Manaus

Manaus is a metropolis of Brazil with about 2.6 million inhabitants in the center of the Amazon rainforest. Its name means Mother of Gods in the indigenous language. The 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.

Understand

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 one can reach when voyaging along the Amazon River, Manaus is by far the most expensive.

Climate
Manaus
Climate chart (explanation)
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Average max. and min. temperatures in °C
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Source: National Institute of Meteorology (INMET)
Imperial conversion
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Average max. and min. temperatures in °F
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In the heart of one of the most humid tropical forests in the world, expect a lot of heat and humidity in Manaus. Average temperatures in Manaus tend to exceed 30º C (86º F), but with a greater thermal sensation, due to humidity. In September, temperatures often reach 40º C (104º F).

Manaus does not have winter, summer, spring or autumn; there are only two seasons in the city: a rainy season (from December to May), with long periods of continuous rain and frequent thunderstorms that fill the rivers, forming igapós (forests flooded by rivers, similar to swamps), and a season drought (from June to November), when it still rains, but to a lesser extent. At that time, the rivers lower the waters and begin to form beaches on the banks.

Regardless of the time you visit, it is recommended to wear light clothes and an umbrella to protect yourself from showers and high temperatures.

Get in

By plane
  • 🌍 Manaus International Airport / Eduardo Gomes (MAO  IATA) (The airport is some 15 km by road from the city centre). The airport is modern and clean, and the airside has many 24h shops. Flights on the wee hours are common at this airport, and some passengers overnight there. (updated Nov 2019)

Manaus is over 2.700 km from São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro which takes about four hours by air. Coming from North America or Europe, if you can't get a direct flight, the best option price- and route-wise is probably to connect in Fortaleza FOR IATA, the international hub of Northern Brazil (and it might be considerably cheaper to buy an international ticket to Fortaleza and independent domestic one from Fortaleza to Manaus).

Direct international flights:

Buenos Aires:

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.

From the airport to the region of the Amazonas Theater, city bus line 306 costs R$ 3,80 and line 813 with aircon costs R$ 4,20 (the latter are similar to minivans and you'll feel cramped if carrying big luggage). A similar ride costs around R$ 20 on mobile hailing car apps when no surge factor is in place, and R$ 52 by conventional taxis (as at April 2019).

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 in area, its urban part sprawling some 400 km2 (150 sq mi) (versus 100 km2 (39 sq mi) for Paris or 200 km2 (77 sq mi) 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 Neves and Av. Djalma Batista.

The main city transit option is buses, and the fare is R$ 3.80 (April/2019). 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 1.5 hr free of charge. To get a card, visit one of SINETRAM offices - the first card for each person is free, then R$ 15.

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 (Amazonas Opera House), Praça São Sebastião, Center, ☏ +55 92 3622-1880. 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. Regular guided tours in English, R$ 20. 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. (updated Apr 2019)
  • Saint Sebastian, Martyr and Saint Francis of Assisi Parish (Paróquia São Sebastião, Mártir e São Francisco de Assis), Rua 10 de Julho (across from the Largo de Sao Sebastiao.). This spooky-looking 19th century neoclassical church with an Italian-style interior looks so much older. (updated Oct 2020)
  • 🌍 Museu da Casa Eduardo Ribeiro, R. José Clemente, 322 - Centro, ☏ +55 92 3631 2938. 09ː00-17ː00 Tu-F, 09ː00-13ː00 Su, closed F & Sa. Original home of first Afro-Brazilian governor of Amazonas state who made modern Manaus. (updated Oct 2020)
  • 🌍 Mercado Municipal Adolpho Lisboa (City market), Rua dos Barés s/n. 8h-22h. 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. The restaurants inside it are affordable (mains for R$13-20) and a great option on Sundays and holidays when the majority of cheap eateries are closed. (updated Apr 2019)
  • 🌍 Palácio Rio Negro (Rio Negro Palace), Av. 7 de Setembro, 1546, ☏ +55 92 3232-4450. 9h-17h. 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. (updated Apr 2019)
  • 🌍 Praca Heliodoro Balbi (Heliodoro Balbi Square). Leafy plaza that is abutted by the Provincial Palace and Police Square. (updated Oct 2020)
  • 🌍 Palacete Provincial (Provincial Palace) (on Heliodoro Balbi Square), ☏ +55 92 3631 3632. 09ː00-15ː00 daily. 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. (updated Oct 2020)
  • 🌍 Biblioteca Pública do Amazonas (Amazonas Public Library), R. Barroso, 57 (between the provincial palace and the metropolitan cathedral), ☏ +55 92 3234 0588. 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. (updated Oct 2020)
  • 🌍 Casa das Artes (House of Arts), R. José Clemente, 564, ☏ +55 92 3631 6227. 13ː00-19ː00 Tu-Su, closed M. Local art works. (updated Oct 2020)
  • 🌍 Cathedral of Our Lady of Conception (Catedral Nossa Senhora da Conceição), Av. Marquês de Santa Cruz, ☏ +55 92 3234 7821. 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. (updated Oct 2020)
  • 🌍 Palace of Liberty Museum (Museu da Cidade de Manaus (Paço da Liberdade)), R. Gabriel Salgado. 09ː00-16ː20 T-Su, closed M. 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. (updated Oct 2020)
  • 🌍 Instituto Geográfico e Histórico do Amazonas, R. Frei José dos Inocentes, 132, ☏ +55 92 30853637. 14ː00-17ː00 Monday only. Just a small museum with an array of relics about this region of the Amazon. In a pretty pink historical mansion. Limited hours. (updated Oct 2020)
  • 🌍 Museu Amazônico - UFAM, Av. Ramos Ferreira, 1036, ☏ +55 92 3305 1181. Su-F 08:30-12:00, 13:00-17:00, closed Sa. Yet another Amazonia museum, this one in a colonial house, and curated by the public university. Nice baskets and masks and caiman skull collection. (updated Oct 2020)
  • 🌍 Parque Rio Negro. 06ː00-22ː00 daily. 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. (updated Oct 2020)
  • 🌍 Praia da Ponta Negra (Ponta Negra Beach) (catch buses 120 or 126 from downtown). 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. The adjoining neighborhood has the most expensive sq-meter in Manaus, so your açaí will cost more at Ponta Negra (around R$ 11 for 300 ml). (updated Apr 2019)
  • 🌍 Instituto Nacional De Pesquisas INPA, Av. André Araújo, 2936 - Petrópolis, ☏ +55 92 3643 3377. M-F 08:00-12:00, 14:00-18:00 closed Sa Su. An aquatics sort of exhibit where you can have the chance to see turtles, otters, and even a manatee. Exhibits and demonstrations about Amazonian aquiculture. 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 (On the right bank of the Negro River, along a small tributary). 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 (Rio Negro Bridge). This roughly 2 mile long bridge over the Rio Negro is quite an engineering marvel that is almost certain to catch your eye. (updated Oct 2019)
  • 🌍 Centro Cultural Usina Chaminé, Av. Lourenço da Silva Braga, ☏ +55 92 3633 3026. 08ː00-14ː00 T-F, 08ː00-13ː00 Sa, closed Su-M. Cultural space showing varying exhibits on Amazonian features (e.g. basket-weaving, botany, old Manaus tram car) as well as occasional performances. (updated Oct 2020)
  • 🌍 Cultural Center of the Peoples of the Amazon (Centro Cultural dos Povos da Amazônia), Distrito Industrial I, Av. Silves, 2222 - Crespo, ☏ +55 92 2125 5300. 08ː00-17ː00 M-F, 13ː00-17ː00 Sa, 09ː00-13ː00 Su. 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. (updated Oct 2020)
  • 🌍 Museu do Índio, Av. Duque de Caxias, 296 - Centro, ☏ +55 92 3635 1922. 08ː30-11ː30, 13ː00-16ː30 M-Sa, closed Su. Another museum about the first peoples of the area, in case you are not already satisfied with the Museu do Homen do Norte. (updated Oct 2020)
  • 🌍 Alfandega do Porto de Manaus (Customs House). attractive looking government office. (updated Oct 2020)
  • 🌍 Zoológico do Hotel Tropical, Av. Coronel Teixeira, 1320 - Ponta Negra (part of the Hotel Tropical). Animals such as a jaguar, macaws, and monkeys. A little sad though seeing them in cages. (updated Oct 2020)
  • 🌍 Parque Ecologico Janauari, in Iranduba (across Rio Negro via AM-070 then take turnoff for Rm do Januari and follow to park), ☏ +55 92 9949 88248. A relatively easy way to see a piece of the Amazon close to Manaus. Boardwalk trails, floating village, (semi?-)domesticated sloth and anaconda. (updated Oct 2020)
  • 🌍 Museu da Amazônia - MUSA, Av. Margarita, 6305 - Cidade de Deus, Manaus, ☏ +55 92 9928 04205. 08ː30-16ː00 daily except W. Open air museum featuring an Amazon observation tower and aquarium with piarucus. (updated Oct 2020)
  • 🌍 Museu Do Seringal, São João Afluente do Tarumã Mirim S/n Zona Rural, Igarapé (best to take a river boat taxi to get here, even though there is a road), ☏ +55 92 3631 6047. 09ː00-16ː00 daily. Museum about rubber baron estate and the rubber industry in general (created from a movie set). (updated Oct 2020)
  • 🌍 The CIGS Zoo, São Jorge neighborhood. 09ː00-16ː30ish Tu-Su, closed M. 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. (updated Oct 2020)

Additional religious sites
  • 🌍 Capela de Santo Antônio, Av. Borba, 450. 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. (updated Oct 2020)
  • 🌍 Santuário Nossa Senhora de Fátima, Praça 14 de Janeiro. Cylinder-shaped church that has a following and historical significance in Manaus. (updated Oct 2020)
  • Santuário Paróquia São José, R. Visc. de Porto Alegre, 806, ☏ +55 92 3232 4464. Just a big Catholic presence downtown. (updated Oct 2020)
  • 🌍 Templo de Manaus Brasil. LDS temple looking pretty temple-like. (updated Oct 2020)

Do

Adventure trips to the rainforest

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 of trip

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.

Dictionary of trip operators:
  • native people - people who live in the region. Most of the time that means 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.

Amazon tour operators

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 (even the ones in Lonely Planet) 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, ☏ +55 92 99414-9813. 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, ☏ +55 92 99184-8452. 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, ☏ +55 92 98195-8585, . 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, ☏ +55 92 99186-7133, +55 92 98165-1118. Av.Getulio Vargas 694,centro. 

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

  • Manaus Booking, ☏ +55 92 99190-5070. Leovegildo Coelho, No.460. Amazon jungle tour R$75 per day, boat charter R$595 per day, day tours, city tour, airport transfer, boat and bus tickets 

Other
  • 🌍 Sumaúma State Park, Av. Bacuri, s/n - Cidade Nova, ☏ +55 92 3659-1832. 08ː00-17ː00 Tu-Su, closed M. 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. (updated Oct 2020)
  • 🌍 Big House Ideas Manaus, R. Barroso, 279 - Centro, ☏ +55 92 3633-4008. 08ː00-12ː00, 14ː00-18ː00 daily. Eclectic place with cinema, bossa nova performances, reading library, free-roaming kittens, artwork. (updated Oct 2020)
  • 🌍 Atlético Rio Negro Clube, Av. Epaminondas, 570 - Centro, ☏ +55 92 99982-8564. Athletic club basically with basketball courts, pool, and other sorts of recreational amenities. (updated Oct 2020)
  • 🌍 Hope Bay Parque, R. da Floresta, 2150 - Tarumã, ☏ +55 92 2101 3600. Water park with slides, wave pool, lazy river..basically all the typical water park stuff..out in the boonies. (updated Oct 2020)
  • 🌍 Parque Municipal do Mindu, R. Domingos José Martins. 05ː00-17ː00 Tu-Su, closed M. Urban ecozone with trails and boardwalks and statues of animals and Indians everywhere, but unfortunately it is a bit polluted. (updated Oct 2020)

Buy

Besides the star mercado mentioned above, these are some optionsː

  • Feira De Artesanato, along Av. Eduardo Ribeiro between R. Saldanha Marinho and Rua 24 de Maio. 08ː00-12ː00 Saturday only. lots of handicrafts on display, as well as food items for sale. (updated Oct 2020)
  • 🌍 Sumaúma Park Shopping, Av. Noel Nutels, 1762 - Cidade Nova. Big-time shopping mall with bowling and even a pool. (updated Oct 2020)
  • 🌍 Amazonas Shopping Center, Av. Djalma Batista, 482. Another big mall, with a cinema and food court. (updated Oct 2020)
  • 🌍 Manaus Plaza Shopping, Av. Djalma Batista (just a couple of doors down from the Amazonas mall). Smaller mall. (updated Oct 2020)

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.
  • 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.

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, Av. Floriano Peixoto, 49. A snack bar (updated Jan 2022)

In the city center
  • 🌍 Castelinho Restaurante, R. Barroso, 317. (updated Apr 2022)
  • 🌍 Kilo Center Restaurante, Rua 10 de Julho, 203. (updated Jun 2022)
  • 🌍 Restaurante e Churrascaria Zitos, R. Dr. Moreira, 98. A buffet restaurant (updated Jul 2021)

In Adrianópolis

Mid-range
  • 🌍 Peixaria Morongueta, Rua Jaith Chaves, 30 - Porto da Ceasa, ☏ +55 92 3615-3362. 11:00-23:00. 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. (updated Jun 2022)
  • 🌍 Restaurante da Charufe, 26 Maceio Street (next to the Ministério da Agricultura (Rua Maceió, 26, ao lado do Ministério da Agricultura)), ☏ +55 92 9128-4628, . 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 beens stew) on Saturdays at previous reservation. All credit cards accepted. (updated Jun 2021)
  • 🌍 Canto da Peixada, Av. Ayrão, 1677 - Praça 14 de Janeiro, ☏ +55 92 3234 3021. Great local fish selection. (updated Jun 2022)
  • 🌍 Miako, R. São Luíz, N80. Japanese (updated May 2022)
  • 🌍 Restaurante Shin Suzuran, R. Rio Itannana, 100. Japanese (updated Jun 2022)
  • 🌍 Señior Ceviche, Av. Igarapé de Manaus, 137. A home that serves delicious Peruvian dishes. (updated Jun 2022)
  • 🌍 Praça do Caranguejo, R. do Caranguejo, s/n - Parque 10 de Novembro, ☏ +55 92 9928 04645. 16ː00-03ː00 daily. 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. (updated Jun 2022)

Splurge
  • 🌍 Restaurante Alentejo, R. Pará, 555. (updated Sep 2022)

Drink

Downtown drinking near the Teatro Amazonas, lately spreading towards the refurbished Praca da Saudade. Others 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, Largo do São Sebastião (Across the square from the Theatro Amazonas). Every evening until midnight. Lively crowd, simple setting, excellent location. Prices are a bit stiff, and for snacks they are downright ridiculous. 
  • Porao do Alemao, Estrada da Ponta Negra 1986, São Jorge. Mostly rock, excellent snacks. Entry fee. 
  • 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 dancingat 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.

Budget

Lots of cheap hotels and pensões can be found around Av. Joaquim Nabuco. Many of these have hourly rates, and are not very pleasant, and often quite smelly. The area gets dodgy in the late evenings.

  • Pensão Sulista, Av. Joaquim Nabuco, No.347, Centró, ☏ +55 92 3234-5814. Traditional Hotel in historic building from 1904. Rooms with Fan and TV. Complementary breakfast, wireless Internet access and private parking. 
  • Pensao Jangada, R. dos Andradas, N 473, ☏ +55 92 3234 1517. Rooms with private bathroom, a/c and TV. Very clean. 
  • Hotel Rio Branco, R. dos Andradas, 474 - Centro, ☏ +55 92 3233 4019. A real backpacker dive. Rooms are tiny and in some cases without windows. Cheap clean rooms with Frigobar, Phone, Air condition, Safe service, breakfast and room service. 
  • Hotel Colonial, Rua Quintino Bocaiuva, 462, Centró, ☏ +55 92 3233-3216. 12 rooms for up to 6 people in historic building. All rooms with private bathroom, frigobar and cable TV, wireless Internet and complementary breakfast. R$80 for single with breakfast. 
  • Continental, Rua Coronel Sergio Pessoa 189, ☏ +55 92 3302-5574. A few blocks removed from the main strip; pleasant and economical. 

Mid-range
  • São Pedro Palace Hotel, Rua Rui Barbosa 166, Centro (Two blocks south of the Teatro), ☏ +55 92 3232-8664. Partly refurbished, clean, bright and spacious. Arguably the best cost/benefit in the neighbourhood. 
  • Hostel For Us, Rua Ramos Ferreira 922, centro (three blocks north of the square), ☏ +55 92 3342-6760. Spacious public area, kitchen facilities, wi-fi. Single 70, double 100, dorm bed 25. 
  • Continental Hotel, ☏ +55 92 3642-6232, . Estrada dos Japoneses, n.238, Parque 10. Rooms have Minibar, cable TV and Broadband Wifi Internet Service, 24 hour Room service, Single with breakfast. 
  • Tiwa Amazonas Ecoresort, Iranduba. 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. 

Splurge
  • 🌍 Hotel Tropical (Tropical Manaus Eco Resort), Av Coronel Teixeira, 1320, ☏ +55 92 2123-5000. 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. (updated Apr 2019)
  • 🌍 Seringal Hotel, R. Monsenhor Coutinho, 758 (a block north of the teatro and square), ☏ +55 92 98179 2222. This is a pretty choice stay with its flamboyant architecture and delectable dining choices. Breakfast and afternoon tea available daily. R$208. (updated Oct 2020)

Stay healthy

Heat and sun

The climate is very hot and humid. Packing thin, light-colored clothing will help you suffer the least during the day. Locals are often seen using umbrellas as sun-protection while walking the streets, and you should consider doing the same.

Vaccinations

Do take yellow fever vaccination at least 10 days before landing in the Amazon region. One shot of this vaccine offers lifelong protection.

Manaus and the nearby jungle regions most tourists visit on 2- to 5-day tours are relatively malaria-free, so one should ponder carefully if the benefit of malaria drugs offset the many inconveniences. Malaria drugs are known to cause lack of energy and belly discomfort in a number of people, and the frequent need to visit the toilet might spoil boat rides and longer tours. Also, some doctors, following a more modern line, have been recommending tourists to carry the drugs but to only take them if symptoms arise, as this is efficient enough. Do your own research and decide on the best approach for yourself. Mosquitos that are malaria carriers are more active from dusk to dawn.

To avoid mosquito bites, apply insect repellent often, wear pants and long sleeves, and consider treating your clothes with permethrin.

Stay safe

Manaus is fairly safe for a Brazilian city of its size. As always, deserted streets are a bad idea after dark. Avoid the east zone, it has a really bad reputation.

Go next
  • Presidente Figueiredo – 130 km. Offers archaeological grottoes and caves, waterfalls, and native scenery.
  • São Gabriel da Cachoeira – 900 km by boat. Home of many Indian tribes and the Pico da Neblina, the highest mountain in Brazil.
  • Barcelos – 500 km by boat. Small town up the Rio Negro famous for white beaches, sport fishing and the highest waterfall in Brazil.
  • Boa Vista – 750 km. By bus or with the national airlines, from Boa vista you can fly to Guyana and Suriname.
  • Praia do Tupé – 25 km by boat. Nearby white sand beach
  • Manacapuru – 100 km. Paraiso d’Angelo chalets on black water
  • Parintins – 440 km by boat. boi festival in June
  • Mauês – 280 km by boat. guaraná festival
  • Jau National Park – Jungle expeditions leave Manaus for this huge park near Novo Airão (200 km). The Park is a World Heritage site and stands out in the state of Amazonas.
  • Rainforest tours for Mamori River (90 km) and Mamirauá south of the city near the Amazonas river reached by the Transamazônica road.

Jungle accommodation

Areas near Manaus that offer lodging in the jungle (rather than in a town), include

  • Iranduba – 40 km. Including the Ariau river, pioneering in jungle tourism. Accessible by the bridge from Manaus, although the jungle lodges are mostly reached by boat.
  • The Mamori river – 90 km. Accessible by the BR 319 highway, across the river from Manaus
  • The Juma river – 250 km by boat. Somewhat off the BR 319
  • The Tupana river – 190 km. Further south on the BR 319
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