While Manaus is quite a sprawling city, the center is concentrated with historical sites, tourist attractions, major landmarks and cultural festivities. Navigating Manaus can be done on foot, by bus or taxi.
The Teatro Amazonas, or Opera House, inaugurated in 1896 during the rubber boom, is the most popular tourist attraction. Take a guided tour (available in English), or attend a performance in the 700-seat theater. The architectural grandeur of the theater is one example of the enormous wealth in Manaus during the 19th century. The Palace of Justice and Rio Negro Palace are other examples from this period.
The Mercado Municipal is a great way to absorb Brazilian culture. This market is the largest in the city, and was designed to replicate (though in Brazilian style) Les Halles of Paris.
Manaus' center is often vibrant with many cultural festivals that bring music, entertainment and dance to the city streets. The national "Carnival" and Boi Bumba in June are the largest festivals, but Manaus has smaller festivals throughout the year.
Ponta Negra, located on the Negro River 13 km from downtown Manaus is the most popular beach in the city, offering visitors many beach-side activities. The Ponta Negra Sports and Leisure Park is comprised of a large playground, volleyball courts, a cycling track and a leisure gazebo. Ponta Negra is also famous for its amphitheater with its 15,000-seat capacity, which stages performances of all kinds. A long sidewalk, populated with shops, bars and restaurants, stretches along Ponta Negra, the energetic, youthful hub of Manaus nightlife.
One of the most majestic natural phenomenons on earth, the "Meeting of the Rivers" is a must-see while visiting Manaus. The black, murky waters of the River Negro converge with the sandy, beige waters of River Solimoes to form the Amazon River. The spectacle is in the way the waters don't mix, but instead continue to flow side by side down the Amazon. The meeting of the two rivers is the first gateway to the natural wonders of the Amazon. Tourists often throw coins into the water where the rivers merge for good luck.
Manaus accommodations range from Amazon huts built in the rainforest to five-star hotels. Either way, tourists can explore the amazing flora and fauna of the Amazon by taking guided tours through the jungle and down the river. Trip lengths may range from one day excursions to three-day to six-day riverboat tours. Observe alligators and piranhas in the river, numerous tropical bird species, and the vegetation of over 40,000 species of plants.
For longer excursions, take a guided tour to one of the largest reserves of the Atlantic rainforest (185,000 hectares), Iguaçu National Park, which will quench your thirst for experiencing the region's amazing biodiversity.
