Brazil's Northern Region
The Ultimate Brazil Travel Guide: Manaus
The gateway to the Amazon jungle.
Manaus, the capital of the state of Amazonas, is the main gateway to the Amazon Rainforest and an important economic and cultural hub in northern Brazil. Manaus features landmarks such as the ornate Teatro Amazonas opera house. It is also close to the Meeting of Waters, where the Rio Negro and Solimões rivers flow side by side without mixing. From Manaus, visitors can embark on eco-tours into the Amazon for wildlife spotting, birdwatching, and and even swimming with the pink river dolphins. Other activities include Amazon river cruises, and trekking in the Amazon Rainforest.
Top 5 Things to See & Do in Manaus
Visit Teatro Amazonas
Explore the Meeting of the Waters
Tour the Museu do Seringal
See wildlife at Bosque da Ciência
Take a boat tour of the Rio Negro
Where to stay in Manaus
There are several areas to stay in Manaus, including Centro, Ponta Negra and Adrianópolis. Ponta Negra is considered one of the safest areas, with hotels, restaurants and access to the Rio Negro riverfront. Centro has budget options and access to markets and the port but requires caution, especially at night. Adrianópolis is a more residential and secure area with shopping centres and mid-range hotels.
Find cheap accommodation for your stay in Manaus, or check out my personal recommendations below:
Hotels
Hotel Villa Amazônia - a luxury hotel with outdoor pool in a garden setting (availability)
Manaus Hotéis Millennium - a more budget friendly hotel with luxury amenities (availability)
Boutique Hotels & Apartments
Juma Ópera Boutique Hotel & Spa - guesthouse with rooftop pool overlooking the opera (availability)
Tropical Executive Hotel - private apartments overlooking the Rio Negra (availability)
Backpacker Hostels
Angatu Hostel - an upscale hostel with a swimming pool (availability)
Local Hostel - a backpackers hostel with common areas and pool (availability)
Where is Manaus, Brazil
Closest airport
Manaus International Airport – Eduardo Gomes (MAO)
Main bus terminal
Terminal Rodoviário de Manaus
Porto de Manaus
Main ports
How to get to Manaus
How to get to Manaus: Busses and flights
Manaus cannot be reached by road from most locations in Brazil, as it is situated on the northern side of the Amazon River. Manaus is connected with direct international flights from Miami, Bogota, and Panama City, as well as from most major Brazilian cities including Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and Fortaleza. It can also be reached by boat along the Amazon river from Belém or Leticia, Colombia.
See all bus connections and find cheap tickets to Manaus
How to get to Manaus from Colombia (Leticia/Tabatinga) by Boat
Travelling to Manaus by boat from the Amazon region in Colombia, there are two options: a slow boat, that takes 4 days/3 nights travelling downstream to reach Terminal do Ajato in Manaus, and runs five days per week. Note that this trip would take longer in reverse, travelling upstream. There is a hammock deck for sleeping and food is often included in the ticket price, depending on the chosen boat company.
The food served on board varies by boat, but expect it to be very basic. It may be bread for breakfast, and rice or pasta with meat for dinner. It is recommended to bring some fruit and vegetables for the journey.
If you are short on time, there is also a fast boat from Colombia to Manaus. The fast boat takes around 36 hours, but is more expensive than the slow boat.
How to get to Manaus from Belem (via Santarem)
Another opportunity to travel by boat is to take the slow boat to Manaus from Belem or Santarem, with a boat departing twice per week. The trip from Belem to Manaus takes around 6 days upstream: 2.5 days from Belem to Santarem, and a further 3 days from Santarem to Manaus. Note, the trip from Manaus to Belem, downstream, is faster and takes around 4 days.
Top tours near Manaus
How to get around Manaus
Getting around Manaus is relatively straightforward, with several transportation options available. Public busses are available in the metropolitan area, as well as connecting more remote towns in the jungle. The latest routes and timetables can be found on Google Maps by searching for directions.
Ride-sharing services like 99 and Uber are also widely available and inexpensive, are a safer way to travel after dark.
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