Brazil's Northern Region
The Ultimate Brazil Travel Guide: Presidente Figueiredo
Presidente Figueiredo is known as the “Land of the Waterfalls” for its more than 100 waterfalls and caves nestled deep in the Amazon rainforest
Presidente Figueiredo is a municipality in Amazonas about 107 kilometres north of Manaus. The town is known as the “Land of the Waterfalls” because more than 100 waterfalls have been documented within its territory, many accessible from marked trails or by guided tours from the town centre. The nearby Balbina Hydroelectric Plant and its large reservoir, is used for fishing, boat trips and observation of aquatic wildlife including botos (river dolphins).
In addition to waterfalls, the area around the town has several iconic caves and grottoes such as the Caverna do Maroaga and Gruta da Judéia, both reachable on foot with local guides. Other attractions include trips into the surrounding Amazon rainforest to learn about local flora and fauna.
Top 10 things to do in Presidente Figueiredo
Visit Cachoeira de Iracema and Cachoeira das Araras: These two waterfalls are located close to the town centre. They have walking trails, natural pools and viewing platforms. Visitors can swim, hike and take photographs of the surrounding forest.
Explore the Gruta da Judeia and Caverna do Maroaga: These natural caves are reached by short forest trails. The Gruta da Judeia features a waterfall inside the grotto. The Caverna do Maroaga has sandstone formations and a stream running through it. Local guides offer tours explaining the geology and ecology.
See Cachoeira de Santuário: A waterfall about 12 kilometres from town with forest trails and a pool at its base. It is managed by a private property that charges an entry fee and maintains basic visitor facilities.
Visit Cachoeira Asframa: Located about 10 kilometres from the centre. This waterfall has a wide rock shelf where the water flows, making shallow pools suitable for bathing.
Stop at Cachoeira do Mutum: Approximately 16 kilometres from town. This waterfall has a deep pool for swimming and surrounding forest for birdwatching.
Visit Cachoeira da Neblina: One of the largest waterfalls in the region. It requires a guided hike of several kilometres through dense forest. The waterfall has a drop of over 30 metres and is less visited than others.
Tour the Balneário do Urubuí: A developed recreation area on the Urubuí River with restaurants, bars and swimming spots. It is popular on weekends with locals.
Go to Cachoeira das Orquídeas: Located within a small ecological park inside the town limits. Short trails lead to the waterfall and surrounding forest, which has interpretive signs about local flora and fauna.
Explore Cachoeira Natal: A smaller waterfall near the AM-240 highway. It is accessible by car and offers a quiet place for bathing.
Visit Lagoa Azul: A blue-coloured natural pool on private land about 20 kilometres from town. Access is by trail and requires a local guide.
Where to stay in Presidente Figueiredo
There are several options for accommodation in Presidente Figueiredo, ranging from eco-lodges that offer immersive jungle experiences, to basic guesthouse and hostel accommodation.
Find cheap accommodation for your stay in Presidente Figueiredo, or check out my personal recommendations below:
Pousadas & Hostels in Presidente Figueiredo
Hotel Calleb (availability)
Pousada Aida Barroncas - the cheapest place to stay for backpackers and the only pousada with a shared dormitory. Book via Whatsapp or just turn up.
Houses & Apartments in Presidente Figueiredo
Casa Terra das Cachoeiras - a three bedroom holiday house (availability)
Margarida AP 1 - a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre (availability)
Apartamento em Presidente Figueiredo - a one-bedroom apartment (availability)
Cachoeira Arara (Macaw Waterfall), Presidente Figueiredo
Where is Presidente Figueiredo?
Quick Facts about Presidente Figueiredo
Population of Presidente Figueiredo
33,291 people (IBGE, 2025)
Nicknames
People from Presidente Figueiredo are called figueiredense, while people from Amazonas State in general are called Amazonenses.
Closest airport
The closest airport is located in Manaus (MAO)
Main bus terminal
Terminal Rodoviário de Presidente Figueiredo (map)
How to get to Presidente Figueiredo from Manaus
How to get to Presidente Figueiredo by taxi
The easiest way to reach Presidente Figueiredo is to take a shared taxi from the Cooperativa de Táxi Presidente Figueiredo in Manaus. The taxi costs R$50 (2025) per person and departs whenever there are a minimum of 5 passengers. The taxi garage has a toilet, cold water refill, and a small store selling snacks.
The trip takes around 1.5 hours, and the driver can drop you at your accommodation if you are staying in a central location. You will pay the fare to the driver at the end of the trip.
How to get to Presidente Figueiredo by bus
There are two bus companies connecting Presidente Figueiredo and Manaus:
Eucatur - Departing Manaus at 8.30am, returning to Manaus at 4.55am
Espresso Transamazonica - Departing Manaus at 3pm, returning 8.30am
Both buses depart Rodoviário de Manaus (map), every day except Sunday. The trip takes around 2 hours. The bus fare is R$ 44 (2025) and tickets can be purchased directly at the station or by Whatsapp.
Top tours in the Amazon
How to get around Presidente Figueiredo
The town itself small and easy to walk around. The most common way to explore the surrounding area is to take guided tours. There are some waterfalls that can be visited independently, though entry to some sites do require a guide.
Moto-taxis are also available if you are heading out further from town, and are a more cost-effective way to visit waterfalls that are accessible without a guide. You can also pre-arrange a time for them to pick you up from areas that don't have cellphone service, and will need to pay for the return trip in advance.
Car rental in Manaus
Renting a car from Manaus is a good option for tourists who plan to travel around Presidente Figueiredo independently.
Cars can be rented in the city centre, as well as from Manaus International Airport. For the best prices, book your car rental in advance online.
Things to know before you go to Presidente Figueiredo
Entry requirements: Several waterfalls and caves in Presidente Figueiredo charge an entrance fee
Best time to visit: The region has two main seasons: wet season (April to August) and dry season (September to March).
Currency and payments: Many businesses, but not all, do accept credit card. Bring some cash for small purchases.
Health precautions: Vaccination for yellow fever is recommended for travel in the Amazon. Mosquito repellent and light long-sleeved clothing are useful to reduce insect bites. Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is highly recommended.
Connectivity: Mobile phone coverage and internet access is limited, especially when visiting waterfalls outside of the city centre.
Packing essentials: Bring light clothing, a waterproof bag for electronics, sunscreen, insect repellent, sturdy shoes for hikes, a reusable water bottle, and cash for small purchases.
Weather: Expect high humidity and hot temperatures year-round. Rain can occur even in the dry season, so pack rain gear or waterproof covers for your belongings.
Is Presidente Figueiredo safe for tourists
Presidente Figueiredo is a small and quiet town, and is generally safe for tourists. Being aware of your surroundings will go a long way in avoiding trouble.
These are my personal recommendations for ways you can stay safe in Presidente Figueiredo:
Don't walk around with large amounts of cash, carry only the cash you need for the day or a credit card
Keep an eye on your belongings when swimming, or ask someone to watch your bags, if you are not travelling with a guide
At night, stick to the main streets or paths where other visitors and locals are walking
Ask your pousada or host if you are unsure about the best routes or areas to explore
Travel insurance for Presidente Figueiredo
Travel insurance is not just a nice-to-have, it is an important safety-net that can prevent a stressful incident from turning into a costly and time-consuming disaster. The reality is that unexpected events can happen on any trip. Even something as simple as missing a connecting flight can lead to unexpected accommodation and transport costs. If you become unwell, medical bills in another country can quickly become expensive. Without insurance, you have to handle all of this on your own in an unfamiliar environment, possibly in a language you do not speak.
I have personally relied on travel insurance multiple times, including when I had belongings stolen in Europe, fell sick while travelling in Asia, and had flights cancelled. In each case, the support I received meant I could focus on solving the problem instead of worrying about costs.
When travelling to the Amazon Rainforest, it is especially important to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation, as the remote location can make access to specialised care more difficult.
For a small daily cost, you can be covered for a wide range of scenarios, from theft to delayed flights and medical emergencies. Having one phone number to call and a company that deals with the problem for you is worth far more than the price of the policy. I personally use Safety Wing, and I recommend them to friends, family, and anyone travelling internationally. You can get a quote here.
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