In the early years of the twentieth century, the city of Manaus, capital of Amazonas, became very wealthy and the most important cultural centre in the Northern Region of Brazil. The old rubber barons dreamed on transforming it in a European style city and called it “the Paris of the Tropics” The German director Werner Herzog was shot in the Amazon and gives an idea of what life was like during the rubber cycle.
Manaus is situated on the Rio Negro (means “Black River”); just 10 kilometres upstream from the point this river meets the Solimoes to form the Amazon (Rio Amazonas). When in the area you should pay a visit to this point for the mingling of black and yellow water from the two rivers is really a sight worth seeing.
The city boomed due to the richness from the nearby rubber plants that used this place to trade latex. When the rubber business came into decline due to synthetic alternatives, the city fell into decline.
It now has a population over one and a half million people. Situated in the middle of the Amazon rain forest it serves as a travel hub and a distribution centre for the river areas of the upper Amazon. It is a thriving river harbour as well as the major destination on the highway from the south. You will be impressed by the vast number of river vessels of all shapes and sizes that ply their way from here to every township up and down this great river. Manaus is also the furthest point along the Amazon’s deep-water channel, which allows huge ocean liners to come the 2,000 km/1,250 miles upstream from the Atlantic.
Unfortunately there’s not much left of the fortress built in 1669 where the city originated, but there are lots of other interesting sights. You cannot miss the Jesuit church, dominating the city centre, but you should also see the harbour installations, completed in 1902. Another interesting industrial sight, finished in the same year, is the Mercado Adolfo Lisboa, a miniature copy of the demolished Halles de Paris, built by Gustav Eiffel.
From Manaus you can start programs to the four main points of the Amazon area. In the south Mamori, Juma e Janauacá. In the extreme north Presidente Figueiredo. In the east the national park Jaú and Rio Negro. In the west Rio Urubu, represented by a vegetation bulk, being composed for dense tropical forest or open forests.
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 lower deck. Local residents use these but they are not recommended for tourists. Tour boats carrying from 15 to 30 people are comfortable, accommodating, and economical. Large boats carrying hundreds ply the river too, but the big boats don’t stop between ports.
By selecting Manaus as your vacation destination there are so many sights to see but there is a 5 must do’s activity list while visiting here. The magnificence of this city situated right in the heart of the Amazon River rainforest is overwhelming. No matter whether you choose just to go sight-seeing or want to engage in other outdoor activities, you will find the Amazon rainforest quite interesting.
Meeting of the Rivers
You will see why this natural phenomenon is so widely appreciated. At this juncture the Amazon River is formed when the Rio Negro and the Rio Solimoes blend together. You will see what is so amazing when the two colours of the river, black and yellow, twirl around each other as the river gains speed. The scene is quite spectacular. This merging is where the most intense amount of tourism takes place, so it can be busy at times.
ATC- Amazon Tree Climbing
Specialized tours explore the Amazonian rainforest. Whether you participate in a small or large-group tour, you will find an incredible abundance of plants, birds and other animals in this area of the rainforest. You can also experience tree climbing tours that take you up on tree bridges to the very highest levels of the foliage canopy, where another world awaits you.
Teatro Amazonas
For those who like historical buildings this tour was made for you. Teatro Amazonas is Manaus’s opera house. It is a daunting feeling to see this architectural splendour here this far from modern civilization. The astounding part is that all the building materials were made in Europe and shipped here. Check out the dome made of 36,000 tiles. Throughout the year you can attend operas and other artistic performances like ballet. The building tour is priced at a low cost of approximately $2.50 U.S. dollars.
Amazon Forest Tours
If you are an outdoors person, you will enjoy rainforest tours that explore the many species of fauna and flora that inhabit this part of the world. No trip here is complete without seeing firsthand what treasures of life the Amazon holds.
Boat Trips
this is considered the safest and most relaxing way of viewing the awe inspiring rainforest. Most boat tours will take you through the various small rivers that wind into the Rio Negro and Rio Solimoes. The best times for these trips are between September and November. You will also be able to fish on these boat tours. It is best to ask your hotel manager about the choices for tours during the time of year you are visiting.
Manaus Climate and the Rainforest
If you will be exploring the rainforest on your trip to Manaus, the best solution is to choose a time when your desired activities will be available. Water levels are lowest from December to March and this is a great time to view wildlife, as well as do any trekking in the rainforest. From June to November, bird lovers have the most luck spotting a wide variety of species as the water levels rise again. It is best to avoid the rainy season from April to June if you will be travelling to the rainforest, as many areas become flooded and impassable.
A trip to Manaus can be a great adventure, but be sure you are prepared by planning appropriately for the seasons and knowing what to expect when you arrive so that you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the rainforest uninhibited.