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( Porto Velho)
A major destination when visiting Rondônia is Porto Velho, the capital city and home to
approximately 473,600 people. Porto Velho is a relatively young city as it was founded in
1914. The development of the city was tied directly to the development of the Maderia-
Mamore railroad. Later in the city’s history, the rubber boom and the discovery of gold and
cattle farms played a major part in the city’s growth and prosperity. Although Porto Velho has
no Tourism Office, the locals are more than happy to help you find where you want to go,
whether it be the Railway Museum, the Cathedral, Caixas D'agua or the weekly market.
(Amazon rain forest)
Naturally with the large percentage of the
state being rain forests, Rondônia has
quite a few Nature Preserves and National
Parks that you can enjoy. The Guaporé
Nature Reserve, The Jaru Nature Reserve,
Chapada dos Parecis, Serra do Pacaás,
and the Parque Nacional Pacaás Novos
are just a few noteworthy places. You can truly enjoy a unique and diverse variety of
Amazonian flora and fauna at these beautiful parks.
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