Presidente Figueiredo Waterfalls

Presidente Figueiredo is a small town a couple of hours north of Manaus by road, known across Brazil as the capital of waterfalls. More than a hundred falls and cascades have been recorded in the municipality, tucked into forest on sandstone terrain, and many have natural pools where you can swim. A day tour from Manaus is the simplest way to see the best of them, with transport, a guide and a route that connects several falls in one day. The tour linked here is a waterfalls day trip that picks up in Manaus, drives north along the highway and visits a handful of the most popular falls, with time for swimming and lunch. It is the favourite day out for locals and visitors who want a break from river tours.

Some falls are right beside parking areas, while others require short walks along forest paths that can be muddy and slippery. Typical highlights include falls that drop into deep, clear pools, some with caves behind the curtain of water, and others that spill over wide rock steps where you can sit and cool off.

The water is tea-coloured in places and clear in others, and swimming is a joy after the heat. Bring water shoes or sandals with grip, a swimsuit, a towel and a dry bag, and wear quick-dry clothing that you do not mind getting wet.

The drive is part of the journey. The highway passes farms, small towns and sections of secondary forest, and the tour usually stops for a meal at a local restaurant, with fish, rice and regional dishes. Plan for a long day, with departure early in the morning and return in the late afternoon or early evening. Traffic can slow the return, and in the rainy months, heavy showers can raise water levels and make some falls less accessible, so follow the guide and respect any closures.

Safety deserves attention. Rocks are slippery, currents below falls can be strong and depth is not always obvious. Only swim where the guide says it is safe, keep children close, avoid jumping from heights and wear a life jacket where provided. If you have mobility problems, ask which falls are easy to reach, because some have stairs and uneven paths. Respect the natural setting, take rubbish out with you and avoid using soap or sunscreen in the water as far as possible.

This trip pairs well with a city tour and a river trip, giving a rounded picture of the region: culture in Manaus, rivers at the confluence and forest cascades in the north. Some visitors extend into an overnight to see more falls and caves. For those who prefer not to drive, the tour is a convenient and sociable way to visit, and it lets you enjoy the scenery without worrying about navigation.

To get the most from the day, ask the operator which falls are on the route and how much walking each requires. Some are a few steps from a car park, while others need a twenty or thirty minute walk with steps and slippery rock. If you want to swim, choose the falls with calmer pools and avoid those with fast currents.

Take a waterproof bag for your phone, a towel that dries quickly and a spare t-shirt for the ride back. Small local snacks and cold drinks are sold at some stops, so a little cash is useful.