Teatro Amazonas Opera House
The pink-and-gold Belle Epoque opera house that rose from the rubber boom, topped with a dome tiled in the colours of the Brazilian flag. The one building every visitor to Manaus should step inside.
Brazil
Manaus & the Amazon
Manaus is the great river city of the Brazilian Amazon, a Belle Epoque capital built on the rubber boom and ringed by rainforest, floating docks and the longest stretch of unbroken jungle on earth.
A few kilometres from the centre, the dark Rio Negro and the pale Solimoes run side by side without mixing, and from the pink opera house with its flag-coloured dome to the iron-framed market on the waterfront, the city explains the river that created it. This guide organises Manaus the way visitors actually use it: the historic centre and its museums, the river and wildlife outings, the day trips to waterfalls and island archipelagos, the jungle lodge stays, and nine places to sleep in the city and beyond. Everything is practical: when the water is high or low, how to choose between a day trip and a night in the forest, what to eat, and how to pace three to six days in the heat.
Don't miss
Teatro Amazonas Opera House
The pink-and-gold Belle Epoque opera house that rose from the rubber boom, topped with a dome tiled in the colours of the Brazilian flag. The one building every visitor to Manaus should step inside.
Meeting of the Waters and Indian Village Tour
The dark Rio Negro and the pale Solimoes run side by side for kilometres without mixing before becoming the Amazon. The headline natural sight of Manaus, usually combined with a visit to a riverside village.
Amazon River Full-Day Adventure
A full day on the water and in the forest: river channels, a jungle walk, local lunch and wildlife spotting. The simplest way to feel the Amazon without a night away.
Amazon Jungle Overnight Experience
One night at a jungle lodge adds what a day trip cannot: night sounds, dawn birds, a caiman spotting by canoe and a hammock under mosquito netting. The best-value way to sleep in the rainforest.
Things to do in Manaus & the Amazon
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
Meeting of the Waters and Indian Village Tour
The dark Rio Negro and the pale Solimoes run side by side for kilometres without mixing before becoming the Amazon. The headline natural sight of Manaus, usually combined with a visit to a riverside village.
Pink River Dolphin Encounter
The Amazon river dolphin, the boto, is famously pink and curious. A half-day excursion on the Rio Negro combines time near dolphins with a riverside village visit.
Amazon River Full-Day Adventure
A full day on the water and in the forest: river channels, a jungle walk, local lunch and wildlife spotting. The simplest way to feel the Amazon without a night away.
Amazon Jungle Overnight Experience
One night at a jungle lodge adds what a day trip cannot: night sounds, dawn birds, a caiman spotting by canoe and a hammock under mosquito netting. The best-value way to sleep in the rainforest.
Two-Day Amazon Jungle and Ipanema Lake Excursion
A relaxed two-day journey that combines the Meeting of the Waters, a forest lodge and a lake side trip. Good value for first-timers who want depth without a big budget.
Anavilhanas Archipelago and Jungle Trek
One of the largest river archipelagos on earth, hundreds of forested islands in the Rio Negro north-west of Manaus. A long day of boating and an easy rainforest trek.
Presidente Figueiredo Waterfalls Day Tour
The land of a hundred waterfalls, about two hours north of Manaus by road. Swimming pools under falls, short forest walks and a refreshing change from the river.
Caves and Waterfalls Full-Day Adventure
A fuller version of the waterfall day, adding cave visits and forest trails north of Manaus. For travellers who want a more active, adventurous day.
Night Caiman Spotting by Boat
After dark, torchlight on the river picks out the red eyeshine of caiman along the banks. A short, atmospheric evening outing near Manaus.
Piranha Fishing and Alligator Watching
A classic Amazon pastime: baited lines for piranha on the Solimoes, with caiman watching and river scenery. Light-hearted, hands-on and good for families.
MUSA Museum of the Amazon and Canopy Tower
A forest reserve on the edge of Manaus with trails, a high observation tower above the canopy and exhibits on Amazon life. A bite-sized rainforest without leaving the city region.
Where to stay
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
Tropical Manaus Ecoresort
Ponta Negra
A large riverside resort in the Ponta Negra district, with grounds, pools and restaurants. The classic choice for a resort-style base in Manaus.
Check rates →
$$Tropical Executive Hotel
Ponta Negra
A comfortable city hotel in Ponta Negra, with apartment-style rooms and easy access to the riverside promenade. A practical base for business and leisure.
Check rates →Novotel Manaus
Manaus business district
A reliable international-brand hotel with modern rooms and a pool, suited to travellers who want familiar standards and easy booking.
Check rates →ibis Manaus Aeroporto
Near Manaus airport
A simple, budget-friendly hotel near the airport, handy for early flights and the first or last night of a trip.
Check rates →
$$$Amazon Ecopark Jungle Lodge
Rio Negro, across from Manaus
A jungle lodge on the forest side of the Rio Negro, reached by boat from Manaus. Forest trails, river views and a true rainforest setting within easy reach.
Check rates →Cirandeira Amazon World EcoResort
Forest and river outskirts
An eco-resort set in forest and river surroundings outside the city, for travellers who want nature, pools and activities in one place.
Check rates →Hotel Manaos
Manaus Centro
A central, good-value hotel within reach of the historic centre. A sensible base for sightseeing on foot and by short taxi rides.
Check rates →Boutique Hotel Casa Teatro
Historic centre, near the opera house
A small, character-filled hotel near the opera house, for travellers who want charm and a walkable historic setting.
Check rates →Amazon Clipper Premium
Manaus city
A modern hotel offering comfort and city convenience, suited to travellers who want a straightforward, higher-end base in Manaus.
Check rates →Tour + stay
Ready-made pairings: a top sight and a hotel that suits it. Add both to your trip and book each when you are ready.
Do
Teatro Amazonas Opera HouseStay
Boutique Hotel Casa TeatroHistoric centre, near the opera house
Do
Meeting of the Waters and Indian Village TourStay
Amazon Ecopark Jungle LodgeRio Negro, across from Manaus
Do
Amazon River Full-Day AdventureStay
Cirandeira Amazon World EcoResortForest and river outskirts
Manaus & the Amazon guides
Manaus for First-Timers: Planning a Trip to the Heart of the Amazon
How to plan a first visit to Manaus: getting there, how long to stay, what to see in the city and on the rivers, and how to stay comfortable in the heat.
Manaus in Three Days: A Practical Itinerary
A three-day plan for Manaus that mixes the historic centre, the Meeting of the Waters and a night in the forest, with timing tips for the heat.
Where to Stay in Manaus: Neighbourhoods, Resorts and Jungle Lodges
A guide to choosing where to sleep in Manaus: the historic centre, Ponta Negra, airport stopovers and lodges in the forest.
Best Time to Visit Manaus: Water Levels, Rain and Heat
How the seasons shape a trip to Manaus: high and low water, the rainy season, wildlife and what to pack for each.
Choosing an Amazon Jungle Tour from Manaus
How to pick between day trips, overnight lodges and multi-day expeditions from Manaus, and how to judge quality, price and responsibility.
Eating and Drinking in Manaus: River Fish, Forest Fruit and Market Breakfasts
A guide to the food of Manaus: river fish, tapioca, forest fruit, juices and where to find them, with tips for staying healthy.
