How to get to Cruzeiro do Sul

When planning to visit Cruzeiro do Sul, the second-largest city in the state of Acre in western Brazil, you are setting off into the very heart of the mysterious Amazon. This vibrant corner, surrounded by dense tropical forests and the Juruá River, attracts lovers of eco-tourism and peaceful relaxation far from the bustle of megacities. To decide how to get to Cruzeiro do Sul most conveniently, it is worth considering various options: from a quick flight with local airlines to an exciting journey by bus or car through the jungle.

The fastest and most convenient way to reach your destination is by air travel. Cruzeiro do Sul is served by its own international airport (IATA: CZS), which is located approximately 15 kilometers from the city center. This airport serves as an important aerial gateway for the western part of the state of Acre.

Direct flights from other countries are a great rarity here, so the route usually includes a transfer. Most often, planes arrive from the state capital — the city of Rio Branco, which is connected by air to the main major cities of Brazil. During the descent, passengers are treated to a breathtaking panorama of the Amazonian forests and the winding Juruá River.

Traveling by railway is not the most suitable option for a trip to Cruzeiro do Sul, as there are no train stations in the city itself or its surroundings. The specific landscape of the Amazon, with its dense forests and full-flowing rivers, historically favored the development of water and air transport, leaving rail tracks for other regions of Brazil.

The railway network in this part of the continent is practically undeveloped, so even transit travel through neighboring cities is difficult. The nearest settlements, such as Pucallpa, Eirunepé, or Tingo María, are located at a significant distance and do not have convenient passenger train connections to the final point of your route.

You can get to the city by bus in only one way — from the direction of the state capital of Acre, the city of Rio Branco. This is the only settlement having a stable road connection with Cruzeiro do Sul. Direct trips from neighboring Peru or the Brazilian city of Eirunepé do not exist, as there are no through roads across the impassable jungle in these directions.

The route from Rio Branco runs along the federal highway BR-364. This journey is suitable for experienced tourists: buses cover the distance of over 600 kilometers in an average of 10–14 hours. Travel time may increase significantly during the rainy season when the road condition deteriorates. Despite possible bumps and difficult sections of the highway, the trip offers a unique chance to see the real Amazon from the window, observing the wall of tropical forest stretching along the roadsides.

Although on the map it may seem that getting to the city by car is easy from neighboring regions, the reality of the Amazon makes its own adjustments. Geographically, Pucallpa in Peru and Brazilian Eirunepé are located just 250–300 kilometers away in a straight line; however, no through roads have been laid through the dense jungles between them. This makes a trip by personal transport or taxi along these routes impossible, leaving priority to aviation and river vessels.

A similar situation exists with the Peruvian city of Tingo María: the absence of cross-border highways turns a theoretically short path into an insurmountable obstacle for motorists. It is important for travelers to remember that the only real road leading to Cruzeiro do Sul is the BR-364 highway from Rio Branco, and attempts to drive directly from the indicated neighboring points are doomed to failure due to the impassable jungle.

Preparation for a trip to Cruzeiro do Sul requires attention to detail, as this city is located in an equatorial climate zone amidst the dense forests of the Amazon. To ensure your acquaintance with this unique corner passes as comfortably and safely as possible, we have compiled a list of the most important practical recommendations.

1. Clothing and Belongings. Due to high humidity and heat, prefer loose clothing made of light natural fabrics (cotton, linen). Be sure to take a raincoat or umbrella with you, as tropical downpours are a frequent occurrence here. For excursions into the forest, closed shoes and modest long-sleeved clothing will be required for protection against insects.
2. Transport. Within the city limits, the most popular and accessible means of transport are motorcycle taxis. Regular taxis are also available, but there may be fewer of them. If you do not plan long trips, car rental may not be necessary, as the main locations are relatively close to each other.
3. Finances. The national currency of Brazil is the Real. Although bank cards are accepted in hotels and large stores, you will definitely need cash to visit markets, small cafes, and pay for motorcycle taxis. It is better to exchange money in advance or withdraw it from an ATM in the city center.
4. Health and Safety. The main necessity in this region is a powerful mosquito repellent, as insects can carry tropical diseases. Drink only bottled water and avoid drinks with ice at street stalls. The city is generally calm, but it is better to leave valuables in the hotel safe.
5. Communication. The main language of communication is Portuguese. Few people know English here, mostly the staff of large hotels. We recommend downloading an offline translator on your smartphone or learning a few basic phrases to communicate with drivers and sellers.
6. Local Etiquette. People here are very welcoming and open. Handshakes are customary upon meeting, and light embraces among acquaintances. Do not be surprised if strangers smile at you on the street; responding with a smile is a sign of good manners. The "thumbs up" gesture is universal and means "everything is fine" or "thank you".
7. What to Avoid. It is categorically not recommended to go into the jungle or swim in the Juruá River without the accompaniment of an experienced local guide. Currents can be treacherous, and wildlife unpredictable. Also, try not to walk around the outskirts of the city after dark.
8. Additional Tip. Do not miss the opportunity to buy local cassava flour (farinha de mandioca). Cruzeiro do Sul is famous for producing the best cassava flour in the country — this is the main gastronomic souvenir of the region, which is highly valued throughout the country.

Following these simple rules will help you avoid domestic inconveniences and fully focus on exploring the rich nature and culture of the state of Acre. May your journey be filled with bright discoveries and pleasant meetings!