Things To Do
in Presidente Médici

Presidente Médici is a small frontier city in Rondônia, Brazil, located along the Madeira River basin in the Amazon region. It serves as a gateway to forest reserves, river trips, and biodiversity-rich landscapes. The town blends basic urban services with rural charm, all under a warm tropical climate.

Visitors often come to explore nearby natural areas, meet local communities, and sample Amazonian-inspired cuisine.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Orientation
morning
:

Begin your day with arrival at Presidente Médici airport and a warm welcome from local guides. Enjoy a traditional Brazilian breakfast featuring freshly-squeezed fruit juices and pão de queijo in a cozy café. Get an orientation session at the municipal cultural center to understand the history and highlights of the region.

afternoon
:

Take a guided walking tour through the town square to admire colonial architecture and meet friendly residents. Visit the local museum to learn about the rubber boom and its impact on the community. Stop by a roadside stand to sample regional snacks and chat with artisans.

evening
:

Dine at a family-run bistro serving classic dishes like fish moqueca paired with cassava flour. Experience live music at a neighborhood bar where local artists perform MPB and forró. Relax under the starlit sky while sipping a refreshing caipirinha.

day 2
Municipal Market Immersion
morning
:

Head to the bustling municipal market at dawn to watch vendors arrange fresh produce and tropical fruits. Sample local specialties such as tapioca crepes and fresh açai bowls while mingling with traders. Learn about regional ingredients and their importance in traditional cuisine.

afternoon
:

Join a hands-on cooking workshop in the market’s community kitchen to prepare a typical Rondônia lunch. Chop local vegetables, simmer fish in coconut milk, and season dishes with aromatic herbs. Share the meal with fellow participants and exchange cooking tips.

evening
:

Return to the market square to taste street food delights at dusk under colorful lights. Try grilled cheese on skewers and sweet pinhão pastries as you stroll among stalls. Enjoy casual conversation with local families before heading back to your accommodation.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
🥗Meal for two at mid-range restaurant$20-40
🚶Local transportation (one-way ticket)$0.75-2
Coffee/tea$1-3
🍺Beer at a bar$2-4

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Gateway to Amazonian biodiversity and river-based adventures
  • Affordably priced accommodations and meals
  • Warm, welcoming local communities and straightforward logistics
  • Smaller nightlife scene and limited public transit within the city
  • Longer travel times to larger urban centers for certain services
  • "Olá, tudo bem?" - Hello, how are you?
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
  • "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?

Places to Visit in Presidente Médici

Visit one of these nice places.

Sunrise over the Madeira River waterfront

A classic morning shot with fishermen, boats, and misty river light reflecting off the water.

Mirante do Centro (City viewpoint)

Elevated overlook offering a panorama of rooftops, river, and distant forest edges—ideal for wide-angle shots.

Mercado Municipal at dawn

Colorful stalls, vendors preparing for the day, and abundant local produce for vibrant street photography.

Igreja de São Sebastião façade

Historic church with simple colonial lines; great for architectural photography and environmental context.

Culinary Guide

Food in Presidente Médici

In Rondônia and the Amazon region, expect a cuisine built on river fish, manioc, tropical fruits, and hearty rice-and-beans dishes. Fresh ingredients and bold flavors define many meals, often with a focus on simplicity and community dining.

Presidente Médici Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Caldeirada de peixe

A hearty fish stew made with river fish, tomatoes, onions, herbs, and served with arroz (rice) and pirão (cornmeal porridge).

Must-Try!

Tacacá

A hot Amazonian soup of tucupi, jambu, and dried shrimp, best savored in riverside eateries and markets.

Açaí na tigela

Frozen açaí purée topped with granola, banana, and local fruits—perfect for a refreshing refuel.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal

The main market for fresh fish, tropical fruits, manioc, and quick bites from street vendors.

Climate Guide

Weather

The region experiences a tropical climate with high humidity year-round. Expect hot days (often in the mid-30s C) and cooler nights, with a marked wet season (roughly Nov–Apr) and a drier period (May–Oct).

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with a handshake; among friends, a light cheek kiss is common. Use polite forms like senhor/senhora and 'por favor' and 'obrigado(a)'.

Photography

Ask permission before photographing people, especially in private settings or communities.

Dress

Dress modestly in public spaces; lightweight, breathable clothing is practical in the heat.

Safety Guide

Safety

Practice basic travel safety: keep valuables secure, especially in crowded markets; use reputable transport after dark; wear insect repellent to guard against mosquitoes; be cautious on forest trails and in isolated areas, and follow local guidance during outdoor activities.

Tipping in Presidente Médici

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not always included. Round up bills or leave 5–10% in sit-down restaurants when service is good.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Rainy season (Nov–Apr)

Frequent heavy rainfall and high humidity. Plan flexible outdoor time, carry a light rain jacket, and expect occasional travel delays.

Dry season (May–Oct)

Warmer and drier days with bright sun and comfortable outdoor conditions, though humidity remains high. Great for hiking and river trips, with less mud.

Nightlife Guide

Presidente Médici at Night

In Presidente Médici, nightlife centers on riverside bars, small cafés, and community events. Expect casual, guitar-driven sets or local bands; most places close by midnight. Weekends bring livelier gatherings, with opportunities to try regional drinks and socialize with residents.

Hiking in Presidente Médici

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Forest trails near the city

Forest and riparian trails within a short drive, suitable for day hikes with a guide.

Riverbank hikes along the Madeira

Easy to moderate trails with opportunities to observe wildlife and aquatic life.

Airports

How to reach Presidente Médici by plane.

Porto Velho – Governador Jorge Teixeira de Oliveira International Airport

Major regional hub with domestic and limited international connections; typically the primary gateway for longer trips.

Ji-Paraná Airport

Regional airport serving the surrounding area; useful when combined with road travel to Presidente Médici.

Cacoal Airport

Regional airport offering domestic flights and connections to other Rondônia towns.

Getting Around

Walkability

The city center is reasonably walkable with compact streets and riverfront paths. Some hills and peripheral areas may require driving or riding, but most core attractions are accessible on foot.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Population

Predominantly Brazilian residents with rural roots; communities nearby include Indigenous and riverine groups in the broader region.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Futebol (soccer)

The dominant sport in Brazil; expect local pick-up games in parks and community leagues.

Volleyball

Common in schools and community centers, with casual beach or indoor play opportunities.

Transportation

Traffic

Roads around Presidente Médici can be uneven, and rain can affect travel times. Public transit is limited; taxis, moto-taxis, and private car hires are common for longer trips. Plan extra time when traveling to neighboring towns or markets.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Presidente Médici.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Look for beans, rice, grains, manioc, eggs, and fresh vegetables. Ask for no peixe ou carne and request preparations with simple oils and legumes.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare services are available in town through local clinics and the public SUS network. For more advanced care, patients typically travel to larger cities such as Porto Velho, where hospitals and private clinics offer broader specialties.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide