Porto Velho
Introduction
Located in the upper Amazon River basin on the eastern shore of the Madeira River, Porto Velho serves as a vital transportation and communication hub. You will find this expansive capital city situated along the border of Rondônia and Amazonas, where it functions as an essential trading center for cassiterite.
The local economy is driven by tin mining, which stands as the primary economic activity in the region. As the largest city in Rondônia, Porto Velho offers a gateway into the heart of the Amazonian landscape.
Before you go
Prepare yourself for a city with a relatively young history rooted in the construction of the Madeira-Mamoré railway. Because the city developed recently, you should not expect to find colonial architecture or historic buildings during your stay. Since there is no formal tourist office and a total lack of tourist infrastructure, you will need to rely on local help to navigate the area and identify interesting locations.
Safety is a primary concern when visiting this region, as it is known for being one of the most dangerous cities in Brazil. To facilitate your exploration, you should consider renting a car for several days to navigate the surroundings.
Getting there
You can reach Porto Velho by air via Governador Jorge Teixeira de Oliveira International Airport, which hosts connections from major cities across the country through various domestic and regional carriers. If you prefer traveling by road, you can drive from Rio Branco along the BR-364 or from Cuiabá via a route involving the BR-070, BR-174, and BR-364. For those traveling by bus, connections are available to most major Brazilian cities, including long-distance routes reaching as far as the Atlantic coast.
River travel offers a connection to Manaus several times a week. If you choose this route, be sure to negotiate directly with the captain and crew rather than agents at the harbor entrance. While navigating the harbor area, exercise caution as it is not considered a pleasant place to walk. Note that while a railway station exists in Porto Velho, there are currently no trains operating into or out of the city.
Getting around
Information regarding transportation and local transit within the city is not currently available.
Where to stay
You can find budget accommodations located just across the street from the Rodoviária. These options include several establishments along Av. 7 de Setembro, such as Missionario and Nunes, which offer basic rooms with fans. For a slightly higher standard of comfort in that area, Yara provides rooms with better furnishings than its neighbors. If you prefer a cleaner environment with breakfast included, Tia Carmen is located a few blocks away on Av. Campos Sales.
For a mid-range experience, you can stay at Hotel Samaúma de Porto Velho. This option provides clean rooms and includes breakfast for your stay.
Food & drink
You can find hearty local staples at Restaurante Clube Ferroviaria, where you can enjoy rice and beans served by the kilo. For a healthy meal option, head to SESC Centro located near the post office. If you prefer a "por quilo" style dining experience, Cha offers an alternative nearby.
For your snack cravings, visit Nova Roma, a hygienic bakery where you can find high-quality hamburgers and fruit juices. If you are looking for a more upscale drink experience, visit Public Haus to enjoy a selection from their brewery. To experience the local culture, follow the music on specific days of the week to the Mirante I & II area to join in on a Forro dance.
What to see and do
Explore the historic heart of the city where you can visit the Estação da Ferrovia, a railway station built to transport rubber and other Amazon produce. While the museum is currently closed for renovations, the surrounding terrain offers a glimpse into the history of the region. Nearby, you can find the iconic Caixas D'água water towers on a square that serves as a local landmark. Just off this square sits the Casa da Cultura, where you can view rotating exhibitions by local artists. For a different perspective, visit the Cathedral On Dom Pedro II to see the city's main church or admire the historic Edificio Feitoza in the center.
Experience the local culture by visiting the lively weekly market, Feira Cai na Agua, where you can sample regional flavors such as tacacá, vatapá, and açaí. You can also enjoy fresh caldo de cana or try a bowl of açaí mixed with guaraná, banana, and granola. If you prefer to explore the outskirts, rent a vehicle to travel west toward Candeias, where the settlement began, or visit the Santo Antonio waterfall. For a longer journey, take a balsa to reach Humaitá on the road toward Manaus.
- Beira Rio: A promenade at the end of Av. 7 de Setembro featuring bars overlooking the Rio Madeira, ideal for watching the sunset.
When to go
You will experience a hot and humid climate in Porto Velho throughout the entire year. Depending on your preference for weather, you can choose to visit during the short dry season from June through August, which offers significantly less rain and more manageable conditions for your outdoor activities.
During the long wet season from November through April, you should prepare for consistently wet conditions and heavy rainfall that may impact your travel plans. If you prefer a balance between the two, the transitional months of May and September through October offer moderate rainfall as the seasons shift.
Three days in Porto Velho
Day one, you arrive at the Oliveira International Airport and begin your journey in Porto Velho. You can explore the local area to get acquainted with the surroundings of Rondônia.
Day two, you travel toward the water to experience the Amazon River and the Madeira River. These waterways are central to the landscape of the Amazonas region.
Day three, you continue your exploration of the Brazilian landscape, taking in the sights of the local environment before concluding your stay in Porto Velho.