Manaus is no ordinary city. Surrounded by lush Amazonian rainforest, this buzzing metropolis of over 2 million people offers a captivating blend of urban energy and pristine wilderness. Perched on the banks of the mighty Rio Negro, just upstream from its confluence with the silt-laden Rio Solimões, Manaus serves as the ideal springboard for exploring the natural wonders of the Amazon basin. Whether you’re keen to spot rare pink river dolphins, hike through dense jungle, or immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of this jungle-fringed city, Manaus has something for every type of traveller.

1. Marvel at the Meeting of the Waters

One of the top things to see in Manaus is the Encontro das Águas or Meeting of the Waters. Just 10 km southeast of the city, the dark Rio Negro and the pale, sandy Rio Solimões converge to form the Amazon River proper.

• For 6 km, the contrasting colours of these two massive waterways run side by side without mixing, creating a stunning visual spectacle.

• The best way to experience this natural phenomenon is on a river cruise. Dozens of operators offer trips ranging from a couple of hours to multi-day journeys.

2. Immerse Yourself in the Jungle on a Manaus Amazon Tour

No visit to Manaus is complete without venturing into the rainforest itself. Whether you opt for a day trip or a multi-day excursion, a Manaus Amazon tour will bring you face-to-face with the astounding biodiversity of the world’s largest tropical forest.

Many lodges and tour operators offer jungle treks, canopy walks, nocturnal wildlife spotting, and visits to local communities. Some top options include:

• Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge: Located in the heart of Anavilhanas National Park, 180 km northwest of Manaus, this upscale eco-lodge offers guided hikes, kayaking, and piranha fishing.

• Amazon Gero Tours: This well-established operator runs a range of trips, from half-day city tours to week-long adventures deep in the rainforest.

• Tariri Amazon Lodge: Perched on the banks of the Rio Negro, 100 km west of Manaus, Tariri offers rustic charm and expert guides for spotting monkeys, sloths, and Giant river otters.

3. Step Back in Time at the Amazon Theatre

Of all the man-made Manaus tourist attractions, the opulent Amazon Theatre (Teatro Amazonas) is perhaps the most iconic. Constructed during the late 19th-century rubber boom, this magnificent opera house testifies to the city’s former prosperity.

• Decked out in Italian marble, Parisian tiles, and Scottish ironwork, the salmon-pink Renaissance building seems to have been teleported from Europe to the Amazon.

• Visitors can tour the theatre’s lavish interior, including the 700-seat auditorium with its vast painted curtain depicting the confluence of the Rio Negro and Rio Solimões.

• Guided visits in English take place at 9am, 11:30am and 3:15pm; tickets cost R$ 20 per person.

4. Wander Through the Adolpho Ducke Botanical Garden

Plant lovers wondering what to see in Manaus should head straight for the Adolpho Ducke Botanical Garden. Located 26 km east of the city centre, this 100-hectare park showcases the astounding diversity of Amazonian flora.

• Five well-marked trails wind through the dense foliage, passing towering hardwoods, delicate bromeliads, and more than 1,500 species of palm.

• Keep an eye out for the garden’s abundant birdlife, including brilliant blue-and-yellow macaws and tiny iridescent hummingbirds.

• The park is open Tuesday–Sunday, 8am–4pm. Entry costs R$ 10, and guided visits (in Portuguese) are available for an additional fee.

5. Get a Taste of Manaus at Ponta Negra Beach

Ponta Negra, a neighbourhood on the western outskirts of Manaus, is home to one of the city’s most popular riverfront beaches. By day, sun-seekers come to swim in the dark waters of the Rio Negro.

• In the late afternoon, locals gather to play volleyball, strum guitars, and sip ice-cold cervejas at the string of open-air bars and restaurants along the Ponta Negra promenade.

• Some of the tastiest (and cheapest) best restaurants in Manaus can be found here. Don’t miss the city’s signature dish, caldeirada, a hearty stew packed with Amazonian fish and fragrant with coconut milk and cassava.

6. Shop for Amazonian Handicrafts at Mercado Adolpho Lisboa

For a one-stop introduction to Amazonian food and crafts, pay a visit to the colourful Mercado Adolpho Lisboa.

• Beneath the soaring tiled dome of this Belle Époque marketplace, you’ll find stalls piled high with tropical fruits, spices, freshwater fish, and potent herbal remedies. It’s one of the top things to do in Manaus for foodies and shoppers alike.

• Head upstairs to browse for authentic souvenirs such as woven hammocks, painted ceramics, and jewellery made from Amazonian seeds and shells.

• The market is open Monday–Saturday, 8am–6pm, and on Sunday morning. Come early to beat the crowds and see the widest selection of produce.

Tips for Visiting Manaus

The rainy season runs from January to June when regular downpours make rainforest treks muddy and uncomfortable. For the best weather, visit between July and December.

• To fully explore the region’s natural wonders, plan to spend at least 4-5 days in Manaus. Book your jungle lodge or river cruise well in advance, especially in July–August.

• Though central Manaus is relatively safe, take standard precautions with valuables. Only use registered taxis, and avoid walking alone after dark in Zona Sul.

Connect and Discover in the Amazonian Heart of Brazil

From trekking through lush rainforest to shopping for exotic Amazonian handicrafts, Manaus offers endless opportunities for adventure. Whether you’re here for a quick urban getaway or an extended jungle expedition, staying connected is key. With Airtel’s prepaid international roaming plans, you’ll enjoy reliable coverage not only in Manaus itself but even in remote river villages and rainforest lodges.

So go ahead and dive into the urban-meets-jungle wonders of this Amazonian metropolis, knowing that you can easily access maps, translation apps, and reservation platforms wherever your explorations may lead. The possibilities are as vast as the forest itself.