spending most of your nights. I recommend: Pirata Bar. The Naughty Nomad would feel right at home here. This place is utterly ridiculous and wildly popular.
