Amazonas Travel Guide

About the State of Amazonas, Brazil

Amazonas is the largest state in Brazil by area, covering approximately 1.56 million square kilometers, and is located in the country’s vast northern region. Despite its enormous size, it has a relatively low population density, with about 4.2 million inhabitants concentrated mostly in the capital, Manaus. The city of Manaus is a crucial economic and cultural hub in the Amazon rainforest, historically known for its rubber boom in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Amazonas is predominantly covered by the Amazon Rainforest, one of the most biodiverse and ecologically important regions on the planet. The state plays a vital role in Brazil’s environmental preservation efforts and global climate regulation due to its extensive forest coverage and river systems.

Geographically, Amazonas is defined by the vast Amazon River and its extensive network of tributaries, which serve as essential transportation routes throughout the state’s dense rainforest. The region offers extraordinary natural attractions that draw adventurous tourists and researchers alike. The Anavilhanas Archipelago, one of the world’s largest river archipelagos, features hundreds of islands with rich wildlife and pristine landscapes. Nearby, the Jaú National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protects a large swath of untouched rainforest and diverse species. Other notable natural sites include the Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve, where visitors can experience the unique flooded forest ecosystem, and the Meeting of Waters near Manaus, where the dark Rio Negro and the lighter Amazon River run side by side without mixing for several kilometers.

Despite being best known for it's eco-tourism opportunities, Amazonas is home to the Parintins Folklore Festival, an annual cultural event that celebrates indigenous traditions through music, dance, and theatrical competition between two local groups, Garantido and Caprichoso, drawing thousands of visitors every June.

Economically, Amazonas is unique within Brazil, with an economy heavily influenced by its natural resources and geographic isolation. Manaus hosts the Manaus Free Trade Zone, a major industrial and commercial hub that attracts investments in electronics, motorcycles, and chemical products, providing important employment opportunities. The state’s economy also depends significantly on sustainable forestry, fishing, and increasingly, ecotourism. Despite its wealth of natural resources, many areas within Amazonas remain underdeveloped, with limited infrastructure and access, reflecting ongoing challenges related to balancing development and environmental conservation. Indigenous communities and traditional populations continue to play a critical role in preserving the state’s cultural and ecological heritage.