Manaus, Brazil, sits along the banks of the Rio Negro just a short distance from the Amazon River. The city is populated by indigenous peoples with ties to the Amazon rainforest. Once a city of great affluence due to a booming rubber trade, it now survives on industry and the tourist trade of those seeking an Amazonian adventure. Before heading out to explore nature’s bounty, take a day to see the city and gain an appreciation of the people and culture that make Manaus so special.
Where to Stay
Hotel Tropical; Av. Coronel Teixeira, 1320 – Ponta Negra; Manaus, Brazil; + 55 (92) 2123-5000
Hotel Tropical is a luxury property offering air conditioning, cable TV, and 24-hour room service. Wireless Internet is also available from designated locations for an additional fee. Located just minutes from town and mere steps away from the Rio Negro, Hotel Tropical is an excellent, safe, modern choice to serve as home base for your Amazon adventures.
Where to Eat
Karu Tropical Grill; Av. Coronel Teixeira, 1320 – Ponta Negra; Manaus, Brazil; + 55 (92) 2123-5000
The Karu Tropical Grill is located in the Hotel Tropical and is open for dinner only. The fresh-grilled meats and fish are delicious, and the live music adds the finishing touch for a fun, well-rounded Brazilian dining experience. Try a caipirinha – the national cocktail of Brazil – made with cachaca (liquor distilled from sugarcane), sugar, and lime.
Things to Do
The Municipal Market is made up of dozens of stands offering fruits, vegetables, and nuts native to the region. Inside you’ll find meat and fish where sanitation practices leave a lot to be desired. Although you may not want to purchase your dinner here, it is an incredible sight that gives you a feel for the real Manaus.
After your market visit, explore the adjacent streets and visit some of the shops that sell everything from souvenirs to medicinal herbs. You can buy a coconut for about a quarter – the vendor will pierce the shell and supply the straw for a refreshing local cocktail. Parking is actually free around the market itself, but you’re likely to be approached by local entrepreneurs asking for payment. Payment is considered insurance against your vehicle meeting with an unfortunate accident before your return, so it is wise to pay the small fee.
The Amazon Theatre is a remnant of the affluence generated during Brazil’s rubber boom in the mid-19th century. From its red velvet seats to the hand-painted tiles that adorn its dome, the opulence of the Amazon Theatre rivals that of any in the world. About $5 U.S. gets you in the door, and then you can either take a self-guided tour or hire a local guide. The theater is open seven days a week, but hours are limited on Sundays.
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