March 3, 2022

10:03

Iury Lima – Cenarium Magazine

VILHENA (RO) – Member of Amazônia Legal, the third largest state in the North Region, Rondônia is home to natural beauty and historical monuments that fill the eyes and warm the heart. It is in this Federative Unit where one can find the largest Portuguese military building built during Colonial Brazil outside Europe, for example. It is also where one of the biggest freshwater beach festivals in Brazil takes place; where it is possible to climb a rock over 100 meters high -without any specific equipment-, and contemplate the immensity of the largest tropical forest on the planet. But, if the intention is just to relax, there is nothing better than a water park, which is also an inn, a concert hall, and, on top of that, a showcase of the rondonian jungle, as the front itself says.

Did you like it? Then pack your bags, because #PartiuRondônia, in this new special of the Amazon Tourism series, is at CENARIUM!

Royal Fort Príncipe da Beira

Enthusiasts of Brazilian history should, without a doubt, begin this travel itinerary through the state of Rondônia, visiting the ruins of the Royal Fort Príncipe da Beira. To do so, you must take a flight to the capital Porto Velho and then take a bus for 713 kilometers to Costa Marques, a town with less than 20 thousand inhabitants, in the countryside of Rondônia; almost 10 hours on the road that is very worthwhile.

The fortress is approximately 26 kilometers from the city, with easy access by dirt road. Visits are free and do not require an appointment.

With construction dating from the 18th century, this is the oldest historical monument in Rondônia. Construction started in 1776, and it was inaugurated in the following decade, in 1783. Since then, 239 years later, it remains standing on the right bank of the Guaporé, on the border with Bolivia.

Built in stones, following the military architecture of the time, the Royal Fort Príncipe da Beira was named after the crown prince of Portugal, Dom José de Bragança. The creation of the fortress was an order from the Portuguese crown, created precisely to defend the land from possible Spanish invasions.

Inside the fort, there were barracks, a hospital, a chapel and a warehouse, as well as the governor’s house and an underground armory. There were also dungeons at the entrance of the monument, which still exist and tell the story of the time with Latin writings carved into the walls. Some of these, by the most illustrious prisoner: Father Pacheco; a staunch defender of the end of slavery, who ended up in prison for this very reason, until he lived out his last days in penance.

However, the place was abandoned by the crown with the Proclamation of the Republic. Today, the history is told to visitors by military guides stationed in what is left of the fort, with a tour of the ruins, dungeons, and a museum where ceramics and several other forgotten objects are exhibited, such as cutlery, cups, and fabrics from royal costumes.

Since 1950, the place has been protected and recognized by the Institute for National Historic and Artistic Heritage (Iphan).

Beach Festival (fresh water)

In Rondônia there is no sea, but there is beach. Several beaches. And it is possible to enjoy all of them when Rio Guaporé enters its dry period, generally between the months of August, September and October. That is why the famous Costa Marques Beach Festival, the most famous in Rondônia, always ends up varying. But one thing is certain: guaranteed success.

There are seven days of festivities. For this, the local commerce and the city hall get together to provide the main event of the city.

When Curralinho Beach appears, a kind of island that spends practically the whole year underwater, residents, visitors from nearby towns, and tourists from all over the country mark their presence. There are dozens and dozens of bamboo and straw tents selling all sorts of things, hundreds of tents of people camping out, and 24 hours of programming with a fishing festival, live shows on a stage of the highest category, and lots of fun.

In 2010, the event broke a record with more than 10,000 participants.

Cacoal Jungle Park

Those who enjoy adventure, fun, and comfort mixed in a single “rolê” will love Cacoal Selva Park, the best and most complete water park in the state. Proof of this is the presence of celebrities like the ex-BBB and ex-No Limite, realities from TV Globo, Mahmoud Baydoun.

The park has a lodge in the middle of the forest for those who like to relax with nature; a pool complex with artificial waves and toys; paddling lakes, and a large space for parties of all kinds, which fill the annual calendar of events in the city of Cacoal, 480 kilometers from Porto Velho. An example is ‘Réveillon na Selva’, the most iconic New Year’s Eve party in Rondônia.

Pedrona on Line 10

Still in the rural area of Cacoal, one of those breathtaking adventures for the adventurous traveler. Just prepare your backpack and take the Rodovia do Café (Coffee Highway), follow up to the sign that indicates the beginning of Linha 10 and continue for about 60 kilometers on a dirt road. Even with the “dusty” road, satisfaction is guaranteed.

You can rest assured that you won’t need any special equipment to climb it. You can reach the top of the rock on foot, by bicycle, and even by motorcycle, as many trekking groups do.

From the top, approximately 100 meters above the ground, it is possible to see the immensity of the Amazon Forest. Pedrona, as it is known, is inside a rural property and is easily visible from the road. There is no need to pay anything to get in: the owners of the farm are so used to visitors that they leave the gates open for anyone who wants to take a closer look.

Pedrona also has, incredibly, rooted trees and a small forest on its surface. Visitors of all ages take advantage of the place to watch the sunrise and sunset; it is also an ideal place for picnics with friends or family.

Madeira Mamoré Railroad

To close the list, this is perhaps the most iconic tourist attraction in Rondonia: the Madeira Mamoré Railroad. Located in Porto Velho, it was the 15th railroad built in the country, with construction work done between 1907 and 1912.

It is 366 kilometers long through the Amazon, from Porto Velho to the city of Guajará-Mirim, cities founded because of the existence of the railroad itself.

According to historians, this was the first major engineering project outside the United States and was planned primarily to shorten import and export routes between the US, Bolivia, and Brazil. Besides this, the construction became a strong point for the Brazilian economic strategy, also resulting in the incorporation of the Acre territory to the country.

The project employed 20,000 workers of 50 nationalities.

Despite the historical value, the last time it was open for public visitation was in December 2021, during the Christmas celebrations in the capital of Rondonia. Currently, the perimeter is closed for revitalization.

Did you enjoy learning more about Rondônia? So now all that’s left is to prepare your luggage, buy the tickets, and enjoy this beautiful Amazon state.