Rio Branco is the capital of Acre, in Brazil's far west, and it sits on the river of the same name. It is a working Amazonian city rather than a resort town, and its streets are laid out on a grid that is easy to read once you have your bearings.
For a visitor, the practical question is where to base yourself so that the city's services, transport and riverside are within reach. This guide covers areas only, not individual places to stay.
1. Bosque
It is the natural first choice for most visitors, whether you are arriving for a short stay or settling in for a longer one.
You will find guesthouse-style and small-hotel accommodation here, including options on Avenida Nações Unidas and Rua Coronel José Galdino. It suits travellers who want a quieter residential setting while staying connected to the city.
2. Central area
It is the most practical base if you want to be within walking distance of the city's commercial life.
This area suits first-time visitors and anyone without a car, since it puts you close to services and transport. Expect a mix of simple rooms and larger hotels, with the usual trade-off of more traffic and street noise.
3. Avenida Ceará
It is a main avenue, so it is well connected to the rest of the city and easy to reach by taxi or bus.
It suits travellers who prefer a larger hotel with more facilities over a small guesthouse. The trade-off is that an avenue location means more traffic, so ask for a room away from the street if quiet matters to you.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: small hotels and guesthouses with single, double and triple rooms, often including Wi-Fi and breakfast.
- Mid-range: larger hotels on the main avenues, with more room types and services than the budget options.
Best area for a first visit
Bosque is the best base for a first visit. If you would rather be in the middle of things, the central area around Rua Benjamin Constant is the alternative.
How do I get around from these areas?
The named areas sit on main streets and avenues, so taxis and buses connect them to the rest of the city.
Compare live prices for the areas above with the booking tools on this page before you decide.