historic center · Corumbá, MS
Casario do Porto Geral
A group of 19th-century warehouses and townhouses on the Paraguay River, a reminder of the time when Corumbá was a major river port. Today it houses bars, shops and museums.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Casario do Porto Geral
The Casario do Porto Geral is the row of old warehouses and townhouses lining the Paraguay River, in the lower part of Corumbá. It is the city's postcard view and the best place to understand why it grew there.
In the 19th century, Corumbá lived off river trade. Goods from Europe traveled up the Río de la Plata and the Paraguay River to the port, and merchants built large houses to live in and to store and sell their wares. When the railroad arrived in the 20th century, river traffic declined and the houses remained as a reminder of that era. Corumbá's historic, architectural and landscape ensemble is listed by Iphan (the national heritage institute).
Today you explore on foot, along the street beside the river and the steep streets that climb to downtown. The old buildings house bars, craft shops and cultural spaces, and the waterfront is the departure point for sightseeing and fishing boats. In the late afternoon, the sunset over the river and the Pantanal plain is the city's most photographed scene.
The stretch along the river is flat, but the connection to downtown is via steep streets, which calls for care if you have limited mobility. In June, the port is the stage for the Banho de São João, when the image of the saint is carried to the river in procession.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
One to two hours to walk along the waterfront and the steep streets, longer if you stay for sunset.
Best time
Late afternoon, when the heat eases and the sun sets over the Paraguay River; in the dry season, from May to September, the sky is usually clearer. In June, the Banho de São João festival brings the port to life.
How to get there
It is on the bank of the Paraguay River, in the lower part of downtown Corumbá (MS). From downtown, walk down the steep streets or drive to the street along the river.
Tip
Bring a hat and water: Corumbá is hot year-round, and the climb back up to downtown on the steep streets is tiring in the sun.
A look at the place
Casario do Porto Geral in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Casario do Porto Geral
Is there a fee to visit the Casario do Porto Geral?
No. The houses are in a public area by the river and you can visit freely. The cultural spaces in the buildings have their own rules; check the hours beforehand.
How long does a walk around Porto Geral take?
One to two hours to walk along the waterfront and the steep streets. If you want to see the sunset, arrive in the late afternoon.
What is the best time to go to Porto Geral?
Late afternoon, when the heat eases and the sun sets over the Paraguay River and the Pantanal.
Is the Casario do Porto Geral a heritage site?
Yes. It is part of Corumbá's historic, architectural and landscape ensemble, listed by Iphan (the national heritage institute).
Can you walk from downtown Corumbá to Porto Geral?
Yes, the port is just below downtown. The walk is short, but the streets are steep, especially on the way back.