How to get to Juruti

When planning a trip to Brazil, many tourists look for information on how to get to Juruti — a colourful city in the state of Pará, located on the banks of the Amazon River and known for its vibrant festivals. To visit Juruti and immerse yourself in the tropical atmosphere, travellers can use the local airport or choose a combined route involving river transport, bus, or car. Whichever mode of transport you choose, the journey to this distinctive corner of the country will be the start of an exciting adventure.

Although Juruti Airport (JRT) exists, it primarily serves small aircraft and receives a limited number of flights. For this reason, many tourists prefer to fly into larger transport hubs nearby to reach their destination with greater comfort.

The most convenient and closest option is often a flight to Parintins (PIN), which is located approximately 88 kilometres away and serves as a good starting point. As a popular alternative, consider Santarém Airport (STM), located 157 kilometres away, or plan a route via Maués (MBZ). Upon arriving in any of these cities, you can continue your journey to your destination using local transport.

There is no direct railway connection to Juruti, as there is no train station in the city itself. Railways in this region of Brazil are practically undeveloped for passenger transport, so the train is not a suitable option when planning a route to this part of the Amazon.

The nearest major settlements, such as Parintins and Santarém, also lack access to the passenger rail network. Waterways serve as the main method of movement between cities here, so travellers should focus on river transport or flights.

Due to the geographical location of Juruti in the heart of the Amazon, it is not possible to get to the city by bus directly from major regional centres. The lack of a developed highway network and the presence of many natural water barriers make direct intercity connections with transport hubs like Santarém or Parintins impossible.

Ground public transport in this area is used primarily for local travel within the municipality and trips to nearby rural communities along dirt roads. Since the bus is not a primary method of arrival for tourists, travellers planning their route should prefer water transport, which serves as the main connecting link in this region of Brazil.

Reaching Juruti by car exclusively by land is impossible. The city is isolated from the national road network of Brazil by the dense forests of the Amazon and water barriers, therefore, standard intercity highways leading directly to the city do not exist.

The concept of a "car trip" in this region implies complex logistics: the vehicle must be loaded onto a cargo ferry or barge. Such a journey along the Amazon River from the nearest major port, Santarém, or other cities will take a significant amount of time, as cargo vessels move slowly, and the route lies on water, not asphalt.

Due to the lack of roads, tourists are not advised to consider a car as a means of arrival in Juruti. It is much wiser and faster to use passenger river transport or a plane, and leave the car at the departure point.

Travelling to Juruti is an immersion into the unique atmosphere of the Amazon, where nature dictates its own rules. To ensure your trip to this colourful corner of Brazil is comfortable and surprise-free, we have prepared some important recommendations to help you on your way.

1. Clothing and Belongings: The climate in the region is hot and humid year-round. Prefer light clothing made of natural fabrics (cotton, linen) in light colours. Be sure to take a high-quality raincoat, comfortable closed shoes for walking, and long-sleeved shirts for protection against insects in the evenings.
2. Transport: Within the city limits, the most popular, fastest, and accessible means of transport are motorcycle taxis. For trips to neighbouring communities or simply for sightseeing, boats and speedboats serve as the main transport, as life here is closely tied to the river.
3. Finances: The official currency is the Brazilian Real. Although cards are accepted in some hotels and large shops, small stalls and markets only accept cash. ATMs may work intermittently or may not service foreign cards, so it is better to have a supply of cash brought from major cities.
4. Health and Safety: The tropical climate requires protection: use repellents and high-SPF sunscreen regularly. Drink only bottled water and avoid drinks with ice from street vendors to rule out the risk of stomach upset.
5. Communication: Locals speak Portuguese. English is practically not spoken here, even in the service sector. It is recommended to install an offline translator on your smartphone or learn a few basic phrases, which will greatly help in communication and endear you to the townspeople.
6. Local Etiquette: People in the Amazon are open and friendly. A measured pace of life is adopted here, so do not rush service staff or show impatience — this may be considered impolite. A greeting and a smile will always help establish contact.
7. What to Avoid: Do not swim in the river in unequipped and deserted places: strong currents and the presence of wild animals can be dangerous. Also, refrain from displaying expensive gadgets and jewellery on the street to avoid attracting unnecessary attention.
8. Planning a Visit: If you want to see the city in all its glory, try to plan your trip for late July, when the famous "Festival of Tribes" (Festribal) takes place. This bright cultural event with colourful costumes and dances is the city's main holiday.

Following these simple tips, you can avoid everyday difficulties and fully focus on exploring the rich nature and distinctive culture of this amazing region. Proper preparation will make your adventure in the heart of the Amazon safe and memorable.