Manaus.
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Overview

Manaus is a metropolis of Brazil with about 2.6 million inhabitants in the center of the Amazon rainforest. Traveling to Manaus means taking a trip to the Amazon: there are countless jungle hotels that offer a huge variety of tours, from more adventurous to more relaxing, such as walking in the jungle, fishing, visiting riverside communities, alligator spotting, tree climbing, rappelling, and bototherapy. In the center of Manaus there are several monuments, historic buildings, churches, a large number of museums, and numerous Belle Époque buildings still preserved and spread throughout the region.

Understand

Its name means "Mother of Gods" in the indigenous language. Two rivers run side by side for many miles of different colors, running together: the "Meeting of Waters". Legend has it that they never mix.

The wealth of the primeval forest becomes visible first of all in the architecture of the city. The city enriched and the rubber barons afforded big European luxury such as the Amazonas Opera House. Other monuments from this epoch are the Mercado Municipal, and the arts center Palacio Rio Negro, located among fascinating Portuguese façades. Today Manaus is a foreign trade zone. Foreign enterprises pay no import duties here, guaranteeing a certain income for the city and the region. Electronics, wood industry and oil refineries have settled in the outskirts in industrial areas. The harbour is the most important trading center for the care of the city with regional, national and international products.

The city is pleasant and friendly, although quite hot, and is still a major port, and a good starting point for river tours.

The Rio Negro (northern) branch of the Amazon is the color of strong tea, peaty brown and its comparative acidity means few mosquitoes. At Manaus the Amazon rises and falls almost twenty meters between seasons. In May and June it's at its peak, full and very wide, spreading way out into the trees. In November and December it's low; still massive but with sandbars.

Of all cities you can reach when voyaging along the Amazon River, Manaus is by far the most expensive.

In the heart of the largest tropical rainforest on the planet, Manaus has a typical tropical climate, characterized by intense heat and high humidity throughout the year. Average daily temperatures consistently exceed 30°C (86º F), with highs that frequently make the perceived temperature surpass 40°C (104º F) due to the relative humidity.

In Manaus, there is no winter, summer, autumn, or spring; only two seasons based on rainfall patterns and river levels:

Rainy season (December to May): This period (nicknamed by locals as the "Amazonian winter") is marked by heavy, frequent, and sometimes prolonged rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms. It is the time when the rivers rise significantly, covering forested areas and forming igapós — flooded ecosystems that allow navigation through the forest in small boats. Dry season (June to November): This period is also nicknamed by locals as the "Amazonian summer." It is the time when rainfall decreases and river levels drop. This is the time when extensive freshwater river beaches emerge along the banks of the Negro and Solimões rivers (such as Ponta Negra Beach).

Between August and November, corresponding to the peak of the dry season, the region usually faces periods of severe drought accompanied by wildfires, which can significantly increase the concentration of smoke in the atmosphere and compromise air quality in the capital.

With high temperatures and humidity, it is recommended to opt for cotton clothing or quick-drying technical fabrics, as well as hats or caps. Always carry a compact umbrella or a lightweight raincoat in your backpack, as well as sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

Get in

Manaus is over 2,700 km from São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro which takes about four hours by air.

Miami: daily with American Airlines and once a week with Latam Orlando: once a week with Gol Linhas Aéreas Panama City: 4 days a week with Copa Airlines

Brazil flagship airlines Latam, Gol and Azul have frequent direct flights to major Brazilian cities such as Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Brasília, as well as regional capitals, and Azul also flies to the triple border town of Tabatinga. Regional airline Mapoperates a turboprop fleet to towns such as Tefé, Parintins, Altamira and Porto Trombetas.

By boat Manaus is a major destination for boats on the Amazon River. From Belém on the Atlantic Coast, it takes about five days. Boats go to Porto Velho two-three times per week. Tabatinga on the border with Colombia can also be reached by boat from Manaus, with connections further on to Iquitos in Peru. For finding boat connections between Tabatinga and Manaus Navegam covers this route. If you want to save a few hours on your way to Colombia or Peru, ask the according boat company if they stop in Manacapuru, so you can take the boat from there.

By bus Due to road conditions, there is very little (if any) long-distance bus service originating from major cities in Brazil. There are daily buses to Boa Vista in the north and to destinations in Venezuela. The bus from Caracas in Venezuela takes about 36 hours, but it is air-conditioned, has comfortable reclining seats and a toilet.

Get around

Manaus is very big, its urban part sprawling some (versus for Paris or for Buenos Aires). If you plan to move around the city independently, it's important to find accommodation either downtown or close to the main axis of Av. Constantino Nery and Av. Djalma Batista.

One can change buses free of charge at the city terminals T1, T2, T3 and T4, or use a city bus card to board a second bus within 1½ hr free of charge.

There is a system of city bikes called MANÔbike, but it's only available downtown where distances are walkable. Besides, Manaus is somewhat hilly and inconvenient for most uncommitted riders.

See

Teatro Amazonas. The Opera House was built during the heyday of rubber trade, using materials from all over the world, and was once visited by all the most famous opera divas and maestros. There are frequent free performances, often advertised on the SEC Facebook Channel; be sure to arrive at least an hour in advance to secure a seat. Also, check out the Largo de São Sebastião just to the east to experience this square with Opening of the Ports of Friendly Nations statue and historic buildings around. A together with the Theatro da Paz in Belém.

Saint Sebastian, Martyr and Saint Francis of Assisi Parish. This spooky-looking 19th-century neoclassical church with an Italian-style interior looks so much older.

Museu da Casa Eduardo Ribeiro. Original home of first Afro-Brazilian governor of Amazonas state who made modern Manaus.

Mercado Municipal Adolpho Lisboa. After a renovation, most stalls were moved to the nearby Feira da Banana and Adolpho Lisboa became a clean and organized market, albeit lacking some soul. The main hall sells mostly souvenirs, the smaller ones to the left and right fish and meat.

Palácio Rio Negro. Built by a German rich-man in the "golden age", the palace eventually became property of the government, which transformed it in a cultural center. Visits are free, being escorted by a staff-member is compulsory. Around the estate are manicured grounds and paths that culminate to the south at Parque Jefferson Peres, an impressive plaza of fountains, canals, and statuary close to the Rio Negro.

Praca Heliodoro Balbi. Leafy plaza that is abutted by the Provincial Palace and Police Square.

Palacete Provincial. This grand architectural specimen is also host to several museums, including the Museu de Arqueologia, the Pinacoteca do Estado (plastic arts center), Museu Tiradentes da Policia Militar (military police museum), Museu De Numismática Bernardo Ramos (numismatics), and an art museum. Get all your museum-viewing done in one shebang.

Biblioteca Pública do Amazonas. This eyecatching building was constructed in 1910 in the neoclassical style, with marble, chandeliers, and skylights from England. During the times of the rubber boom, the library was frequented by the elites of Manaus. Then, with the fall of that the library also fell into disrepair and tragically was consumed in a conflagration that left only 60 books. But it has since been restored.

Cathedral of Our Lady of Conception. Manaus' metropolitan church which has a cathedral museum dealing with Catholic relics and the pope's visit to Manaus. Outside the church centerpiece is Osvaldo Cruz Plaza with the Municipal clocktower and obelisk gracing Av Eduardo Ribeiro.

Palace of Liberty Museum. A relatively new showcase about the city, its people, and local foods and culture. The architectural exterior and interior of the building is quite opulent in itself, as is the Rio Branco Palace, which is the state assembly building, just to the south.

Instituto Geográfico e Histórico do Amazonas. Just a small museum with an array of relics about this region of the Amazon. In a pretty pink historical mansion. Limited hours.

Museu Amazônico - UFAM. Yet another Amazonia museum, this one in a colonial house, and curated by the public university. Nice baskets and masks and caiman skull collection.

Parque Rio Negro. Nice promenade along the Rio Negro from which to view the river or Manaus. A chance to see some old factories and also grab a sno cone or helado from a kiosk as you catch a glorious sunset on the Amazon.

Praia da Ponta Negra. Copacabana's river counterpart, this fine sand beach has a very nice urbanized area on its back, with a large walkaway, a skateboard park, some beach volleyball fields and many food stalls. On Wednesdays and Sundays the car traffic is interrupted and locals occupy the extra space jogging, roller-skating and skateboarding. It hosts free dancing and calisthenics classes organized by the city, and some independent groups also meet there for activities, such as the slackline Mexa-se group.

Instituto Nacional De Pesquisas INPA. An aquatics sort of exhibit where you can have the chance to see turtles, otters, and even a manatee. Exhibits and demonstrations about Amazonian aquaculture. There was another place called Museu de Ciencias Naturais da Amazonia similar to this nearby that even had the mighty piarucu along with entomology and ornithology displays, but it appears to have closed down.

Paricatuba Waterfall. Formed by sedimentary rocks, surrounded by abundant vegetation. Access is by boat. The best time to visit is from August to February.

Love Cascade. In the Guedes bayou, with cold and crystal clear water. Accessible only by boat then hiking through the forest.

Meeting of the waters. The muddy Solimões and the dark-colored Negro rivers meet, and run together without mixing for a considerable length, about 4 km downstream of the city. You can book a dedicated tour for this, but when you enter/leave Manaus by boat towards Santarém/Belém, you will see it much better from the upper deck of that boat. It's about 30 to 60 minutes downstream from Manaus on a slow boat and you can easily spot it in advance due to the water being much brighter. Also in this area is a community of floating houses called Catalão that some tour operators may include as a cultural part of a package.

Bridge Phelippe Daou. This roughly 3.2-km-long bridge over the Rio Negro is quite an engineering marvel that is almost certain to catch your eye.

Centro Cultural Usina Chaminé. Cultural space showing varying exhibits on Amazonian features (e.g. basket-weaving, botany, old Manaus tram car) as well as occasional performances.

Cultural Center of the Peoples of the Amazon. A venue for indigenous people's performances and festivals and also the site of the Museu do Homen do Norte, a museum about the indigenous tribes of the area.

Museu do Índio. Another museum about the first peoples of the area, in case you are not already satisfied with the Museu do Homen do Norte.

Alfandega do Porto de Manaus. An attractive looking government office.

Zoológico do Hotel Tropical. Animals such as a jaguar, macaws, and monkeys. A little sad though seeing them in cages.

Parque Ecologico Janauari. A relatively easy way to see a piece of the Amazon close to Manaus. Boardwalk trails, floating village, (semi?-)domesticated sloth and anaconda.

Museu da Amazônia - MUSA. Open air museum featuring an Amazon observation tower and aquarium with piarucus.

Museu Do Seringal. Museum about rubber baron estate and the rubber industry in general (created from a movie set).

The CIGS Zoo. This zoo is run by the Brazilian army and features not only an impressive array of macaws, cats, and other species, but military vehicles too. It is probably a much more fulfilling zoological experience than the one at the Hotel Tropical.

Capela de Santo Antônio. A church that is a special part of Manaus' heritage as it came about from a wife's vow in the late 19th century to have a chapel built in appreciation for the saint who supposedly interceded for her poor severely ill husband. The church is colloquially known as Capela de Pobra Diablo. Only open every June 13th.

Santuário Nossa Senhora de Fátima. Cylinder-shaped church that has a following and historical significance in Manaus.

Santuário Paróquia São José. Just a big Catholic presence downtown.

Templo de Manaus Brasil. LDS temple looking pretty temple-like.

Do

There are a number of companies operating jungle adventure trips from Manaus, but only a few seem to be more established and reputable. First you need to check if the Tour Operator has a valid Embratur (Brazilian Tourism Board) registry. Then you make up your mind what you really want. You need to travel at least 100 km from Manaus to see virgin rain forest and the wild life you are looking for.

Location There are basically two main areas which you can explore: the Rio Negro basin and the South of Rio Amazonas. Both of these regions are (sparsely) inhabited, so you will not be completely isolated from civilization. If you want to make a trip to a reserve or a remote area, ask for a special expedition package and plan to pay much more and spend a few days for the transfer to and from the reserve. Rio Negro is an area that is great for the jungle vegetation and for the lack of mosquitoes (due to the acidity of the river). Unfortunately, the lack of mosquitoes means there are a lot fewer animals that live there. The South of Rio Amazonas is a network of rivers, lakes and channels. There are mosquitoes and wildlife, however, there are quite a lot of houses and farms—and thus civilization is a lot more visible. Most tours go to or through lake Mamori. There are quite a lot of jungle things to see around the lake, but do not expect pristine nature due to all the farming going on around the lake. There is a reserve nearby called Jurara. It also seems to be inhabited and there is not much difference between the reserve and lake Mamori. A better option may be a trip to lake Juma which is a special protected area.

Time of travel There are two seasons in the Amazon basin: wet season and dry season. During the dry season it's very hot (that means 40 °C plus the humidity) and thus may be unbearable for some. As well, many channels and rivers dry out. On the other hand, fishing is much easier since all fish concentrates in the remaining water basins. During the wet season, it rains almost every day. When there is a storm, the amount of rain may be overwhelming. Thus, if traveling in wet season, be prepared to get wet and not dry out until the end of your trip. During the season the rivers and lakes rise several meters and many new channels are formed in the flooded jungle. Temperature-wise, the weather is more bearable and only the humidity will be a problem. The wet season lasts roughly January to July, with the best time to visit the jungle May to August.

Equipment If you travel during the wet season, keep your important things like documents in (tested) waterproof bags/containers. Cotton clothes let your skin breathe but there is no chance that they will ever get dry. Some people find nylon/synthetic clothes to work well. Long sleeves and long pants are not 100% necessary but you will not regret wearing them. A flashlight is necessary for the night, as the jungle is pitch-black. A machete most probably will not be required on short/casual trips but is essential for longer expeditions. A lighter and a pocket knife are a good idea. The pocket knife is especially important since it can provide the only defense against the boa and the anaconda (indeed, attacks do occur). A mosquito repellent is most probably a very smart idea. It keeps other bugs away too and it reduces the risk of being infected by a disease-carrying insect. However, the number of mosquitoes in the jungle is not completely overwhelming, so for longer expeditions you may consider getting used to them. Additionally, a good guide can show you some natural repellents available in the jungle. Sun block is needed especially during the dry season. Otherwise, keep your luggage to the minimum. Do not take things you do not really need.

Terminology native people - people who live in the region. Most of the time that means mixed people of Portuguese descent. These are not aboriginal inhabitants. native guide - a guide who is a native (see native people). If at all, usually speaks only marginal English.

Do not buy tours from people at the airport or on the street in Manaus. The best guides are hired by the best companies; the best shysters don’t work for the best companies. If you don’t want to book a tour before arriving and want to book a tour in Manaus use a reputable published guidebook first or just look for the official tourist information center (CAT), they'll help you out and even make free calls if required. Tour companies are relatively easy to find in downtown Manaus and many will meet you at no charge.

The tour companies tend to trick the tourists sometimes, they ask you "may I do the reservation?" if you say yes and later cancel they will want to charge you 25%. It is not legal unless they let you know about it and make you sign something, so remain alert. Ask other tour operators to check prices.

If you take a river tour, go up the Rio Negro. From a three-night river boat trip from Manaus up the Rio Negro with a guide, you can expect to see some wildlife and visit some of the forest remnants, but two weeks or more are needed to reach untouched areas. Small two-story river boats carry five to ten people, sleeping in hammocks on the upper deck. Large boats carrying hundreds ply the river too, but the big boats don't stop between ports. The most popular place for jungle tours is Lake Mamori/Lake Juma about 100 km south of Manaus. Other recommended areas are Rio Urubu about 200 km east of and Novo Airão about 100 km northwest of Manaus. Make sure that your travel agency has a valid Embratur (Brazilian Tourism Board) registration.

Amazon BackPackers Tour. Rua Dez de Julho 679, (inside Hotel 10 de Julho). Amazon Backpackers has been in business for over 15 years. They offer jungle excursions, boat trips, river tours, fishing tours and survival trips. They operate on Lake Mamori, Lake Juma, Rio Tupana and Parque Jau. They offer hotel/hostel booking and airport transfer service.

Amazon Brasil Tour. Rua 10 de julho 708- Room- 02. They organize non conventional tours with experienced tour guides. They do jungle tours to different areas of the Amazon (Juma Lake area, Tracajá, Rio Negro river)and they are specialized in Boat tours (boat with hammocks and Boat with cabins and luxury boats) exploring rivers of the Amazon. Their main goal is to show the Amazon in its authentic way. All Their jungle tours are covereds by insurance.

Amazon Tree Climbing. Ecotourism, nature and adventure travel specializing in tree climbing and boat expeditions and working with small closed groups. Follows rigid safety protocols according to the Brazilian adventure tourism standards.The trees are previously inspected and the climb sites are carefully chosen – they opt for primary forest area, which gives a better chance of observing the wildlife in its natural habitat. Multilingual guides with solid cultural background, and top quality equipment. Trips vary from 1 day to longer customized boat expeditions at the Rio Negro basin.

Amazing Tours Agency. Amazing Tours Agency organize Rio Negro tour, boat tours, boat tickets, Amazon lodges, adventure trips, fishing trips.

Sumaúma State Park. This 131-acre park has nature trails where you might see a tamarin, sloth, agouti, or iguana, though it is subject to degradation from pollution and vandalism, as in trashed vegetation, sewage discharges, etc. But there is a charming artificial 15 m 'Tree of Life' that one can climb located here.

Big House Ideas Manaus. Eclectic place with cinema, bossa nova performances, reading library, free-roaming kittens, artwork.

Atlético Rio Negro Clube. Athletic club basically with basketball courts, pool, and other sorts of recreational amenities.

Hope Bay Parque. Water park with slides, wave pool, lazy rive — basically all the typical water park stuff out in the boonies.

Parque Municipal do Mindu. Urban ecozone with trails and boardwalks and statues of animals and Indians everywhere, but unfortunately it is a bit polluted.

Buy

Besides the Star Mercado mentioned above, these are some optionsː

Feira De Artesanato. lots of handicrafts on display, as well as food items for sale.

Manauara Shopping. A bigger mall with an interesting architecture, including a glass wall that gives view to an area where the natural forest has been kept preserved. Most of the time the area can be accessed through an open section of the food court.

Sumaúma Park Shopping. A popular shopping mall, with bowling, a movie theater and a sizeable food court.

Amazonas Shopping Center. Another big mall, with a cinema and food court.

Manaus Plaza Shopping. Smaller mall.

Eat

Local cuisine Local cuisine is rich and varied and can be found in many restaurants and stalls. You may try:

tapioquinha, a glutinous pancake made from manioc starch, usually buttered and filled with tucumã palm fruit and farmer’s cheese. tacacá, an Amazon local soup. x-caboquinho, a sandwich made with fried banana, cheese and tucumã, a regional fruit. pamonha, made from green corn and coconut milk boiled in corn husks. bolo de macaxeira, a tasty glutinous translucent cake made from manioc. sugar cane juice, a favorite drink among locals.

The region is also known for its exotic fruits like: creamy white cupuaçú. iron-rich açaí.

Budget Around the port The area between Av. Floriano Peixoto and the port has many small restaurants that offer food for decent prices. Directly at the port at the big market (2 blocks downstream from Mercado Municipal) food stalls offer even cheaper alternatives.

Restaurante Shekinah II. A snack bar

Restaurante e Churrascaria Zitos. A buffet restaurant

Peixaria Morongueta. Open-air seafood restaurant with a fantastic view of the Meeting of the Waters. Moderately priced, offering fresh local (i.e., Amazonian) fish and traditional Brazilian dishes.

Restaurante da Charufe. Best Lebanese food in town, the famous paella and special local homely fish dishes. The famous chef opens her restaurant at home only for lunch from Mondays to Fridays. Feijoada (delicious black beans stew) on Saturdays at previous reservation. All credit cards accepted.

Canto da Peixada. Great local fish selection.

Señior Ceviche. A home that serves delicious Peruvian dishes.

Praça do Caranguejo. Interesting courtyard with multiple food vendors and drinks. Open late so as to be able to while away the evening with a crab sandwich and a Brahma or whatever is to your liking.

Drink

Downtown drinking near the Teatro Amazonas, lately spreading towards the refurbished Praca da Saudade. Other options in the Ponta Negra area, including the "Estrada do Turismo" -a string of nightlife spots along the road to the airport.

Bar do Armando. Lively crowd, simple setting, excellent location. Prices are a bit stiff, and for snacks they are downright ridiculous.

Porao do Alemao. Mostly rock, excellent snacks.

Tuesdays(!) and Fridays have hundreds and hundreds of people gather at a string of drinking shacks known as Calçadão da Suframa. Some have live music, often forró. One spot is Casa do Terror, a cobwebbed hole-in-the-wall where a shirtless Cearense in a cowboy hat spins old LPs of boleros and bregas. Crocodillo (Centro) is a dance club with decent music and reasonable drink prices. Festivals Festivals are usually held in the Sambódromo, a huge stadium on Rua Constantino Nery. Carnaval is held here as well as many other festivals, including Manaus’s popular Boi. Gay: The two main clubs are Humps and A2, both located in the city centre. Upscale dancing at the Tropical Hotel.

Sleep

Jungle accommodation, hotels and other lodgings located outside the municipality of Manaus are not included in this list. Please see the Go next section below for links to the appropriate articles.

Lots of cheap hotels and pensões can be found around Av. Joaquim Nabuco. The area gets dodgy in the late evenings.

Pensão Sulista. Traditional Hotel in historic building from 1904. Rooms with Fan and TV. Complementary breakfast, wireless Internet access and private parking.

Pensao Jangada. Rooms with private bathroom, a/c and TV. Very clean.

Hotel Rio Branco. A real backpacker dive. Rooms are tiny and in some cases without windows.

Hotel Colonial. 12 rooms for up to 6 people in historic building. All rooms with private bathroom, frigobar and cable TV, wireless Internet and complementary breakfast.

Continental. A few blocks removed from the main strip; pleasant and economical.

São Pedro Palace Hotel. Partly refurbished, clean, bright and spacious.

Hostel For Us. Spacious public area, kitchen facilities, wi-fi.

Continental Hotel. Estrada dos Japoneses, n.238, Parque 10. Rooms have Minibar, cable TV and Broadband Wifi internet service, 24-hour room service, with breakfast.

Tiwa Amazonas Ecoresort. Clean, comfortable, air conditioned cabins over a private lagoon. Buffet-style meals included (typically traditional Brazilian dishes and local fish), as well as a program of guided tours in English and other languages.

Hotel Tropical. At the end of Ponta Negra beach, and in a fancy neighborhood, this hotel is a landmark known by all manauara people, and is part of the tourism history of the region. Rumor has it that it has seen better days, but its 588 apartments in top facilities are still a drawn if you're tired of the more down-to-earth jungle life.

Seringal Hotel. This is a pretty choice stay with its flamboyant architecture and delectable dining choices. Breakfast and afternoon tea available daily.