Top Things to Do in Manaus

Manaus, Brazil

About the City

Manaus: A Tropical City Adventure Unleashed Delve into the heart of the Amazon Rainforest where Manaus, a bustling urban island amidst a sea of green, thrives with vibrancy. It's the gateway to exploring the mysteries and wonders of one of the world's most renowned jungles. Imagine waking up to the sounds of exotic birds, the air perfumed with the scent of wild orchids. The city's rich cultural tapestry is a riot of color, with festivals that pulsate to the rhythms of samba and forró. Manaus’ cuisine? A smorgasbord of flavors where fruits and fish create a kaleidoscope on your plate. But it's not all paradise; this urban jungle grapples with the challenges of any major city, traffic pulsates through its veins like the mighty rivers that surround it. Infrastructure strains under the pressure of modern demands, and contrasts sharpen between the lush rainforest and urban sprawl. Yet, even with its imperfections, Manaus weaves an enigmatic spell. It’s a city where the wild and the urban dance in a passionate embrace, beckoning adventurers to lose – and find – themselves in its unique rhythm.

Things to Do in Manaus

Savor Tucumã

Food & Drink

Tucumã is a delicious palm fruit native to the Amazon rainforest. It's especially popular in Manaus as a filling for breakfast sandwiches called 'x-caboquinho,' which also includes cheese and roasted ...

Cruise the Rio Negro

Outdoors

Set sail down the mysterious, dark waters of the Rio Negro, where adventure lurks around every river bend! As the largest blackwater river in the world, the Rio Negro is sure to impress with its uniqu...

Discover Manaus' Hidden Jazz Scene

The Unexpected

Surprise! Manaus has a jamming jazz scene! While it's not the first thing you think of in the heart of the Amazon, Manaus has quietly nurtured a sophisticated community of jazz enthusiasts. Tucked awa...

Experience Tribal Culinary Delights at the Riversides

The Unexpected

Travel beyond the conventional tastes of Manaus by savoring authentic tribal dishes in riverside indigenous communities. Forget restaurant dining; this is genuine Amazonian flavor at its source! Engag...

Ceramic Adventures at Ponta Negra

The Unexpected

Get your hands dirty in the best possible way with a hands-on pottery class in picturesque Ponta Negra. Channel your inner artist as you mold clay into unique Amazon-inspired creations—think of exotic...

Explore Manaus' Secret Boi-Bumbá Workshops

The Unexpected

Ever wanted to peek behind the scenes of one of Brazil's liveliest cultural spectacles, the Boi-Bumbá festival? In Manaus, you can! Dive into the colorful and chaotic world of the festival's preparati...

Venture into the Anavilhanas National Park

Outdoors

Ever wanted to lose yourself among the world’s largest river archipelago? Anavilhanas National Park presents a mesmerizing tangle of islands and waterways that you can explore by canoe or boat. Witnes...

Marvel at the Victoria Amazonica

Outdoors

Step into a world where giant water lilies rule! At Lake Janauari, the Victoria Amazonica has leaves that can reach up to 3 meters across, and the sight is nothing less than enchanting. Stroll along t...

Observe the Big River Otters at Lake Janauari

Outdoors

Venture to Lake Janauari for a chance to witness the fascinating interactions of big river otters in their natural habitat! These playful creatures, known for their squeaky conversations and family an...

Explore the Amazonian Archipelago

Outdoors

Adventure awaits just outside of Manaus in the extensive maze of the Amazonian Archipelago! With countless islands to explore, you can take a boat tour, paddle through off-the-beaten-path waterways, o...

Relish in Baião de Dois with Tucupi

Food & Drink

Baião de Dois is a flavorful rice and beans dish traditionally from northeastern Brazil, but in Manaus, it's often enriched with the unique flavor of tucupi—a tangy, yellow sauce made from wild manioc...

Amazon Rainforest Trek

Sights

Ready for a wild adventure? Dive into the heart of the Amazon Rainforest for a trek like no other. Explore the dense jungle, spot colorful birds, and get an up-close-and-personal experience with the w...

Explore the Palácio Rio Negro

Sights

Dive into history at Palácio Rio Negro, a former official residence now turned museum. This regal mansion will take you back to the late 19th century when rubber was king! Wander through elegant rooms...

Explore the Floating Port of Manaus

Sights

Hop on over to the Floating Port of Manaus, a bustling hub that encapsulates the heartbeat of this river city. This engineering marvel adjusts with the river's ebb and flow, showcasing a spectacular d...

Marvel at the Monumental Cemetery of Manaus

Sights

Brace yourself for a spookily beautiful adventure at the Monumental Cemetery of Manaus! Known for its ornate tombstones and enchanting mausoleums, this cemetery is a resting place for many notable fig...

Visit the Manaus City Zoo

Sights

For a wild day out, hit the Manaus City Zoo, where you'll get up-close with an incredible array of Amazonian wildlife. From majestic jaguars to playful monkeys, it's a parade of the jungle's finest cr...

Nibble on Jaraqui

Food & Drink

Just wait until you try Jaraqui, a small fish that’s a big deal in Manaus! Locals cherish it for its distinct flavor when fried to crispy perfection, often served with sides like rice and farofa. Eati...

Slurp Sautéed Amazonian Ants

Food & Drink

Get ready to challenge your taste buds with an Amazonian delicacy—sautéed ants! This unique treat is not just an adventure for your palate, but a fabulous conversation starter. These ants are cooked t...

Dive into Pato no Tucupi

Food & Drink

Pato no Tucupi is a festive dish deeply rooted in Amazonian culture. It features duck cooked in a spicy broth of tucupi and jambu leaves, which have a unique numbing effect. Imagine savoring tender du...

Journey Through Manaus' Old Train Station

The Unexpected

Travel back in time by visiting Manaus’ forgotten train station. The Manaus Moderna train station might not have the romantic locomotives racing down the tracks anymore, but it remains a fascinating r...