3-Day Adventure Guide to Manaus, Brazil

Manaus, Brazil

3 days

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The confluence of the Amazon and the Rio Negro rivers
Amazon river and surrounding landscape pictured from a boat
Aerial view of the Amazon rainforest
Central square of the city

About Manaus, Brazil

Experience the heart of the Amazon in Manaus, Brazil. This vibrant city, nestled amidst the world's largest rainforest, offers a unique blend of urban life and natural wonders. Explore the historic city center with its iconic Amazon Theatre, or venture into the lush jungle for an unforgettable eco-adventure. Cruise along the Amazon River, witness the remarkable Meeting of the Waters, and encounter diverse wildlife. Visit indigenous communities for a glimpse into their rich culture and traditions. With a tropical monsoon climate, Manaus is a year-round destination, but the dry season (June to September) is ideal for jungle trekking. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, culture vulture, or adventure seeker, Manaus promises an extraordinary journey.

3-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring the Amazon River and Rainforest

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the Meeting of the Waters, where the Amazon River and the Negro River meet but do not mix. This natural phenomenon is a sight to behold.

Lunch

Enjoy a traditional Brazilian lunch featuring local Amazonian ingredients. Try the popular fish dish 'Tacacá' or the unique fruit 'Cupuaçu'.

Afternoon

After lunch, explore the Amazon Rainforest. Take a guided tour to learn about the diverse flora and fauna. Don't miss the chance to spot some unique wildlife.

Dinner

Dine at a local restaurant and try some Brazilian barbecue, known as 'Churrasco'. This is a must-try culinary experience when in Brazil.

Evening

End your day with a stroll along the Ponta Negra Beach. Enjoy the beautiful sunset over the Amazon River.

Morning

Visit the Manaus Opera House, an iconic landmark of the city. Take a guided tour to learn about its history and architecture.

Lunch

Have lunch at a local restaurant. Try 'Feijoada', a traditional Brazilian stew made with black beans and pork.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon at the Adolpho Ducke Botanical Garden. Discover the diverse plant species and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Dinner

For dinner, try 'Açaí', a popular Brazilian dish made from açaí palm fruit. It's a healthy and delicious option.

Evening

In the evening, explore the vibrant Manaus Market. Shop for local crafts, spices, and fruits.

Morning

Start your last day with a visit to the Museu do Seringal Vila Paraíso. Learn about the history of rubber production in the Amazon.

Lunch

Enjoy a local lunch featuring 'Pato no Tucupi', a traditional Amazonian dish made with duck and a sour sauce.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, visit the Palácio Rio Negro, a historic palace that now serves as a cultural center.

Dinner

Dine at a local restaurant and try 'Moqueca', a Brazilian fish stew. It's a perfect way to end your culinary journey in Manaus.

Evening

End your trip with a night tour of the Amazon River. Experience the unique nocturnal wildlife and the serene beauty of the river at night.

Attractions in Itinerary (9)

Meeting of the Waters

1
Meeting of the Waters

A natural phenomenon where the Rio Negro and the Solimões River meet but do not mix due to differences in temperature, speed, and water density.

Attractions
Landmarks
Tours
Amazon River

2
Amazon River

The second longest river in the world, offering boat tours and opportunities to see diverse wildlife.

Attractions
Tours
Nature
Amazon Rainforest

3
Amazon Rainforest

The world's largest tropical rainforest, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing, jungle treks, and river cruises.

Attractions
Tours
Cultural Experiences
Ponta Negra Beach

4
Ponta Negra Beach

A popular beach on the banks of the Rio Negro, with a lively boardwalk area full of restaurants and bars.

Beaches
Entertainment
Food and Drink
Manaus Opera House

5
Manaus Opera House

An iconic opera house known as Teatro Amazonas, built in the Renaissance style during the rubber boom.

Attractions
Landmarks
Cultural Experiences
Architecture
Adolpho Ducke Botanical Garden

6
Adolpho Ducke Botanical Garden

A vast botanical garden that houses a significant portion of the Amazon's plant and animal species.

Parks
Gardens
Cultural Experiences
Manaus Market

7
Manaus Market

A bustling market, also known as Mercado Adolpho Lisboa, offering a variety of local produce, fish, and Amazonian crafts.

Shopping
Cultural Experiences
Museu do Seringal Vila Paraíso

8
Museu do Seringal Vila Paraíso

Museu do Seringal Vila Paraíso offers a glimpse into the life of rubber tappers in the Amazon during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The museum is located in a former rubber plantation and includes a replica of a rubber tapper's house, a chapel, a warehouse, and a latex extraction area. Visitors can learn about the process of rubber tapping and the history of the rubber boom in Brazil.

Museums
Cultural Experiences
Palácio Rio Negro

9
Palácio Rio Negro

A historic palace that serves as a cultural center and museum, showcasing the history and art of the Amazon region.

Attractions
Monuments
Architecture

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Tambaqui de Banda

A popular dish in Manaus, Tambaqui de Banda is a grilled fish dish made from Tambaqui, a fish native to the Amazon River. It's often served with a side of rice and salad.

Tacacá

Tacacá

Tacacá is a traditional soup from the Amazon region, made with jambu (a local herb), dried shrimps, yellow pepper and tucupi (a sauce made from wild manioc root). It's usually served in a gourd bowl and eaten with a straw.

Pato no Tucupi

Pato no Tucupi

Pato no Tucupi is a traditional dish of duck cooked in tucupi sauce, made from wild manioc root. It's often served with rice and jambu, a local herb that gives a tingling sensation in the mouth.

Maniçoba

Maniçoba

Maniçoba is a traditional Amazonian stew made with leaves of the manioc plant, various meats, and served with rice. It's often compared to feijoada, but the preparation takes a week, making it a special dish in Manaus.

Vatapá

Vatapá

Vatapá is a creamy dish made from bread, shrimp, coconut milk, finely ground nuts and palm oil mashed into a creamy paste. It's a popular dish in Manaus and has African influences.

Açaí

Açaí

Açaí is a fruit native to the Amazon and is often consumed in a bowl with granola, banana, and other fruits. In Manaus, it's common to eat açaí with fish or dried shrimp, reflecting the local culinary tradition.

Pirarucu

Pirarucu

Pirarucu is a large freshwater fish native to the Amazon River. It's often grilled or fried and served with a side of rice and salad. The fish is known for its firm, white flesh and mild flavor.

Guaraná Antartica

Guaraná Antartica is a popular soft drink in Brazil made from the guaraná fruit, which is native to the Amazon. It's known for its refreshing taste and natural caffeine content.

Cupuaçu Juice

Cupuaçu is a tropical fruit native to the Amazon rainforest. The juice is popular in Manaus for its unique flavor, which is described as a mix of chocolate and pineapple.

Cachaça

Cachaça

Cachaça is a distilled spirit made from fermented sugarcane juice. It's the most popular distilled alcoholic beverage in Brazil and is often used to make caipirinha, a famous Brazilian cocktail.

Caipirinha

Caipirinha

Caipirinha is Brazil's national cocktail, made with cachaça, sugar, and lime. It's a popular drink in Manaus, often enjoyed as a refreshing beverage in the tropical climate.

Peixe Moqueca

Peixe Moqueca is a traditional Brazilian fish stew, cooked slowly with tomatoes, onions, garlic, coriander and coconut milk. It's a popular dish in Manaus, showcasing the fresh fish from the Amazon River.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Manaus, Brazil is during the dry season, which runs from June to September. During this time, the weather is more comfortable with less rainfall, making it easier to explore the Amazon Rainforest and the city's various attractions. However, if you're interested in seeing the Meeting of the Waters, a unique phenomenon where two rivers run side by side without mixing, it's more visible during the wet season, from December to May. But be prepared for heavy rainfall and high humidity during this period.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

February 12

Mon

Carnival Monday

February 13

Tue

Carnival Tuesday

February 14

Wed

Carnival end (until 2pm)

March 29

Fri

Good Friday

April 21

Sun

Tiradentes Day

May 1

Wed

Labor Day / May Day

May 30

Thu

Corpus Christi

September 7

Sat

Independence Day

October 12

Sat

Our Lady of Aparecida / Children's Day

October 28

Mon

Public Service Holiday

November 2

Sat

All Souls' Day

November 15

Fri

Republic Proclamation Day

December 24

Tue

Christmas Eve (from 2pm)

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day

December 31

Tue

New Year's Eve (from 2pm)

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

Manaus has an extensive public bus system that can take you to most parts of the city. The buses are frequent and relatively reliable. However, they can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis are widely available in Manaus and can be hailed from the street, booked by phone, or picked up from taxi ranks located throughout the city. They are metered and provide a comfortable and convenient way to get around.

Ridesharing services like Uber and 99 are available in Manaus. They can be a more affordable and convenient alternative to taxis. You can book a ride using the respective app on your smartphone.

Given Manaus's location at the confluence of two major rivers, boats are a common form of transport. You can take a boat to visit nearby riverine communities or to enjoy a tour of the Amazon River.

Manaus has a growing network of bicycle lanes and it's possible to rent bikes in several locations around the city. This can be a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the city, especially the parks and green spaces.

Many of the city's attractions are located within walking distance of each other, especially in the city center. Walking can be a pleasant way to explore Manaus, but be prepared for the hot and humid weather.

Renting a car can be a good option if you're planning to explore outside of Manaus. However, traffic can be heavy and parking can be difficult in the city center. It's recommended to have a good map or GPS.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

CurrencyR$ BRL

Time zoneFederal District

Driving sideRight

Emergency phoneAmbulance: 192 or 193 ; Fire: 193; Police: 190

Drinking waterOpt for bottled water

Power sockets

Power socket type CPower socket type N

Voltage220 V

Things to know about Manaus, Brazil as a first time visitor

1

Manaus is located in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest, so be prepared for a tropical climate with high humidity.

2

The official language is Portuguese, but English is not widely spoken. It would be helpful to learn a few basic Portuguese phrases.

3

The local currency is the Brazilian Real (BRL). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always a good idea to have some cash on hand.

4

Manaus is generally safe, but like any city, it has areas that are best avoided. Always be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure.

5

Public transportation is available, but it may not be as reliable or extensive as in other major cities. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available.

6

Manaus operates on Brasília time, which is 4 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-4).

7

The city has a rich cultural history, with influences from indigenous tribes, Portuguese colonists, and African slaves. Respect for local customs and traditions is appreciated.

8

The cuisine in Manaus is unique, with many dishes featuring fish from the Amazon River and fruits from the rainforest. Be adventurous and try local specialties.

9

The tap water in Manaus is not safe to drink. Always drink bottled water and avoid ice in your drinks.

10

Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever and Zika virus are a risk in Manaus. Use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk.

11

The weather is hot and humid year-round, with average temperatures ranging from 75°F to 91°F (24°C to 33°C).

12

Rain is common in Manaus, especially from December to May. Always carry an umbrella or raincoat.

13

Manaus has a vibrant nightlife, with many bars, clubs, and live music venues. However, it's advisable to avoid walking alone at night.

14

Healthcare facilities in Manaus are limited, especially for serious conditions. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.

15

Manaus has a unique dress code due to its tropical climate. Light, breathable clothing is recommended. Don't forget a hat and sunglasses for sun protection.

16

The voltage in Brazil is either 110 or 220 volts, depending on the region. Manaus uses 127 volts. Check your devices to ensure they can handle this voltage or bring a converter.

17

Tipping is not mandatory in Brazil, but it's customary to leave a 10% tip in restaurants if service charge is not included in the bill.

18

Manaus hosts the famous Carnival in February or March, which is a great time to visit. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time.

19

The Amazon Rainforest is home to many unique and dangerous animals. If you plan to explore the rainforest, always go with a knowledgeable guide.

20

Manaus is a duty-free zone, which means you can buy imported goods without paying import taxes. However, there are limits on how much you can bring back to your home country.

Basic Portuguese to know as a first time visitor

English phrase

Native phrase

Pronunciation

When to use it

Hello

Olá

Ola

Greeting someone

Goodbye

Tchau

Chow

Leaving someone

Please

Por favor

Pohr fah-vohr

Making a request

Thank you

Obrigado

Ob-ree-gah-doh

Expressing gratitude

Yes

Sim

Seem

Agreeing with someone

No

Não

Nown

Disagreeing with someone

Excuse me

Com licença

Kom lee-sen-sah

Getting someone's attention

I'm sorry

Desculpe

Dess-kool-peh

Apologizing

Do you speak English?

Você fala inglês?

Voh-seh fah-lah een-glesh?

Trying to communicate

I don't understand

Eu não entendo

Eh-oo nown en-ten-doh

Having trouble understanding

Where is the bathroom?

Onde é o banheiro?

Onde eh o ban-heh-roh?

Looking for the bathroom

How much does it cost?

Quanto custa?

Kwan-toh coos-tah?

Asking for the price

I would like...

Eu gostaria...

Eh-oo gohs-tah-ree-ah...

Making a request

Help!

Socorro!

So-coh-roh!

In an emergency

Call the police

Chame a polícia

Shah-meh ah po-lee-see-ah

In an emergency

I need a doctor

Eu preciso de um médico

Eh-oo preh-see-zoh deh oom meh-dee-koh

In an emergency

Can I use my credit card?

Posso usar meu cartão de crédito?

Poh-soh oo-sahr meh-oo car-taun deh creh-dee-toh?

Making a purchase

Where can I find a taxi?

Onde posso encontrar um táxi?

Onde poh-soh en-kon-trar oom tah-xee?

Looking for transportation

Can I have the menu, please?

Posso ver o cardápio, por favor?

Poh-soh vehr o car-dah-pee-oh, pohr fah-vohr?

At a restaurant

Cheers!

Saúde!

Sah-oo-deh!

Making a toast

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Lightweight clothing

  • Underwear

  • Socks

  • Swimwear

  • Rain jacket

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Sandals

  • Hat for sun protection

  • Sunglasses

  • Toiletries

  • Travel-size shampoo

  • Travel-size conditioner

  • Travel-size body wash

  • Toothbrush

  • Toothpaste

  • Deodorant

  • Razor

  • Shaving cream

  • Sunscreen

  • Insect repellent

  • First-aid kit

  • Prescription medications

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport

  • Visa if required

  • Driver's license

  • Health insurance card

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Hotel and transportation reservation confirmations

  • Emergency contact information

  • Local currency

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger for smartphone

  • Power bank

  • Headphones

  • Camera

  • Charger for camera

  • Universal travel adapter

  • E-reader or books

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Travel pillow

  • Earplugs

  • Eye mask

  • Snacks

  • Water bottle

  • Travel guidebook

  • Maps

  • Notebook and pen

  • Plastic bags for dirty clothes

  • Umbrella

  • Binoculars for wildlife viewing

Weather Conditions

When planning a trip to Manaus, Brazil, it's important to consider the city's tropical monsoon climate. The weather here is typically hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 79°F to 91°F (26°C to 33°C) throughout the year. The city experiences two main seasons: a wet season and a dry season. The wet season, from December to May, sees heavy rainfall, with February and March being the wettest months. If you're planning to visit during this time, be prepared for sudden downpours and pack waterproof clothing and shoes. The dry season, from June to November, is relatively less rainy. However, even during the dry season, occasional showers are common, so it's advisable to always carry a light rain jacket or umbrella. Despite the high humidity and rainfall, Manaus can be a great destination for nature lovers. The city is located in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, offering unique opportunities for jungle tours and wildlife spotting. However, due to the high humidity, it's recommended to stay hydrated and wear breathable, light-colored clothing. Also, it's important to note that Manaus can be very hot, especially during the dry season. Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are essential to protect yourself from the strong sun. Finally, remember that the weather can change quickly in Manaus. It's always a good idea to check the local weather forecast before planning your day's activities.

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

31° / 23°

January is the wettest month in Manaus, with heavy rainfalls and high humidity. Despite the rain, temperatures remain high, making it a warm but wet time to visit.

February

31° / 23°

February continues the rainy season with high humidity and temperatures. It's a good time to visit if you don't mind the rain and enjoy the tropical climate.

March

31° / 23°

March is the end of the rainy season, with temperatures remaining high. The city is lush and green, making it a beautiful time to visit.

April

31° / 23°

April sees the start of the dry season, with less rainfall and high temperatures. It's a great time to explore the city and the surrounding Amazon rainforest.

May

31° / 23°

May is a dry month with less rainfall and high temperatures. It's a perfect time to visit the Amazon rainforest and enjoy outdoor activities.

June

31° / 23°

June is a dry and warm month, making it a popular time for tourists. The Amazon rainforest is lush and vibrant, offering plenty of opportunities for exploration.

July

31° / 23°

July is one of the driest months in Manaus, with high temperatures and low rainfall. It's a great time to visit for outdoor activities and exploring the city.

August

31° / 23°

August continues the dry season with high temperatures and low rainfall. It's a great time to visit the Amazon rainforest and enjoy the city's outdoor activities.

September

31° / 23°

September marks the end of the dry season, with temperatures remaining high. It's a good time to visit if you want to avoid the heavy rainfalls of the wet season.

October

31° / 23°

October is the start of the wet season, with increasing rainfall and high temperatures. Despite the rain, it's a warm time to visit and the city is lush and green.

November

31° / 23°

November continues the wet season with high humidity and temperatures. It's a good time to visit if you enjoy the tropical climate and don't mind the rain.

December

31° / 23°

December is a wet month with high temperatures and heavy rainfalls. Despite the rain, it's a warm time to visit and the city is vibrant and lush.

Did you know?

Did you know that Manaus is the capital city of the state of Amazonas, in northern Brazil?

1 of 10

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