Manaus Opera House

If you are heading to Brazil for an Amazon cruise, chances are you will be heading to Manaus, the gateway to the Brazilian Amazon. As some inspiration for your itinerary, here are 10 of our favorite things to do in Manaus, the city in the Amazon jungle.

What to do in Manaus, Brazil

1. Soiree with a Manatee

Baby Manatees

A trip to the Bosque da Ciencia (Science Forest) allows visitors to make friends with a variety of jungle animals, including otters, monkeys, and manatees.

The entrance fee of just 5 Reais ($2.50) makes this a must, and don’t forget to stop by the nature museum!

2. Enjoy the Delights of Paris

Mercado Manaus

A replica of the Parisian Les Hallesmarket can be found just ten minutes from the center of Manaus.

The Mercado Adolpho Lisboa was constructed during the rubber boom, and has just been extensively refurbished. Inside this local landmark you can find great deals on many local products.

3. Test your Tree Climbing Skills

Amazon Tree Climbing

For 240 Reais (around $100) you can climb above the canopy and scale a 120-foot tree.

This monkey-eye view of the world’s largest tropical forest is truly breathtaking (quite literally), and offers the brave of heart an experience like no other.

See our Amazon Day Tours page for more details.

4. Meeting of the Waters

The Famous Meeting of the Waters

One of nature’s most impressive spectacles – the Meeting of the Waters, or Encontro das Aguas - can be witnessed with the merging of the Rio Negro and the Rio Solimoes.

These two different colored rivers flow side by side for over 10 km, creating a fascinating natural divide, before they finally merge to create the Amazon River as we know it.

5. Swim with Dolphins

Swimming with River Dolphins

The Amazon River in Manaus is home to an abundance of pink dolphins, or botos as the locals call them, well known for their playful nature and long beaks.

An Amazon cruise is an ideal way to witness, and even swim, with these fascinating and beautiful river dwellers.

6. Picnic on a River Beach

Relaxing on a River Beach

The river beaches of the Amazon and its tributaries are certainly a memorable spot for a picnic, or even just to witness the mesmerising sunset.

A mere 13 km from central Manaus is the Ponta Negra beach, with year round temperatures ranging between 26 – 32 C. Just don’t forget your sunblock!

7. Become a Superhero

Fresh Fruit

Nourish yourself with some superfoods of the Amazon. Ok, ok, they may not turn you into a superhero, but native fruits such as theacai and guarana are both delicious and packed full of nutrients.

Fish lovers will also be in for a treat, with over 2,000 species found in the rivers, there is almost no end to the local dishes!

8. Witness the World’s Biggest Sporting Event

Futbol Stadium

With Brazil hosting the 2014 Football (or soccer to some) World Cup, a selection of group games are already underway in the Arena Amazonia. Powered by rain water and solar energy, the 46,000 capacity stadium really is something to behold.

Not to worry if you have missed the World Cup however: once the tournament is over it will become home to no less than four local clubs, so you will still have a chance to witness the beautiful gamein action.

9. Amazon Lodge

Amazon Jungle Lodge

Surely one of the best ways to see the Amazon Rainforest in all its glory. Lodges are available to suit all budgets, ranging from the rustic to the luxury. All lodges, whether they are deep in the jungle, or closer to the city, offer optional daily tours such as piranha fishing, animal safaris, and jungle hikes.

Get closer to nature, and witness the dazzling night sky without the interference of light pollution – a stay in a jungle lodge truly is an experience you’ll never forget.

10. Amazon Cruise

Amazon River Cruise

What top 10 things to do in the Amazon list would be complete without an Amazon cruise? The feeling of sailing down river and witnessing the beauty of the rainforest unravelling is something to behold.

From budget to luxury, Rainforest Cruises has you covered. Cruises range from 2 to 10 days in duration, and offer a wide selection of daily excursions and activities. For more information, contact your friendly cruise specialist!

This monkey-eye view of the world’s largest tropical forest is truly breathtaking (quite literally), and offers the brave of heart an experience like no other.

Contact us here, today for more information about Manaus and Brazilian Amazon tours.