RO · Brazil
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Get to know the place
The capital of Rondônia, born from the construction of the Madeira-Mamoré Railway in the early 20th century, on the bank of the Rio Madeira. The railway complex, with its museum and locomotives, is the city's landmark; the Três Caixas d'Água (water tanks), brought from the United States in the railway days, became a symbol on the city's coat of arms; and sunset over the Madeira is the late-afternoon ritual.
This destination brings together 1 city: Porto Velho.
A look at the place
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
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One destination, many paths
Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.
The local experience
The former yard of the railway opened in 1912, a project that brought together workers of more than 50 nationalities, on the bank of the Rio Madeira. Revitalized and reopened in 2024, it has a museum with railway items, restored sheds and a deck overlooking the river.
Discover Complexo da Estrada de Ferro Madeira-Mamoré
Known as the Três Marias, the metal water tanks were brought from the United States in the days of the Madeira-Mamoré Railway and became a symbol of the city. They stand at the intersection of Avenida Carlos Gomes and Avenida Rogério Weber and host arts events.
The city's first Catholic church, its cornerstone was laid in 1917 and work resumed for good in 1927. The high altar is of Carrara marble, made by Italian artists, and the walls have religious paintings by Father Ângelo Cerri.
Discover Catedral Sagrado Coração de Jesus
Housed in the former Palácio Getúlio Vargas, opened in 1954 and seat of government until 2015, it holds collections of archaeology, geology, paleontology and historical documents. On the upper floor, the governor's office has been kept with its original furniture.
Discover Museu da Memória Rondoniense
The former city market, tied to the city's growth in the days of the Madeira-Mamoré railway, damaged by fire in 1966 and later rebuilt. Today it hosts concerts, craft fairs, exhibitions and food festivals.
Opened in 2015 on the Largo da Capela de Santo Antônio, it tells the story of Marshal Cândido Rondon and the commission that brought the telegraph to the region. The exhibition has photographs, documents, models of telegraph poles and objects from the city's early days.
An area of Amazon rainforest at the end of Avenida Rio Madeira, with walking and biking trails and a fauna and flora museum. It recently gained a suspended trail more than 500 meters long that crosses the native forest.
Discover Parque Natural Municipal de Porto Velho
The newest of the city's three historic markets, in the Panair neighborhood, with stalls of Amazonian food and local crafts. It serves as a hub for small businesses tied to Rondônia's identity and regional cuisine.
Your base to explore
Where you stay is part of the trip. Choose the area that best fits your itinerary.
A Slaviero chain hotel on Avenida Lauro Sodré, in the São João Bosco neighborhood, near the airport and Porto Velho Shopping. It's aimed at business and leisure travelers who want the facilities of a hotel chain.
An independent hotel on Rua Marechal Deodoro in Porto Velho, well rated by its guests. It's a practical option if you're traveling for work or passing through the capital of Rondônia.
A hotel on Avenida Governador Jorge Teixeira in Porto Velho, a few kilometers from the airport, with a pool and gym. It mainly serves business travelers and people coming for events in the capital of Rondônia.
Flavors of the destination
A restaurant on Avenida Farquar, near the Estrada de Ferro Madeira-Mamoré complex in Porto Velho, specializing in tambaqui dishes, the signature fish of Rondônia's cuisine. It's one of the most popular spots for visitors who want to try the regional fish.
A restaurant serving regional Amazonian cuisine on Avenida Calama, in the Embratel neighborhood of Porto Velho, run by chef José Calixto for about 15 years. Dishes include roasted pirarucu, fish with Brazil nut cream and arroz rondoniense (Rondônia-style rice). It's open for lunch.
A buffet restaurant on Rua Rui Barbosa in Porto Velho, with Brazilian dishes and vegetarian options. It has been around for years and is a practical choice for a varied lunch in the city.
Before you go
A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.
Via Governador Jorge Teixeira International Airport. Rio Branco is about 510 km away via the BR-364.
June to September, the dry season. When the Rio Madeira floods, from February to April, the landscape changes a lot.
Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.
