Things To Do
in Guajará-Mirim
Guajará-Mirim is a Brazilian border town in Rondônia perched along the Mamoré River opposite Bolivia. Its riverside charm, bustling markets, and easy access to Amazonian nature give visitors a straightforward gateway to the southern Amazon. The town blends Indigenous, Brazilian, and Bolivian-influenced culture, reflected in its crafts, food, and daily rhythms.
With a relaxed pace, it's a great base for river trips, wildlife viewing, and crossing into Bolivia for a day trip.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Guajará-Mirim and settle into your jungle lodge accommodations. Meet your guide and enjoy a welcome orientation about the Amazon ecosystem. Venture on a short trail walk to observe birds and butterflies in the lodge grounds.
Enjoy a hearty regional lunch featuring fresh river fish at the lodge restaurant. Embark on a boat ride along the Mamoré River to admire riverside villages from the water. Learn about local river transport and daily life from your guide.
Dine on traditional Rondônia specialties under a thatched canopy at sunset. Share stories with fellow travelers and naturalists around a communal table. Take an after-dinner stroll through the lodge’s illuminated rainforest paths.
Start early with a guided tour of the historic Forte Príncipe da Beira, built in the 18th century. Explore the old barracks, ramparts and cannons while learning about the fort’s strategic importance. Capture panoramic views of the Mamoré River from the fort walls.
Have a riverside picnic lunch with local snacks on the fortress grounds. Visit the small on-site museum to see colonial artifacts and historical maps. Sketch the military architecture or photograph details for a unique souvenir.
Stay until sunset to witness the sky turn golden over the river and fort. Return to town and stroll along the waterfront plaza illuminated by lanterns. Savor tapioca pancakes from a street vendor before heading back to the lodge.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🥗Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| 🧃Bottle of water (1.5L) | $0.50-1 |
| 🏨One-night in budget hotel | $25-40 |
| 🚕Taxi ride (short distance) | $2-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Gateway to the Amazon with river life and cross-border culture
- Affordable and easy to reach from major Brazilian hubs
- Limited infrastructure and tourist services
- Hot and humid climate can be draining
- Border-crossing areas require caution and local guidance
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Você pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
- "Obrigado" - Thank you
Places to Visit in Guajará-Mirim
Visit one of these nice places.
Colors light up the water as boats drift by and birds rise from the mangrove edge.
Silhouettes of boats and distant hills with Bolivia across the river create dramatic evening shots.
Vibrant textiles, fish displays, and tropical fruit market scenes ideal for street photography.
Wooden walkways through flooded forest where capybaras and açaí palms are common subjects.
Food in Guajará-Mirim
Guajará-Mirim Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
River catfish served with farinha de mandioca and a side of white rice or plantains.
Must-Try!
Fried pirarucu, a large river fish, often paired with cassava or rice and a fresh salsa.
A hot Amazonian soup with tucupi, jambu leaves, and prawns or dried shrimp; popular at markets and waterfront stalls.
Comforting fish broth with herbs, often served with lime and cassava chips.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market with fresh fish, cassava, tropical fruits, and plenty of street snack options.
Casual stalls along the waterfront offering fish skewers, tapioca, and fruit smoothies.
Vendors selling açaí, cupuaçu, and other rainforest fruits perfect for a quick snack.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a smile and a handshake; address elders as Senhor/Senhora. Small talk about family or local life is common.
Ask permission before taking photos of people or inside homes; avoid loud behavior and public disputes, especially in markets.
Safety
Tipping in Guajará-Mirim
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is modest and appreciated for good service, especially guides and hotel staff. Round up bills or leave 5–10% where appropriate.
Cash in BRL is widely accepted; many places accept credit/debit cards in town. Pix is increasingly common, and ATMs are available in the city center.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
June–September are hot and mostly dry. Days are sunny, rivers are lower, and trails are easier to navigate. Ideal for hiking, city strolling, and river sunsets; carry water and sunscreen.
October–May brings frequent rain and high humidity. Rivers swell, wildlife concentrates along edges, and boat trips can be more lush but weather-dependent. Pack rain gear and insect repellent.
Guajará-Mirim at Night
Hiking in Guajará-Mirim
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A riverbank trail offering water views, birdlife, and easy walking.
Walk through flooded forest (igapó) with opportunities for wildlife sightings.
Birding route in a local reserve with chances to see toucans, macaws, and forest birds.
Airports
How to reach Guajará-Mirim by plane.
Local airport with regional flights and connections to larger hubs in Rondônia.
Major regional gateway with more flight options to national and international destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of Brazilian residents, Indigenous groups, and Bolivian migrants creating a diverse cultural landscape.
Traditional livelihoods and crafts influence local markets and cultural events.
Tourists and commuters who come for markets, nature, and cross-border trade.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport; informal matches and local leagues are common in parks and squares.
River and lake fishing as a popular leisure activity for locals and visitors.
Calm water routes and paddle routes along the Mamoré for one-day outings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Guajará-Mirim.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian visitors can rely on beans, rice, cassava, vegetables, and fruit; request fish-free broths and confirm no meat stock when ordering.