The Real Forte Príncipe da Beira, on the banks of the Rio Guaporé in Costa Marques, has a perimeter of more than 900 meters. It is one of the largest works of Portuguese military engineering in colonial Brazil and has been a national heritage site since the 1950s. Its scale, location by the river and status as a national heritage site make the fort a striking starting point for a trip exploring Rondônia’s history.

Fort and Railway: Two Historical Scales

The Estrada de Ferro Madeira-Mamoré offers another way to explore Rondônia’s past. The railway was 366 kilometers long and connected Porto Velho with Guajará-Mirim, on the border with Bolivia. Its construction between 1907 and 1912 became a reference point in a new cycle of territorial integration: it helped consolidate borders and incorporate the Northern Region into Brazil’s economic development strategies. While the fort centers on the scale of a single structure, the railway reveals history along a long-distance link.

Archaeological Traces in Presidente Médici

Archaeological history also has a specific location: the Sítio Arqueológico Mirante in Presidente Médici has a high density of settlements with lithic and ceramic finds, as well as a variety of rock drawings. Material finds and pictorial traces are found side by side. The site is open to visitors. Contact the municipality for information about booking an appointment, and arrange your visit in advance.

Landscapes Between Conservation and Experience

Rondônia’s landscapes offer more than protected nature. Parque Estadual de Corumbiara preserves natural grasslands, forests and springs that contribute to the conservation of regional biodiversity. In Vale do Guaporé, by contrast, the experience includes boat trips on the Rio Guaporé, encounters with forest areas and flooded grasslands, and visits to traditional communities. These offer two distinct perspectives: the park focuses on conserving several landscape features, while in Vale do Guaporé, boat trips, encounters with nature and visits to traditional communities come together in a tourism experience.

River Areas, Wildlife and Regional Cuisine

Travelers interested in water and wildlife will also find different options. The Campos de Vilhena area is known for sport fishing in the region’s rivers; the Rio Madeira is also highlighted in Rondônia as a place for this activity. At Lago do Cuniã in Porto Velho, a different kind of community-based tourism experience takes center stage, encompassing wildlife watching and regional cuisine. Here, wildlife watching and regional food are part of the same experience, while sport fishing is the focus at Campos de Vilhena and on the Rio Madeira.

Discover more destinations: Abraão, Porto Velho, Barranco Alto, Guajará-Mirim, Rolim De Moura, Ariquemes, Ji-Paraná, Cacoal, Vilhena, Palmeira, Cabixi, Costa Marques, Pimenteiras do Oeste.

For the main travel overview: Brazil.