Manaus, the capital of the state of Amazonas in Brazil, is a city with great cultural, historical and natural wealth, known as the gateway to the Amazon rainforest. In addition to being one of the most important economic centers in Brazil, Manaus offers a unique experience to travelers seeking adventure, culture and connection with nature.
Below, we present eleven activities that cannot be missed on your trip to this city. In each one, you will be able to enjoy the beauty and history of Manaus, marked by the rubber trade and its close relationship with the Amazon rainforest.
Take a city tour
Taking a tour is the most practical way to learn about the history and important points of Manaus. On this excursion, you will be able to visit emblematic sites such as the Black Palace, the Indian Museum and the Port of Manaus, as well as having the opportunity to enter the iconic Amazonas Theater. The tour lasts about 4 hours and includes transportation and the service of a bilingual guide.
Visit the imposing Teatro Amazonas
The Amazonas Theater is a cultural symbol of Manaus and proof of the city's opulence during the “golden age of rubber” between 1850 and 1920. This majestic place is known as one of the most important theaters in the world. beautiful in the world. We recommend taking a guided tour to learn about the history of its construction and the artists who have graced its stage.
In addition to its architectural beauty, both inside and out, the Teatro Amazonas stands out for its dome decorated with the colors of the Brazilian flag and its lobby that transports you to the era of the great ballrooms. The main reason to visit is the opportunity to enjoy a show, whether it be opera, ballet, concerts or plays.
Tour the Largo de São Cultural Space
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Very close to the theatre is the Espaço Cultural Largo de São Sebastião, a square from which you can admire the impressive architecture of the Teatro Amazonas, as well as the church of San Sebastián and a monument commemorating the opening of the port of Manaus to foreign trade.
Take a leisurely stroll through the square, enjoying the cityscape of picturesque houses. Here you can also sample regional cuisine at one of the many restaurants, cafés, kiosks and street stalls. With a bit of luck, you might even catch a musical or theatre performance offered to passers-by.
Admire the architecture of the Palacio da Justiça
The Palácio da Justiça houses the Court of Justice of the State of Amazonas. Opened in 1900, the complex also serves as a space for exhibitions, musical performances, theater, cinema, conferences, among other activities. Its imposing Renaissance-style façade represents the architecture of the golden age of rubber. Inside the palace, you can admire the beauty of its rooms, decorated with frescoes and paintings depicting the history of Amazonas.
Enjoy the art of the Río Negro Palace
The Rio Negro Palace is another example of the architecture of the égolden age of rubber. Built in 1903, this beautiful eclectic-style building was the home of a powerful rubber trader. Today, the palace is a museum with a collection of art and historical objects. You can tour its halls to learn about the history of Manaus and stroll through its gardens to enjoy the outdoors.
The Adolpho Lisboa Municipal Market will allow you to get to know the colors and flavors of the local culture thanks to its variety of handicrafts and fresh food. Opened in 1883, its iron structure was designed by Gustave Eiffel. At the market you will find handicrafts made by the indigenous people of the Amazon, as well as fresh products such as fruits, vegetables, fish and meat. You will also have the opportunity to taste the local cuisine in its restaurants and bars.
Learn about Amazonian tribes at the Museo del Indio
The Museo del Indio is an ideal place to learn about the rich culture and traditions of the indigenous peoples of the Amazon. At this museum, you can see a large collection of handicrafts, weapons, musical instruments and other items that reflect the daily life of these communities. You can also participate in workshops and events to learn more about their worldview and their relationship with nature.
Visit the natural museums of Manaus
Both the National Institute for Amazon Research (INPA) and the Museum of the Amazon (MUSA) are spaces dedicated to the study and preservation of the flora and fauna of the Amazon rainforest. Although MUSA is located outside of downtown Manaus, the trip is worth it, as you'll see several species of animals and plants and have the chance to climb a 50-meter observation tower. There are tours that include transportation and allow you to visit both museums in a single day.
Learn about the Amazon ecosystem at the Adolpho Ducke Botanical Garden
The Adolpho Ducke Botanical Garden is the ideal place to expand your knowledge of Amazonian flora and fauna. With its 5 km of extension, the garden is part of the Adolpho Ducke Forest Reserve, which aims to preserve the biodiversity and historical-cultural heritage of the region. In it, you can admire a large collection of Amazonian plants, including giant trees, orchids, bromeliads and other exotic species.
Learn about the history of rubber at the Museu do Seringal Vila Paraíso
The Museu do Seringal Vila Paraíso is a reproduction of a rubber plantation during the golden age of this product. The museum was created as a set for a film and was later transformed into a space dedicated to preserving the history of rubber in the region. Here you can learn about the rubber production process, as well as the differences in the lifestyle of the worker and the plantation owner. To get there, you must take a boat from the Marina do Davi port, near Ponta Negra Beach.
Take an Excursion into the Amazon Jungle
Manaus is known as the gateway to the Amazon, and you can't miss the opportunity to venture into the jungle. Here are some excursions with included transportation and the service of an expert guide:
- Dare to sleep in the jungle: This four-day excursion will allow you to experience life in the Amazon. You will be able to learn about medicinal plants, canoe, fish for piranhas and observe endemic animals. In addition, you will visit the homes of the native “Caboclos” and swim in the refreshing waters of the Rio Negro.
- Sail on a cruise along the Amazon River: On this three-day excursion, you will enjoy a cruise along the mighty waters of the Amazon River. Waking up on Lake Janauac, home to pink dolphins and aquatic plants, will be a unique experience. You will also be able to interact with indigenous communities and go on night expeditions to observe local fauna. The tour includes a visit to the Enero Ecological Park and the famous “meeting of the waters”.
- Flow down the rivers of the Brazilian Amazon: On this two-day trip, you'll cruise along different rivers by boat and canoe. You'll sleep in an eco-lodge in the middle of the jungle, go piranha fishing, and go on a nighttime expedition.
- Climb the massive Taruma Trees: This 4-hour excursion will take you to the protected area of Taruma, where a guide will teach you the technique of tree climbing. You will climb trees up to 40 meters high and walk along trails in the middle of the jungle. A plus for you: get to know the old prison of Manaus
If you're looking for an out-of-the-ordinary experience, you can visit the former Raimundo Vidal Pessoa Public Prison. Opened in 1907, it was the first penitentiary in the state of Amazonas. Although closed to the public since 2017, the structure is a historical monument that you can observe from the outside, climbing the nearby bridge for a better view.
How to get to Manaus
The most practical way to get to Manaus is by plane, with flights from cities such as Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo. Arriving by land is not recommended due to the long distances and poor road connections. From the airport, there are shuttle services that will take you directly to your hotel in the city center.
Manaus awaits you with open arms
Delving into the Amazon rainforest, admiring the imposing architecture, discovering the life of indigenous communities or learning about the “golden age of rubber” are just some of the many activities that Manaus has to offer. There is no doubt that each of your experiences in Manaus will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.