How to get to Vilhena

Vilhena is a vibrant city in the state of Rondônia, often referred to as the "Gateway to the Amazon", serving as a vital transport and trade hub for the region. When planning a trip to Vilhena, travellers can choose the most suitable route depending on their preferences and schedule. Reaching this corner of Brazil is possible via various means, including domestic flights, intercity buses, or by car.

The fastest way to reach Vilhena is by air. The city is served by its own airport, Brigadeiro Camarão (BVH), which handles regular passenger flights and connects the region with the rest of the country. The airport is located just a few kilometres from the centre, making arrival as comfortable as possible for tourists.

Since the airport is regional, direct flights from distant cities in Brazil are usually unavailable. The main transit hub for travellers is most often Cuiabá, from where flights to Vilhena depart. The flight passes over picturesque landscapes, allowing you to appreciate the scale of nature in this region even before landing.

Alternatively, if tickets for direct flights are unavailable, one might consider flying to neighbouring cities such as Cacoal or Ji-Paraná. However, it is worth noting that in this case, the journey to the final destination will have to be continued by ground transport, which will take additional time.

Reaching Vilhena by train is not possible, as there is no railway station in the city itself, and passenger rail service in this part of the country is practically undeveloped. The existing infrastructure in the region is focused primarily on cargo logistics chains, so travellers should exclude this mode of transport from their itinerary in advance.

The nearest major settlements, such as Cacoal or Ji-Paraná, also do not have stations for receiving passenger trains. To move around the state of Rondônia and travel deeper into Brazil, tourists are recommended to use the developed network of intercity buses or rent a car.

Bus travel remains one of the most popular ways to get to Vilhena, especially for those travelling through the state of Rondônia along the region's main transport artery. The trip from neighbouring Cacoal, located approximately 220 kilometres away, usually takes about 3–4 hours and passes through quite scenic terrain. Slightly more time, around 5–6 hours, will be required for the journey from Ji-Paraná, the distance to which is about 330 kilometres.

There are also routes connecting the city with settlements in the neighbouring state of Mato Grosso, for example, trips from Aripuanã. This journey is longer and can take from 7 to 9 hours, as the bus has to cover over 400 kilometres, part of which may be on roads with varying surface types. All intercity services arrive at the city bus terminal (Rodoviária), from where tourists can easily continue their journey to their hotel by taxi.

A car trip to Vilhena is a chance to witness the changing landscapes from savannahs to Amazonian forests while driving along the key BR-364 highway. The drive from the nearest major city, Cacoal (about 220 km), will take just over 3 hours, while the 330-kilometre route from Ji-Paraná will require approximately 5 hours of driving.

The longer and more complex route from Aripuanã covers about 470 kilometres and can stretch to 7–8 hours depending on road conditions. Taxis or private transfers for such long distances are available but will be costly due to the mileage, so for freedom of movement across Brazil, many travellers prefer to rent a car.

When planning a visit to Vilhena, it is worth considering the climate and local lifestyle to ensure your trip leaves only pleasant impressions. This city, located on the border with the Amazonian forests, requires a little preparation from the traveller, but in return, it offers a unique experience.

1. Clothing and Essentials: The region has a hot and humid climate, so the best choice would be light clothing made of natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. However, due to the altitude, evenings can be unexpectedly cool, so packing a light windbreaker or sweater is advisable.
2. Transport: Public transport may not be the most convenient option for a tourist. For quick movement around the city, locals and guests often use moto-taxis—an affordable and popular mode of transport—while renting a car is better for trips to the surrounding areas.
3. Finances: The official currency is the Brazilian Real; paying with Dollars or Euros in shops is not possible. Supermarkets and hotels accept cards, but cash is preferred in small shops and eateries, so always keep small denominations with you.
4. Health and Safety: Be sure to use insect repellent, as there are many insects in the region. Drink only bottled water and avoid ice in drinks at street cafes to eliminate the risk of digestive issues.
5. Communication: The main language is Portuguese, and English is not widely spoken, especially outside tourist zones. Downloading an offline translator will greatly simplify communication in shops and taxis.
6. Local Etiquette: The people of Brazil are open and friendly; it is customary to greet even strangers in a lift or shop. The universal "thumbs up" gesture (joinha) will help express gratitude or agreement in any situation.
7. What to Avoid: Do not display expensive gadgets and jewellery on the street to avoid attracting unnecessary attention. Also, refrain from walking alone in remote and poorly lit areas after dark.
8. Additional Tip: Try tereré—a cold infusion of yerba mate that is very popular in this region. It is not just a drink that perfectly quenches thirst in the heat, but also an important part of the local social culture.

Following these simple recommendations will help you feel confident and safe. Enjoy the local atmosphere of Vilhena, be open to communication, and the journey will provide you with a wealth of vivid emotions.