Territory capital · Brazil
Porto Velho
Go for 2 nights as a Madeira river and railway stop, or as the boat gateway to Manaus; skip if you want beaches, colonial streets or easy sightseeing.
Porto Velho is the capital of Rondônia, founded around 1910 with the Madeira-Mamoré railway. There is no colonial core and almost no tourist infrastructure: the draws are the river promenade, the old railway relics and the Sunday market. Most travellers use it as a stop before the river boat to Manaus or a crossing to Bolivia at Guajará-Mirim. Two nights covers the centre; add a car if you want waterfalls and the Candeias area.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- BRL
- Best months
- May–Sep (drier)
- avoid Dec–Mar (heavy rain)
- Airport
- PVH
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 7Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Brazil ↗US, Canadian and Australian citizens need an e-visa (about US$81 — check) applied for online at the official VFS portal before travel; EU and UK citizens do not. Check your passport with Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs before booking.
- Brazil ↗Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for many areas, including the Amazon and Pantanal; check with a travel clinic at least 10 days before travel.
- Brazil ↗Keep your phone out of sight in the street and on beaches; phone theft is the most common crime against visitors in big cities.
- Brazil ↗Carnival 2027 runs about 5–10 February (Tuesday 9 February; Salvador from 4 February): book Rio, Salvador and Recife/Olinda months ahead or avoid those dates.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Porto Velho190 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Porto Velho, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Brazilian real (BRL, R$).Brazil-wide
- SIM or eSIMVivo, Claro and TIM cover the country; buying a prepaid SIM needs a passport and sometimes a CPF — an eSIM before you fly is easier.Brazil-wide
- Tap waterDo not drink tap water; filtered water is provided in most homes and hotels.Brazil-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 10% service (serviço) usually on the bill; optional but normal.Brazil-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/N. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 127 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Brazil-wide
- SafetyPorto Velho is one of Brazil's more dangerous cities.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPut toilet paper in the bin, not the toilet, in most places.Brazil-wide
- Emergency numbers190 police · 192 ambulance · 193 fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysCarnival shuts many businesses for several days; museums often close on Mondays.Brazil-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportPVH Governador Jorge Teixeira de Oliveira International Airport (About 7 km (4.3 mi) from the centre; LATAM and GOL connect to Brasília…PVH Governador Jorge Teixeira de Oliveira International Airport (About 4.3 mi (7 km) from the centre; LATAM and GOL connect to Brasília…
- Getting aroundThe centre is walkable along Av.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- BeerBeer at a Beira Rio barR$8–15 (≈ US$2–3)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi across the centreR$15–30 (≈ US$3–6)
- Budget bedSimple room with fan, a night, per roomR$60 (≈ US$12)
- Mid-range bedMid-range double with A/C, a night, per roomR$180 (≈ US$35)
- High-end bedMid-range double with A/C, a night, per roomR$280 (≈ US$55)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget R$150 (≈ US$30) · Mid R$300 (≈ US$60) · High R$550 (≈ US$110)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- PVH Governador Jorge Teixeira de Oliveira International Airport (About 7 km (4.3 mi) from the centre; LATAM and GOL connect to Brasília, São Paulo and other Brazilian cities (check current routes).)PVH Governador Jorge Teixeira de Oliveira International Airport (About 4.3 mi (7 km) from the centre; LATAM and GOL connect to Brasília, São Paulo and other Brazilian cities (check current routes).)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Feb
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Mar
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Apr
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
May
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jun
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jul
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Aug
Best
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Sep
Best
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Oct
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Nov
not flagged
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Dec
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Dec–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Aug (34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)), coolest Jul (20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C) low), wettest Jan (20 rain days), driest Jul (3). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Porto Velho: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
20 rd
Feb
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
19 rd
Mar
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
20 rd
Apr
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
16 rd
May
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
10 rd
Jun
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
5 rd
Jul
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
3 rd
Aug
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
4 rd
Sep
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
8 rd
Oct
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
14 rd
Nov
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
17 rd
Dec
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
20 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is walkable along Av. 7 de Setembro. For Candeias, the Santo Antônio falls and the BR-364 side roads you need a car: rent from a known agency near the rodoviária (about R$100/day plus about R$25/day insurance, 2026 estimate). Taxis and app rides cover the centre and the airport.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Candeias and Santo Antônio falls
goDoor to door: About 30–60 min
Local bus or car west on the BR-364
Candeias is where the city began; the falls are a short detour. Best with your own car.
Guajará-Mirim
overnightDoor to door: About 5 h
Bus from the rodoviária, about 5 h
Border town toward Bolivia; too far for a same-day return.
Humaitá (BR-364 west)
cautionDoor to door: About 3 h
Car west on the BR-364, about 200 km (124 mi)Car west on the BR-364, about 124 mi (200 km)
No fuel stations in between; go with a full tank and daylight.
Vilhena
skipDoor to door: About 10 h
Bus or car south on the BR-364
A long haul for a short stay; only if you are heading south anyway.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Av. 7 de Setembro (centre)
Hotels, restaurants and the walk down to the river; the practical base for 1–2 nights.
Rodoviária area
Cheap rooms across from the bus station; convenient for early buses, less pleasant at night.
Beira Rio / Av. Farquar
Riverside bars and the Mirante forró nights; few places to sleep, so most people walk or take a taxi.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- R$150–250 (≈ US$30–50) excl. bed
- Mid
- R$250–450 (≈ US$50–85) excl. bed
- High
- R$450 (≈ US$85)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range double with A/C1 × 2 nights × R$180 | R$360 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × R$300 | R$1,200 |
| Car rental, one day (plus about R$25 insurance)1 × R$125 · check | R$125 |
| River boat to Manaus, hammock class2 × R$100 · check; cabin about R$300, double cabin about R$350 | R$200 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × R$60 | R$120 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | R$201 |
| Trip total≈ R$552 per person per day, bed included | R$2,206≈ US$450 |
2026 estimate in reais; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Açaí with guaraná and granola | R$10–20 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Por quilo lunch | R$20–35 (≈ US$4–7) per kg |
| Beer at a Beira Rio bar | R$8–15 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Taxi across the centre | R$15–30 (≈ US$3–6) |
| Car rental, one daycheck | R$100 (≈ US$19) + about R$25 (≈ US$5) insurance |
| River boat to Manaus, hammock classcheck; negotiable | about R$100 (≈ US$19) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Porto Velho has a high crime rate for Brazil: avoid walking at night, keep phones out of sight and take taxis after dark.
- The harbour area where the Manaus boats leave is not a good place to linger; carry as little as possible.
- The railway station museum has been closed for renovation with no confirmed reopening date: check before you go.
- There is no working tourist train; the Maria Fumaça project is unfinished.
- The BR-364 west toward Humaitá has long gaps with no fuel: fill up before you leave.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 190
- Ambulance
- 192
- Fire
- 193
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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Porto VelhoPorto Velho
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Para este endereço, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police190
- Ambulance192
- Fire193
Embassy
No embassies in Porto Velho; the US, UK and most others keep embassies in Brasília and consulates in São Paulo or Rio (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Airport PVH → centre, taxi: about R$30–50 (≈ US$6–10), 15–20 min (check)
- Bus across the centre: about R$5 (≈ under US$1) (check)
- River boat Porto Velho → Manaus: hammock about R$100 (≈ US$19), cabin about R$300 (≈ US$60) (check)
Say or show
- Olá — Hello (oh-LAH)
- Obrigado / Obrigada — Thank you (oh-bree-GAH-doo / oh-bree-GAH-dah)
- Quanto custa? — How much is it? (KWAHN-too KOOS-tah)
- Onde fica o banheiro? — Where is the bathroom? (OHN-jee FEE-kah oo bah-NYAY-roo)
- Não entendo — I don't understand (nowng en-TEN-doo)
- Socorro — Help (soh-KOH-hoo)
English is limited outside hotels; a translation app helps.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Porto Velho. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep (drier) · avoid Dec–Mar (heavy rain) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for PVH: taxi fares, late arrivals and a first-night hotel shortlist.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Av. 7 de Setembro, the railway station and Caixas d'Água, the Beira Rio, the Sunday market.
- Place pages with verified status (railway station museum, Casa da Cultura, Catedral) and eat pages with last orders.
- River-boat fixture for the Manaus route: hammock vs cabin, harbour safety and booking without agents.