Audio Guide of the Madeira-Mamoré Railway

The Madeira-Mamoré Railway, located at the Railway Museum in Porto Velho, is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; it is closed on Mondays. To get there, you can take a taxi or bus from the city center to President Dutra Avenue, and it is recommended to use Google Maps for precise directions. More information is available on the official City Hall of Porto Velho website.

Admission to the museum and railway facilities costs around R$ 10 for adults, with discounts for students and seniors; children under 12 enter free. Check updated prices on the official website, as they may vary for special events. Admission includes access to the locomotives and historical exhibitions.

It is recommended to spend at least 1 to 2 hours exploring the museum, the preserved railcars, and the exhibitions on the railway's history. If you are deeply interested in history, you could extend your visit to 2.5 hours including a guided tour. It is a compact experience ideal for a morning or afternoon.

Built between 1907 and 1912 during the rubber boom, this railway was key to transporting materials through the Brazilian Amazon, but it is known as the 'Railway of Death' because of the thousands of lives lost during its construction due to disease and extreme conditions. Today it represents a symbol of industrial development and human struggle in the Amazon region. You will learn more through the signs and guides on site.

The best time of year is during the dry season from May to October, when the weather is more predictable and there is less rain in Porto Velho. Aim for early morning, around 9:00 a.m., to avoid the intense afternoon heat in this tropical area. This allows you to enjoy the outdoor exhibits more comfortably.

The museum offers partial accessibility, with ramps in the main areas and raised walkways for railcars, but some historic sections such as old locomotives may have stairs or uneven ground. It is recommended to contact the staff for assistance; the museum phone number is (69) 3221-2700. Continuous improvements are being implemented for greater inclusion.

Near the museum, you can visit Porto Velho Central Market, just 5 minutes away by taxi, ideal for trying local Amazonian food, or Getúlio Vargas Palace, with its historic architecture 10 minutes away. You can also explore the Madeira River for a boat ride, about 15 minutes away. Combine your visit for a full day in the city.

Bring insect repellent and sunscreen, as it is in a tropical climate; wear comfortable shoes for walking along the tracks and exhibits. Book a guided tour if you are traveling in a group to get fascinating details, and check the weather before you go. Do not forget your camera to capture the old locomotives, but respect the rules about not touching artifacts.