Manaus is often the jumping-off point for travelers en route to the Brazilian Amazon. But, don’t think of this city as only a pit stop. There are plenty of things to do in Manaus that warrant a stay, from visiting landmarks like the Amazonas Opera House to wandering through markets selling goods harvested from the river and the jungle. Also, be sure to check out the “Meeting of the Waters” at the edge of a city—a multicolored spectacle where the Rio Negro and the Solimões rivers run into the Amazon.
Because Manaus is located in the center of the Amazon Rainforest, the weather here is often rainy or muggy. You can avoid the worst of the rain, humidity, and heat by visiting during the dry season, between July and December. This time of year is more pleasant for hiking and also offers other benefits: low water levels also mean it’s easier to spot wildlife in the rivers, and there are more birds and fewer mosquitoes.
Tackling the congested roads of this sprawling metropolis can be challenging for visitors. There is an extensive network of public buses, but they can be tricky for non-Portuguese speakers to navigate; taxis may be a safer bet. You can also opt for a more interesting way to get between the city’s attractions (or head into the rainforest): hopping on the area’s many ferries and river boats.
The Teatro Amazonas is an architectural marvel and the heart of Manaus’ cultural life. If you want a closer look at this opera house, which was built at the height of the rubber trade, you can book a guided tour. You should also try a steaming bowl of tacacá, a potent soup, from one of the city’s many street vendors (tacacazeiras). This dish is made with tucupi, the acidic juice of the wild manioc root (which is poisonous when raw) and is served piping hot in a cuia gourd.
