Rondonia Brazil Travel Guide
Governador Jorge Teixeira de Oliveira International Airport (PVH), commonly known as Porto Velho Airport, serves the city. Major Brazilian airlines, including LATAM, GOL, and Azul, operate domestic flights to PVH. Usual routes connect Porto Velho to major Brazilian hubs like Brasília (BSB), São Paulo (Guarulhos - GRU / Congonhas - CGH), Rio de Janeiro (Galeão - GIG / Santos Dumont - SDU), Manaus (MAO), and Cuiabá (CGB).
PVH is a small to medium-sized airport. It offers standard facilities: airline check-in counters, baggage claim, limited food options (cafes, snack bars), ATMs, car hire counters, and services for taxis and ride-sharing. Do not expect wide-ranging shopping or dining options.
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Many hotels or tour operators can arrange private transfers for added convenience.
Offers check-in counters, baggage drop, security screening, limited food and commerce options post-security.
Provides waiting areas, ticket counters, and fundamental amenities for departing travelers.
Basic facilities available for passenger boarding and cargo handling.
Guajará-Mirim, approximately 330 km (205 miles) to the southwestern region of Porto Velho, serves as a common crossing point to Guayaramerín, Bolivia. This crossing requires formal immigration procedures on both sides. Research visa requirements for Bolivia and allow ample time for immigration. Porto Velho has no active long-distance passenger train services. The historic Madeira-Mamoré Railway operates a short, symbolic tourist segment.
Porto Velho's Rodoviária (main bus terminal) is a major hub connecting to metropolitan areas across Rondônia and other Brazilian states. Companies like Eucatur, Andorinha, and Satélite Norte provide extensive routes. You can reach places such as Manaus, Rio Branco (Acre), and Cuiabá (Mato Grosso). Many routes use comfortable, air-conditioned "executivo" or "leito" (sleeper) buses, offering a comfortable way to travel longer distances, often overnight.
Rental car agencies are available at Porto Velho Airport and in the city center. Major companies like Localiza, Unidas, and Movida operate here. To rent a car, you must have a valid national driver'a driving license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your national license is not in Portuguese. A credit card for a deposit is also required.
Major federal highways (BRs) are generally paved, but the state of the roads varies. Unpaved roads are prevalent in rural areas, especially during the wet season, where they could become challenging. Roads can be affected by heavy rains, leading to potholes, erosion, and sometimes blockages. Always verify current road conditions, especially during the wet season. Night driving on inter-state highways is generally discouraged due to poor lighting, wildlife, and safety concerns.
Porto Velho is an important river port on the Madeira River. It is not possess an ocean cruise port. Passenger ferries and cargo boats (which also carry passengers) operate on the Madeira River. These offer routes to Manaus, which may take 2-4 days, depending on the type of vessel and river conditions.
For domestic river journeys within Brazil, standard passenger manifests are usually sufficient. For international river crossings (e.g., to Bolivia via Guajará-Mirim), immigration control points are at border towns. You must show your passport and any required visas. The river port in Porto Velho is connected to the central area by local buses, taxis, and ride-sharing services. These are readily available to transfer you to your accommodation.
Check schedules and boat types in advance, especially for longer routes like Manaus.
River travel offers an unique window into Amazonian riverine communities and culture.
Porto Velho's port location positions it as a entry point for river expeditions.
Arrive at PVH airport 1.5-2 hours before your scheduled departure time for domestic flights. This allows ample time for check-in, luggage drop-off, and security. PVH the airport has check-in counters, baggage drop, and security screening. Limited food and commerce options are available post-security.
For bus journeys, arrive at the Rodoviária (bus terminal) 30-60 minutes before your public bus departure. The bus terminal provides waiting areas, ticket counters, and basic amenities. For river boats, arrive at the river port 1-2 hours prior to your boat's departure, especially if you need to secure a good spot for your hammock or organize luggage. The river port features simple facilities for passenger boarding and cargo handling.
You won't pay exit fees are levied for departing Brazil from Porto Velho airport.
Similar to air travel, no additional exit fees apply for land or river departures.
Any applicable costs are typically integrated into your flight or bus ticket fare.
Knowing departure protocols minimizes stress.
