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.

The Meeting of the Waters is a must-see attraction in Manaus, Brazil. This natural phenomenon occurs where the dark waters of the Rio Negro meet the sandy-colored waters of the Amazon River, but instead of mixing, they run side by side, creating a striking visual contrast. This is due to differences in temperature, speed, and water density between the two rivers. /n The best way to experience this phenomenon is by taking a boat tour. As you approach the meeting point, you'll see the distinct line where the two rivers meet. It's a sight that's sure to leave you in awe. The tour also often includes a visit to the Janauari Ecological Park, where you can see a variety of Amazonian wildlife and plants. It's a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the Amazon's unique ecosystem and biodiversity.

A natural phenomenon where two rivers meet but don't mix.

A grand opera house built in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest during the rubber boom. It's a symbol of Manaus' history and culture.

The Amazon Theatre, located in the heart of Manaus, is a stunning opera house that dates back to the height of the rubber boom in the late 19th century. It's a testament to the city's rich history and cultural heritage. /n The theatre is a must-visit for any tourist in Manaus. The architecture is a blend of styles, with a predominance of the Renaissance style. The interior is just as impressive, with a beautiful auditorium that can seat up to 700 people. The theatre also hosts a variety of performances, including operas, concerts, and plays, providing a cultural experience like no other. /n The Amazon Theatre is not just a place to enjoy performances, but also a place to learn about the history and culture of Manaus. The theatre has a museum that showcases the history of the theatre and the city. The museum also offers guided tours, providing a deeper insight into the theatre's history and architecture. The Amazon Theatre is a symbol of Manaus's cultural richness and a must-visit for anyone visiting the city.

The Amazon Theatre is a historic opera house located in the heart of Manaus.

A historic market place where you can buy local produce, fish, crafts, and more. It's housed in a striking building inspired by the Les Halles market in Paris.

Adolpho Lisboa Municipal Market is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Manaus. This bustling market is a hub of activity, offering a wide range of local products. From fresh fruits and vegetables to handmade crafts, you can find it all here. The market is also a great place to try traditional Brazilian food, with numerous stalls selling a variety of delicious dishes. /n The market is not just a shopping destination, but also a cultural experience. The building itself is a beautiful example of neoclassical architecture, with a history that dates back to the late 19th century. As you explore the market, you can also learn about the local culture and way of life. Whether you're looking for unique souvenirs, tasty food, or a glimpse into the local culture, Adolpho Lisboa Municipal Market has it all.

A bustling market in Manaus, offering a variety of local products and food.

Bosque da Ciência, or Science Grove, is a research and leisure facility located in Manaus, Brazil. It is managed by the National Institute of Amazonian Research. The park is home to a variety of Amazonian plants and animals, and features a lake, a nursery for manatees, and a rehabilitation center for river otters.

Bosque da Ciência, located in Manaus, Brazil, is a unique blend of research institute and public park. It's a place where visitors can learn about the Amazon's diverse ecosystem while also enjoying the natural beauty of the region. /n The park is home to a variety of Amazonian species, including manatees, river otters, and various types of fish and birds. There's also a botanical garden, a forest trail, and a science museum. The institute conducts research on the Amazon's biodiversity, and visitors can learn about their findings through interactive exhibits. It's a must-visit for nature lovers and science enthusiasts alike.

A research institute with a public park, home to diverse Amazonian species.

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

Ponta Negra Beach is a popular spot in Manaus, Brazil. The beach is known for its lively atmosphere, stunning sunsets, and a variety of food and drink options. During the day, visitors can relax on the sandy beach, swim in the warm waters, or take part in a variety of water sports. /n As the sun sets, the beach transforms into a vibrant hub of activity. Numerous bars and restaurants along the beachfront offer a variety of local and international cuisines, and live music performances are a common sight. Whether you're looking to relax, dine, or party, Ponta Negra Beach has something for everyone.

A popular beach in Manaus known for its lively atmosphere and stunning sunsets.

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.

Museu do Seringal Vila Paraíso, located in Manaus, Brazil, is a unique museum that offers a glimpse into the life of rubber tappers during the Rubber Boom era. /n The museum is set in a recreated rubber estate, complete with a manor house, a chapel, worker's huts, and a rubber processing area. Visitors can learn about the process of rubber tapping, the living conditions of the workers, and the impact of the rubber industry on the region's history and economy. /n The museum also features a variety of exhibits, including tools used for rubber tapping, historical photographs, and artifacts. Guided tours are available, providing in-depth information and insights. Museu do Seringal Vila Paraíso is a fascinating cultural experience, offering a unique perspective on Manaus's past.

Museu do Seringal Vila Paraíso offers a glimpse into the life of rubber tappers.

The CIGS Zoo, also known as the Zoological Park of the Military Training Center in the Jungle Warfare, is a zoo located in Manaus, Brazil. It houses a variety of Amazonian animals, including jaguars, monkeys, and birds. The zoo is part of the Jungle Warfare Training Center, a military organization dedicated to training soldiers for operations in the Amazon Rainforest.

The CIGS Zoo, located in Manaus, Brazil, is a unique attraction. It's a military-run zoo that houses a variety of Amazonian animals. /n Visitors can see jaguars, monkeys, birds, and even manatees. The zoo is part of the Jungle Warfare Training Center, and it's used for research and conservation efforts. It's a great place to learn about the region's wildlife and see animals that are rarely seen in other parts of the world. The zoo also offers guided tours, giving visitors the chance to learn more about the animals and their habitats.

A military-run zoo housing a variety of Amazonian animals.

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

The Palácio Rio Negro is one of the most impressive historical buildings in Manaus. Built in the early 20th century, it was originally the residence of a German rubber baron before becoming the official residence of the governor of Amazonas. /n Today, the palace serves as a cultural center, hosting a variety of exhibitions and events throughout the year. Its beautiful architecture, featuring a mix of styles including neoclassical and art nouveau, is a sight to behold. Inside, you'll find a wealth of historical artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the region's history. Whether you're a history buff or just appreciate beautiful architecture, the Palácio Rio Negro is a must-visit.

An impressive historical building that serves as a cultural center in Manaus.

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.

Meeting of the Waters

Amazon Theatre

Start your day with a visit to the Meeting of the Waters, a natural phenomenon where the Rio Negro and the Solimões River meet but do not mix immediately. Enjoy the stunning view of the contrasting colors of the rivers.

Enjoy a traditional Brazilian lunch, featuring dishes like feijoada, a black bean stew with pork, or moqueca, a fish stew with coconut milk. Pair your meal with a glass of Brazilian wine.

After lunch, head to the Amazon Theatre, a beautiful opera house with a rich history. Take a guided tour to learn about its architecture and significance.

For dinner, try some Amazonian cuisine. Look for dishes featuring local ingredients like açaí, cupuaçu, and fish from the Amazon River.

Spend the evening exploring the vibrant nightlife of Manaus. Visit a local bar for some live music and try a caipirinha, Brazil's national cocktail.

Exploring the Natural and Cultural Wonders of Manaus

Adolpho Lisboa Municipal Market

Bosque da Ciência

Ponta Negra Beach

Begin your second day with a visit to the Adolpho Lisboa Municipal Market, a historic market where you can buy local fruits, spices, and handicrafts.

Have lunch at a local restaurant, trying out the regional cuisine. Look for dishes featuring maniçoba, a traditional dish made from manioc leaves, or tacacá, a soup made from jambu and tucupi.

Spend the afternoon at the Bosque da Ciência, a park and research institute where you can see Amazonian wildlife and learn about the region's biodiversity.

For dinner, try some Brazilian barbecue, or churrasco. Pair your meal with a glass of Brazilian wine.

End your day with a stroll along the Ponta Negra Beach, enjoying the beautiful view of the Amazon River under the moonlight.

A Day of Shopping, Wildlife, and Beachside Relaxation

Museu do Seringal Vila Paraíso

CIGS Zoo

Palácio Rio Negro

On your final day, visit the Museu do Seringal Vila Paraíso, a museum that showcases the history of rubber extraction in the Amazon.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant, trying out more of the regional cuisine. Look for dishes featuring pirarucu, a large freshwater fish from the Amazon.

Spend your afternoon exploring the CIGS Zoo, a zoo that houses a variety of Amazonian wildlife. Take a guided tour to learn more about the animals and their habitats.

For your final dinner in Manaus, try some traditional Brazilian desserts like brigadeiro or pudim de leite.

End your trip with a visit to the Palácio Rio Negro, a beautiful historic building that lights up at night. Take a stroll around the area to soak in the ambiance.

A Journey into the History and Wildlife of the Amazon

Federal District

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.

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.

Tambaqui de Banda

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.

Tacacá

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.

Pato no Tucupi

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.

Maniçoba

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.

Vatapá

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.

Açaí

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.

Pirarucu

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.

Guaraná Antartica

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.

Cupuaçu Juice

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.

Cachaça

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.

Caipirinha

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.

Peixe Moqueca

New Year's Day

Carnival Monday

Carnival Tuesday

Carnival end (until 2pm)

Good Friday

Tiradentes Day

Labor Day / May Day

Corpus Christi

Independence Day

Our Lady of Aparecida / Children's Day

Public Service Holiday

All Souls' Day

Republic Proclamation Day

Christmas Eve (from 2pm)

Christmas Day

New Year's Eve (from 2pm)

Known for its waterfalls and caves, it's a great place for nature lovers.

Presidente Figueiredo

A small town on the banks of the Rio Negro, known for its pink dolphins.

Novo Airão

Famous for its annual Boi-Bumbá festival, a major Brazilian folk festival.

Parintins

Known for its beautiful beaches and as the birthplace of the Boi-Bumbá festival.

Barcelos

Home to the majority of the indigenous tribes of the Amazonas.

São Gabriel da Cachoeira

Iguazu Falls

Lencois Maranhenses National Park

Rio de Janeiro

Salvador

Sao Paulo

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

An densely built area covered in colorful houses

Cobblestone street with colorful houses at Manaus

Amazon river and surrounding landscape pictured from a boat

The confluence of the Amazon and the Rio Negro rivers

Aerial image of the Amazon theater in Manaus

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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.

Cookie consent

3-Day Manaus Extravaganza: Sightseeing, Gourmet Dining, & Shopping Spree

About Manaus, Brazil