Açude Araras, officially known as Açude Público Paulo Sarasate, is a large reservoir located in the municipality of Varjota in the northwestern portion of Ceará, approximately 250–280 km from Fortaleza (roughly four hours by car). Built across the bed of the rio Acaraú, the dam was inaugurated on July 31, 1958, and borders the municipalities of Varjota, Pires Ferreira, Hidrolândia, and Santa Quitéria. It ranks as the fourth largest freshwater reservoir in Ceará, with a current storage capacity of approximately 859,533,000 m³ due to decades of sedimentation from its original one-billion-cubic-meter design capacity.

When at full pool, the reservoir presents roughly 2,800 hectares of open water surface with good depth and varied underwater structure, including rocky outcrops, points, and islands. This structural diversity gives the water body a varied character, with open stretches alternating with more sheltered coves and shoreline features. The surrounding landscape is typical of the semi-arid sertão of northwestern Ceará. Sunsets viewed from the margins are considered particularly striking in the region.

The reservoir supports a notable fish population, including tilápia, tucunaré (peacock bass), and native traíra. Tucunaré congregate around rocky structures and points, a pattern well known to local anglers and relevant for paddlers who may encounter fishing activity on the water. Artisanal fishing and net-cage aquaculture are active on the reservoir, so paddlers should be aware of fixed structures and fishing gear in the water.

Access to the reservoir area is via the BR-222 federal highway from Fortaleza toward Sobral, then the CE-183 to Varjota. The reservoir draws visitors particularly during periods of high water when overflow creates waterfall formations at the spillway, a notable visual feature of the site. The surrounding area supports irrigated agriculture and serves as a water supply source for several municipalities, meaning water management operations are ongoing. Basic access infrastructure exists at the site.