The colonization of Ipojuca began in 1560, after the expulsion of the Caeté Indians and other tribes from the southern coast of Pernambuco.

The land is very suitable for the cultivation of sugar cane, which caused rapid agricultural expansion in the region.

With two harbors- Suape and Porto de Galinhas - higher than the lowland of the northeast massapê, Ipojuca was part of the colonial triangular trade.

Its distance from Recife is 57 kilometres (35 mi) Highways PE-60 and BR-101 (via Cape St. Augustine) provide access to Suape, and a winding road stretches to Porto de Galinhas.

The main draw for tourism is the beach of Porto de Galinhas, selected eight times as the best beach in Brazil[2] by Travel & Tourism magazine, whose main attractions are the natural pools visited by thousands of tourists annually.

Although deserted, this beach has along its 800 metres (870 yd) length, quiet, shallow, natural pools, coconut trees and mangal vegetation.

Access to it is difficult due to the estuary of the Merepe River, but it can be reached by buggy, bike, or by walking from Cupé beach.

This 4.5 kilometres (2.8 mi) long beach has coconut trees, numerous summer houses, luxurious hotels, pousadas, hostels, bars and restaurants.

In another section where there are no reefs, the sea is choppy with strong waves, which requires care by swimmers This is a fluvial - marine beach at the estuary of the Maracaípe River.

The main economic activities in Ipojuca are based around tourism with a large number of sophisticated internationals hotels and pousadas (traditional guest-houses), commerce, food and general industry.

Suape port is a Brazilian International Port located in Ipojuca - Pernambuco, serving the municipalities of Ipojuca and Cabo de Santo Agostinho, inside the Recife metropolitan area and distant 40 kilometres (25 mi) south of the capital (Recife).