Port information & tips for Guajara
Belém is situated on the shores of the picturesque Baía do Guajará and is considered the fascinating gateway to the Amazon rainforest in northern Brazil. The city welcomes travelers with a unique blend of colonial charm, tropical lushness, and first-class regional cuisine. Essential highlights include the traditional Ver-o-Peso Market, the cultural center Estação das Docas, and the historic Forte do Castelo. Cruise ships dock at the centrally located Terminal de Passageiros de Belém in the Port of Belém. Thanks to this excellent location, the historic city center is in the immediate vicinity and can be easily reached within a few minutes to experience the authentic atmosphere of the Amazon metropolis firsthand.
Arrival & Departure
Getting around
Highlights & Districts
Useful tips
Returning to the ship
Guajará-Mirim in Rondônia, an important river port on the Mamoré, serves as a starting point for unique expeditions into the Amazon region. Travel from the DACH region requires careful planning, but thanks to well-organized transfers, it offers a comfortable connection to this remote gem.
Airplane
For travel from the DACH region, an international flight to Aeroporto Internacional de Porto Velho (PVH), the capital of the state of Rondônia, is the primary option. Numerous international airlines offer connections to São Paulo (GRU) or Rio de Janeiro (GIG), from where you can easily find connecting flights to Porto Velho. Porto Velho Airport is located approximately 279 kilometers from Guajará-Mirim and is the nearest major airport for your onward journey. There is a small local airport in Guajará-Mirim (GJM), but direct flights from Porto Velho or other major cities are rare.
Onward Journey & Transfer
From Porto Velho, various transfer options to Guajará-Mirim are available. A private transfer by car covers the distance of around 327 kilometers in approximately 4 hours and 46 minutes. Alternatively, the local bus service provided by the Amatur company offers a reliable connection from the Porto Velho bus station to the Terminal Rodoviário de Guajará-Mirim. These buses run several times daily and reach their destination in about 5 hours and 20 minutes. The connection is via the BR-364 and BR-425 highways, which offer scenic views. In Guajará-Mirim itself, you can use local taxis or ride-sharing services like Uber for short distances.
Pre-Arrival Stay & Preparation
Due to the long journey from the DACH region and the remote location of Guajará-Mirim, it is recommended to arrive at least one day before the scheduled embarkation. An overnight stay in Porto Velho allows for a relaxed arrival and also offers the opportunity to explore the city before continuing your journey. Plan sufficient time for the onward journey to Guajará-Mirim, as road conditions, particularly on the BR-425, can be challenging in places. The river port's infrastructure is geared toward local traffic and smaller expedition ships, so early coordination with your cruise line regarding exact embarkation details is advantageous.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan accordingly and allow sufficient time for travel to the port, keeping in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the trip: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the latest announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Thanks to the terminal's central location on Guajará Bay, you can reach the city's most important sights comfortably and within a short distance. The immediate proximity to the historical center allows for a direct and uncomplicated start to your shore excursion.
On Foot
The well-known cultural and gastronomic center Estação das Docas and the famous Ver-o-Peso market are just a few minutes' walk from the pier. A relaxed stroll of about 5 to 10 minutes takes you directly into the heart of the old town and to the first architectural highlights.
Taxi & Ride-Sharing Apps
Official taxis are available at the exits of the port grounds and offer a safe connection to further destinations such as the Basílica de Nossa Senhora de Nazaré. Additionally, the use of ride-sharing apps is widespread in Belém and allows for comfortable travel at transparent prices.
Regional Water Taxis (Popopós)
At the nearby Terminal Hidroviário, you will find the wooden boats typical of the region, which are affectionately called Popopós by the locals. These traditional boats connect the mainland with the surrounding river islands and simultaneously offer an authentic way to experience the Amazon metropolis from the water.
To experience the fascinating atmosphere at the gateway to the Amazon to the fullest, a combination of the lively port area and the cultural landmarks in the historic center of Belem is highly recommended.
Estacao das Docas
This award-winning cultural and gastronomic center in restored harbor docks combines industrial charm with a modern lifestyle and also offers the perfect view of the glittering Guajara Bay.
Mercado Ver-o-Peso
This historic market is the vibrant heart of the region and impresses with its huge selection of exotic fruits and traditional remedies, which offer an authentic insight into the culture of the Amazon.
Mangal das Garcas
This ecological park on the edge of the old town is a green oasis of peace and, thanks to its butterfly house and prominent observation tower, offers an ideal opportunity to admire the region's flora and fauna from up close.
Estação das Docas
The Estação das Docas is located directly on the shores of Guajará Bay and is easily accessible from the pier in just a few minutes. This tastefully restored 19th-century port facility elegantly combines history with modern quality of life, offering visitors a first-class selection of regional gastronomy as well as exclusive handicraft shops. Thanks to the air-conditioned halls and the extensive waterfront promenade, you can enjoy a relaxed stay here with fantastic views of the water and passing boats. Ideally, visit the Estação in the late morning to soak up the special atmosphere in peace, and return to the ship quite relaxed about ninety minutes before departure.
The way back to the cruise terminal in Belém at Guajará Bay is straightforward and very convenient thanks to the central location of Estação das Docas. Plan for a small time buffer for your return to the ship to leave the city's hustle and bustle behind in a relaxed manner.
Taxi and Ride-Sharing
Taxis are available directly in front of the main exits of Estação das Docas as well as at central locations such as Praça da República and in front of the major downtown hotels. Additionally, a vehicle can be conveniently called at any time via common apps to bring you safely and directly back to the port entrance.
On Foot
From the famous Ver-o-Peso market or the Cathedral of Belém, you can walk back to the terminal building in a short time via the waterfront promenade. Thanks to the striking architecture of the old warehouses of Estação das Docas, the path is always clearly visible and offers easy orientation directly along the coastline.
Shuttle Buses and Port Transfer
Should your ship be docked at the deeper industrial port slightly further out, official cruise line shuttle buses usually depart directly from the Estação das Docas terminal. The departure points are well-marked, and thanks to the regular schedule, you will reach your ship on time and without detours.
