Manaus TRAVEL GUIDE
Manaus Brazil: A Quick Look
If I ask you to tell me one thing that is in Brazil, your answer will probably be the Amazon rainforest. And if you want to dive deeper into its heart, then I have something to show you!
In this Manaus travel guide, you will find everything you need to know, from pre-planning your trip to staying safe. If you plan on traveling to other places in Brazil and need an in-depth country guide, see our complete Brazil travel guide.
Now back to Manaus!
Manaus is the capital of a state housing most of this beautiful forest, and Iโll tell you all you need to know about it in this Manaus travel guide. Although you wonโt have saltwater beaches, you will get to enjoy a different face of Brazil.
This ultimate Manaus travel guide is about much more than planning a tripโs technicalities; it is to make sure youโve got a smooth trip. So we will talk about where to stay, what tours to take and how to arrive where you want.
Side note: One of the main questions we get when planning a trip to our country is โwhen is the best time to visit Brazilโ, which you can read later.
In recent years, Manaus has become a top destination for eco-luxury tourism. New sustainable lodges and curated jungle experiences offer travelers a way to connect with the Amazon while supporting conservation and local communities.
Brazil is a beautiful country with diverse landscapes to explore, and I hope to be along with you for the ride. So grab some water, take a seat, and letโs go!
Manaus Brazil: Quick travel tips before you go
๐ซ Airport: Manaus is a capital city, and the closest airport is in town, called Manaus International Airport. The code is MAO.
๐ค Currency: Like every other city in the country, the main currency here is the Brazilian Real, shown by the R$ symbol.
๐ฃ๏ธ Language: Manausโs primary language is Portuguese, but you can expect English to be spoken at most hotels and tourist spots.
๐ฐ๏ธ Time Zone: Manaus time zone is in the America/Manaus zone (GMT-4). Meaning itโs most often aligned with EST and three hours ahead of PST.
๐ต Cost: We have another section in our Manaus travel guide to talk about it in depth, but this is a super affordable trip. Especially if youโre coming from a stronger currency like the US dollar, EURO, or Yen.
๐ Internet: Because this is a state capital, mobile internet should be great! You will be fine to use all the apps needed.
๐ Brazil Visa: As of now, If you are traveling from the United States, Canada, Australia, or Japan, then NO. This could change as of October 1, 2023. Track the status and details here. You do NOT need a visa for EU Nationals, and you may not be affected by the Oct 1, 2023 change. You can see the details here.
๐ Power Outlets: Most outlets in Brazil have one of two plug types: C or N. C is the one with two round pins, and N has an additional one for grounding. For visitors from other countries, youโll need this universal travel adapter.
๐ Power Grid: The power grid in Manaus is quite stable. But remember, Brazil mostly operates on 127/220V voltage and 60Hz. While a few newer buildings have a 220V grid, donโt count on it everywhere.
๐ณ SIM Card: If you are not sure about getting a SIM card, think that you will probably need to use apps like Uber or Google Maps, or maybe you will want to upload a picture, so definitely get one! Also, always check the data package is big enough.
๐ Car Rentals: Renting a car and learning about new traffic rules may seem complicated, but our Manaus travel guide highly recommends considering it. It is your best choice to get around.
Manaus Brazil: Safety Travel Tips (Use Common Sense)
๐ Food safety: A majority of foods are safe for eating, even in most stalls. Just avoid certain kinds like seafood from street vendors.
๐งWater safety: Tap water isnโt drinkable AT ALL when unfiltered, but itโs okay for everything else! Restaurants generally filter water for ice and drinks, so youโll be fine on that end, too. I personally recommend you carry a reusable bottle with you to avoid buying bottles all the time. You can use something like a Water-To-Go Filterable Bottle. It is refillable but filters your water so you donโt get sick in Brazil.
๐ทโโ๏ธ Daytime safety: Daytime safety is down to pretty basic stuff because petty theft is the main concern, as it is in all major cities. Just be mindful of your belongings, and donโt take them out unless itโs necessary.
๐ฆบ Nighttime safety: At night, keep using your common sense. Your valuables still need to be safely tucked away. As for being out in the streets, itโs never recommended if you are alone, so prefer to use ride-sharing apps or rent a car.
๐บ Avoiding scams: Scamming will happen mostly during sales transactions, so always go for buying tickets online from reputable websites. And if you take any cabs, always make sure the meter is up and running.
Manaus Brazil Travel Tips: A Locals Perspective
โ ๏ธ Stay Smart, Stay Safe: Travel safety is an important topic in our Manaus travel guide! Most of all, you should use common sense in major cities and avoid areas that get deserted after dark. And solo female travelers, like me, always make sure your plans end with you back in the hotel before midnight.
๐จ Best neighborhoods for tourists: Hotels in Manaus are concentrated in a few areas, so your main options are Historical Downtown (best central location and for groups and solo travelers), Vieralves (best for nightlife), Adrianรณpolis (best for couples), and Itapuรฃ (best for families).
๐Top Brazilian holidays and traditions: Although Manaus has some local celebrations, it also celebrates our nationwide dates! So you can expect Carnaval in February, Easter in March, Festa Junina in June and July, and the Holiday season in late December.
๐ Local food to try: Sweet water fish stew, Farofa de Uarini, Tucumรฃ, X-Caboquinho (a breakfast sandwich), Pupunha, and other fruits that are only around in the area!
๐น Local drinks to try (alcoholic): In Manaus, itโs all about the cachaรงa. You can try several different flavors and styles in the bars around town.
๐ง Local drinks to try (non-alcoholic): Our Manaus travel guide highly recommends you try as many fruit juices as you can since weโve got such a nice variety here.
๐ถโโ๏ธWalkability: The city itself is located in the Amazonian plain, which means smooth streets perfect for all kinds of activities.
๐ Nightlife: Nightlife here is something made of tradition since there are many established places for you to visit, from karaoke to clubs.
๐ Friendly to Foreigners: Fun fact: Manaus is a hub for industrial activity, so the town is used to receiving foreigners all the time. You can expect to be welcomed with open arms!
๐ฅ Hospitals: There are a number of great and renowned hospitals in town in case of an emergency! We do have a public health system, but you should still get insurance, just in case!
๐บ๐ธ English Speaking: You will find fluent speakers more easily in hotels, but many restaurants have their menus translated and such!
Manaus TRAVEL GUIDE
Where is Manaus Brazil Located?
Manaus Map
Once upon a time, Manaus was known for being a luxurious town and earned the โParis of the tropicsโ nickname. It is located in the north part of our country, right where the Black and Amazon rivers meet. With a different kind of beauty to offer, this beautiful town has all you need!
What State is Manaus In?
Surrounded by the sweetest waters, Manaus is located in the state of Amazon. The state, with the same name as the amazing forest, is filled with Brazilโs widest side. It is also home to our nationโs biggest industrial hub. It is a destination for people wanting to experience the uniqueness our northern region has to offer.
Manaus TRAVEL GUIDE
Whatโs the Closest Airport to Manaus Brazil?
As we mentioned previously in our Manaus travel guide, the Manaus International Airport is actually in town! And because it is so close to the downtown area, approximately 8 miles (13 Kilometers), you can cover the distance in different ways!
What is the Best Way to Get to Your Manaus Hotel?
Once your flight touches down at Manaus International Airport (SSA), you have four different ways to reach your home base for the next few days!
As the person writing you an ultimate Manaus travel guide, my top recommendation is booking a private shuttle for a stress-free beginning to your trip. It picks you up at the airport and drops you off at the reception of your hotel.
๐ก Pro Tip: If you plan to take an Uber, ensure you have a Brazil SIM card so your phone operates appropriately. You never want to depend on free public WIFI for using your ride-share apps.
Your third way to leave the airport is to get a taxi. In this case, itโs doable because the downtown area is close by. But it can be costly, so pay attention to the meter to avoid being overcharged!
But our Manaus travel guide highly recommends renting a car as well, just because itโll make your life easier. You will be happy to have a private way of getting around, and it enables you to explore more of the surrounding areas!
And if your trip is a family thing, getting a rental is a must since not everybody will fit into a single Uber along with their bags.
Manaus TRAVEL GUIDE
How to Get Around Manaus?
Ride Sharing (top choice): Not only is this efficient, but Manaus also has a few different apps working in town, which makes for competitive prices. Itโs a cheap and convenient means of transportation. Just make sure you are equipped with a good mobile network to use the apps properly.
Rent a Car (top choice): As we were just discussing in our Manaus travel guide, renting a car is a wonderful idea! It is a little more expensive than other options, but it pays off by giving you the most freedom. With your own car, youโll be able to follow your own pace. Just be sure to have all the necessary documentation for driving in another country!
Take a Taxi: Not all Manaus travel guides talk about how taxis can be useful. If youโre out having fun or just donโt feel like waiting for an Uber, theyโll take you wherever you want to go! Just always check to make sure it is a licensed vehicle, and the meter is on.
Get on a Bike: Although it is not recommended to use it as a primary way to get around, our Manaus travel guide recommends renting a bike for scenic rides through the many parks in town. Youโre able to pay only for what you use and enjoy an amazing time.
Public transportation: This kind of transportation should be your last resort, honestly. Because Manaus is such a massive city amidst a metropolis, public transportation is always kind of crowded. So unless you really have to, try to use other alternatives!
Manaus TRAVEL GUIDE
When to Go to Manaus?
Choosing when your trip happens is the moment that makes it all come true. It is so much more than time away from work! So, to help you understand more about our seasons, keeping in mind theyโre the opposite of northern hemisphere ones, hereโs a summary of each!
Manaus Brazil Summer (December to March): If we are talking about summer in terms of weather, then temperatures here drop a little because it is so close to the equatorial line. But for tourism, summer is our busiest season, especially around the holidays, so expect more crowds, higher prices, and more activities to do.
Summer Carnival: The Carnaval here in Manaus is more of a historic celebration! So, if you want to see all of our traditional songs, called marchinhas, and experience this amazing celebration, start planning ahead! Spaces have a tendency to sell out fast for this time of the year. It usually happens mid to late February, to give you an idea.
Manaus Brazil Fall (April and May): Fall in Manaus is a mixture of different kinds of weather, but itโs after the wet season, so you should have it clear on that end. Temperatures are stable year-round in here, so coming during the Fall months gives you an escape from summer crowds and a better chance at deals.
Manaus Brazil Winter (June to August): Winter is every Manaus travel guideโs most recommended season to come because you can feel a slight drop in temperature. It gets hot enough to enjoy poolside days or adventure on a sweet water beach.
Manaus Brazil Spring (September to November): Manaus travel guides often advise you to skip spring, especially September, since it is the hottest month of the year. But after it is done, the thermometers are a little kinder, and so are the locals with lowering prices to entice fewer crowds.
In the end, your decision is about a lot more than what each season looks like, but it helps to know a little bit!
Manaus TRAVEL GUIDE
Where to Stay in Manaus Brazil? (By Neighborhood)
When you started reading our Manaus travel guide, your biggest question was probably about where to stay in town. The answer to this question really depends on your goals for the trip because each area will offer you a singular experience.
Hotels in Manaus are concentrated in a few areas, so your main options are Historical Downtown (best central location and for groups and solo travelers), Vieralves (best for nightlife), Adrianรณpolis (best for couples), and Itapuรฃ (best for families).
So first, you should have your goal more concrete. Do you want to enjoy the Brazilian nights? Or your goal is to just soak in the sun for some time? Maybe youโre the kind of person who will explore the jungle for hour. Besides that, you should consider who is tagging along since that can be an important factor in your decision.
So, letโs check out each of the main areas from up close.
Historical Downtown (Best Central Location and for Groups and Solo Travelers)
Most Manaus travel guides recommend staying in the Historic Downtown area for a reason. You can take your pick from all kinds of accommodations to enjoy this neighborhood that has all you may need. If you want to be where the action happens, close to tourist spots and transportation, this is the best choice for you!
It is also the top choice for groups and solo travelers because, as I said, you can find all kinds of hotels, from nicer ones to budget-friendly options. Setting up your home in this central spot is perfect for making sure youโre always ready to enjoy your day to the fullest!
Vieralves (Best for Nightlife)
If you want to enjoy the wonders of nightlife in Manaus, then your accommodation should be in the Vieralves neighborhood.
You can find options for enjoying your night in every district, but Vieralves is the one where the best choices are! You can find nightclubs and cozy bars or even try your hand at karaoke. Your nights are sure to end with plenty of stories to tell.
Adrianรณpolis (Best for Couples)
Whenever traveling with my better half, we always look for places with nicer places to stay at, regardless of closeness to downtown. Adrianรณpolis offers you the best hotels, nicer restaurants, and mobility to wherever you want to go!
You can walk through quiet streets and even enjoy an afternoon at the biggest shopping mall in town,
Itapuรฃ (Best for Families)
Itapuรฃ is our Manaus travel guide recommendation for all the families coming to enjoy this gorgeous area. Because it is a little further away from the downtown area, you can enjoy a different kind of peace. Plus, if you have a rental car, a lot of hotels in this area have parking spots for them!
This amazing neighborhood is ready to take care of you with all the amenities you may need and let you follow your heart toward the next adventure!
Manaus TRAVEL GUIDE
Best Things to Do in Manaus Brazil
- Try Your Luck With the Black River Beach: โโI say try your luck because this one isnโt available all the time! The Black River, known for its dark and warm waters, sometimes has a tide low enough to enjoy a sweet water beach day with locals!
- Witness Natural Magic: Thankfully, Iโve already talked a bit about the Black River because it is half of our magic trick. At the โEncontro das รguas,โ you get to see Solimรตes and Black River meet, but they donโt mix! Both rivers have distinct temperatures and colors, which makes for a wonderful sight!
- Travel Back in Time at Paricatuba Village: Paricatuba is a time-forgotten village a short distance away from the state capital, filled with ruins to be explored, and at the end of the day, you can watch the most gorgeous sunset at the banks of the Black River.
- Appreciate Nature at Janauari Lake Eco Park: This amazing place is a boat ride away from Manaus, and it is a retreat for vegetation that is only in the area. You should set aside enough time to explore it properly since a lot of you see here will be a once-in-a-lifetime sight.
- Learn About the Place Youโre in at Musa: Being the townโs biggest natural center, this museum is alive. It is located at the Adolpho Ducke reservation, and the unique location makes for a truly immersive experience! In this property, youโll be able to find hiking trails, libraries, and something for everyone to do.
- Taste Your Way Through the Manauara Cuisine: Old-fashioned state capitals are never complete without a huge municipal market. In the Adolpho Lisboa Market, you can try a lot of traditional dishes or just browse several stalls full of knickknacks that make for perfect souvenirs.
Manaus TRAVEL GUIDE
Best Manaus Tours
When you go to a place like Manaus, where the surroundings are as interesting as the city itself, planning an itinerary can be confusing. A way to get around that and make the most of it is booking tours, aka tours.
This section of our Manaus travel guide is dedicated to showing some ways to tour the city itself plus the surrounding areas! You will make unforgettable memories in this place.
Once you arrive in town, it is a good idea to take a complete city tour to get a quick feel of where you want to explore further. I try to do this in every new city I go to. Mostly because it is terrible to find a place you love and have to leave the day after.
๐กPro Tip: Tours should always be booked carefully. Try to use only trusted websites or book them through your hotelโs concierge service. A lot of street vendors and sketchy-looking stores will try to sell you stuff, but the risk of being scammed is way too high.
Guided tours can be a lot more than just a way to simplify your itinerary. Tours give you the freedom to enjoy the moment and have a professional guiding you through the motions. If you choose carefully, your only concern will be enjoying a perfect day.
Here Are My Favorite Ways to Tour Manaus:
- Complete Manaus City Tour: As I just mentioned in this Manaus travel guide, splurge on a complete city tour in your first few days in town. You can do it in several ways, including on foot through the historic downtown area and maybe check some sights off of your list.
- Spend a Day in the Jungle: Or two, or three, or as many as you want! Just as with city tours, jungle tours can take many different shapes. But if you just want to get a quick experience before heading back to your hotel, one day should be more than enough to explore the jungle. Depending on which you get, they can include other activities like swimming with pink sweetwater dolphins.
- Go Chasing Waterfalls: One thing you can find a lot of around here is breathtaking waterfalls. So go chasing waterfalls and book different tours to visit the most famous ones at President Figueiredo and Iracema.
- Learn About Native People: A tourist-fave way to tour the surroundings is by visiting native villages nearby. Going to a tribe is a truly unique way to get to know this part of Brazil we often forget exists. You can go for as long as you want, and the natives will be happy to receive you!
- Private Custom Tours: But the best way to tour is BY FAR to have a private custom tour if youโre able to splurge! You can work with your guide to put together an itinerary that works with your plans, and the best part is you donโt need to deal with a whole group while you enjoy everything Manaus has to offer.
Below are Manaus Tours in More Detail:
Manaus TRAVEL GUIDE
Is Manaus Safe for Tourists?
Every Manaus travel guide needs to have a section dedicated to safety. Not because this is a dangerous city, but because you should always be cautious when youโre in new places! You could be going to Paris or a Brazilian metropolis; the risks are quite similar.
The main concern for any tourist-heavy area is petty theft. Pickpockets are always on the lookout for tourists who look unprepared and distracted, waiting to take their wallets or phones. The key to being safe is being prepared, so here are
๐กPro Safety Tips (For Any City You Travel To):
- Whenever youโre out living your best life, make sure your belongings are secure. Your most important items like cards, IDs, and even your cell phone can go in a thin fanny pack under your clothing.
- Other less important items can go in your bag since they are probably easier to replace if anything happens.
- Busier times at tourist spots are the prime time for anything happening, so be careful around sudden chaos because it can be fabricated as a distraction.
- Even if it seems like the environment around you seems calm, avoid taking your valuables out since it makes you look like more of a target.
- This tip is most valid in bigger cities, but always ask your hotel front desk if any areas need to be avoided at night or all the time.
- Flashier items, especially with designer logos, should stay in your room because they make you stand out from the crowd, and petty criminals can identify that easily.
Whenever you are at a new place, keep your safety measures in place because itโs better to be safe than regret something later. Being careful with everything, even your drinks, always pays off. In the end, it is all about trying to make smart decisions.
Plan ahead to make sure youโre choosing the best scenarios, and your trip will be amazing!
What is the Best Travel Insurance for Brazil?
Well, tap water is a huge NO in all of Brazil.
Tap water isnโt drinkable anywhere in our country. It is safe to use externally, but donโt drink it under any circumstances!
You will be able to safely brush your teeth and do your hygiene, but no Manaus travel guide will tell you itโs okay to chug it. Youโd do best by buying bottled water when needed or carrying a refillable one to take advantage of filters.
Most establishments that deal with food have a filter to make ice and drinks, so you can ask for some โรกgua da casa.โ If itโs not available, then just buy a bottle.
Also, another topic every Manaus travel guide touches on is how hot it can get here ALL YEAR LONG. So stay properly hydrated when youโre outside; otherwise, you can get sick and ruin your entire trip.
So Your Steps to Stay Safe With the Water Are:
- If you are in an Airbnb, boil water in case there isnโt a filter. The filter is usually attached to the kitchen sink faucet.
- At hotels, buy bottled water in the absence of filters. This can get expensive quickly, so look for grocery stores nearby to buy it cheaper.
- Bring along or buy a reusable water bottle to refill, and because refilling is generally free, you donโt have to worry about something as simple as buying drinking water while in Manaus, Brazil. Something like the Water-To-Go Filterable Bottle works really well.
Let’s explore what each of them brings to the table:
โ World Nomads: Best for comprehensive coverage, flexibility, AND adventure sports. Covers trip cancellation, emergency medical costs, and emergency medical transportation and protects your travel gear.
โ SafetyWing: This is for general travelers, frequent travelers, and long-term digital nomads in Brazil. Provides lots of flexibility as far as start date, coverage extension, and automatic renewals. It also has limited home-country coverage.
โ Travel Insurance Master: Brazil travel insurance search tool, this is for people who really want to compare policies.
Manaus TRAVEL GUIDE
Manaus Travel: Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drink the water in Manaus Brazil?
Tap water is a big NO for drinking in all of Brazil.
Water from taps isnโt good for drinking anywhere in our country. It is okay to use it externally, but donโt drink it under any circumstances since it wasnโt treated for consumption!
You are cleared to safely brush your teeth and do your hygiene, but no Manaus travel guide will recommend you just chug it. It would be best to buy bottled water when needed or carry a refillable one to take advantage of filters.
Most places that deal with food have a dedicated filter to make their ice and drinks, so you can always ask for some โรกgua da casa.โ If it isnโt available for free, then just buy a bottle for now.
Also, another topic every Manaus travel guide should touch on is how hot it gets here ALL YEAR LONG. So, staying properly hydrated when outside is a must; otherwise, you may get sick and ruin your entire trip.
So Your Steps to Stay Safe With the Water Are:
- If you are in an Airbnb, boil water in case there isnโt a filter. The filter is usually attached to the kitchen sink faucet.
- At hotels, buy bottled water in the absence of filters. This can get expensive quickly, so look for grocery stores nearby to buy it cheaper.
- Bring along or buy a reusable water bottle to refill, and because refilling is generally free, you donโt have to worry about something as simple as buying drinking water while in Manaus, Brazil.
Whatโs the Manaus Weather Like?
Manausโ weather is unlike most of Brazil since itโs equatorial, which means mostly higher temperatures and a lot of rain depending on the time of the year.
Because thermometers tend to be stable, you donโt get a lot of variation between seasons. Summer months (December through February) average between 31โฐC and 24โฐC (87,8โฐF to 75,2โฐF), and winter (June through September) remains in the same area.
The wet season is generally from December to May, and the water levels can vary up to 15 meters (42 ft). It is wonderful to see how the buildings are created to accommodate this variation! The only recommendation I can think of is to avoid the last couple of months in the dry season because the air gets too dry, and that can be uncomfortable.
Is Manaus Expensive?
The answer to this depends on where you are coming from. If your original spot is somewhere in the US or Europe, even the UK, it is super affordable because of favorable exchange rates. The key to making your money go a long way is to plan everything nicely beforehand.
It is so much easier to have a good time when we donโt have to worry about expenses as much. But if you are a person who prefers to stay on the higher end of things, your costs will definitely add up to an amount closer to what you generally spend.
Brazil is a different kind of place. You can easily find amazing places to dine in, handcrafted items, and places to visit for a fair price.
We talk about peak and slow seasons further down our Manaus travel guide, but it is always important to remember how prices are hiked up during peak seasons. So, coming in an off-season can make room in your budget for more amazing activities or experiences.
Is Manaus Worth Visiting?
Well, I definitely think so!
This part of northern Brazil is the last one to preserve how things were once upon a time before Europeans arrived on the continent. So itโll be worth it to get on a plane and discover the wild side of South America. And if you want to go even further, no one celebrates Carnaval with as much tradition as the northern people.
You need to consider Manaus if you are the kind of traveler who prefers to enjoy different experiences and live through amazing things. Amazon is a huge state; you can use the capital as a home base for all kinds of adventures.
And all that doesnโt include the local cuisine! There are many things you will only be able to taste here. So open your mind and your heart to this amazing city.
How Many Days Do I Need in Manaus Brazil?
Not only is Manaus a historic state capital, but it is also a crossing point into a lot of itineraries you can do in the state.
Should you only be interested in going over the main spots before moving on to your next stop, three days are enough. You can stay in town, take a city tour, and still have time to sit down for a couple of meals of traditional manauara cuisine.
Now, if your trip is scheduled for peak travel seasons and you want to take your time with everything, then you will need seven to nine full days. This time allows you to venture out into the surrounding areas, take a couple of tours, and not stress so much about crowds.
As the person going along this ultimate Manaus travel guide with you, I recommend you think of how many days you need and add a couple to the tally. With a little extra time, you can work around anything that happens or just take a small break.
General Manaus, Brazil Travel Info & FAQ
๐ Manaus Weather
Remember when our Manaus travel guide talked about this being an equatorial city?
That means defined seasons are not really a concept that exists here. What really defines the weather in Manaus are the wet and dry seasons. From December to May, you can expect rain showers with a certain frequency, but they will be over almost as soon as they start. And the months between June and November tend to stay on the drier side.
I believe Manaus is a year-round destination; you just need to prepare for the time of the year youโre coming in.ย
๐ฐ Brazil Currencyย
Brazil’s official currency is the Brazilian Real, symbolized as BRL or R$.ย
Although Credit and Debit cards are accepted almost anywhere, it is smart to be prepared! Always have some cash on hand. It is good for when you find a street fair or want to pay for an activity. Sometimes, the networks crash, and you need cash.ย
Itโs better to be over-prepared than to miss out on something incredible.
๐ฃ๏ธ Brazil Languageย
Brazil’s official language is Portuguese, so in Manaus and throughout the country, this is what you’ll most likely hear.ย
Yes, English is available in some way in most tourist spots, as well as in higher-end accommodations. However, you still need to learn some basic Portuguese beforehand to enrich your experience and make better connections with locals.
To help you do that, you can use language-learning apps such as Duolingo and Pimsleur.
๐ซ Manaus Brazil Busy Season & Slow Season
Manaus Busy Season: Not just here, every city that relies on tourism has its busy season in Summer (December to February) plus the last weeks of July because of school holidays. Also, Carnaval happens in mid-February, which is maybe the highest peak, so you will face larger crowds, higher prices, and a harder time in general.
Manaus Slow Season: The slow season for Brazil is generally fall/winter, meaning from March to June, a few weeks in July, and all then all the way to November. If you want to come to Brazil while getting better deals doing it, then this is your time frame to book the trip.ย
Manaus Shoulder Seasons: The shoulder seasons in Brazil are usually Fall and Spring. These months offer you balanced conditions for traveling. And since Manaus has stable temperatures year-round, you can get endless beach days! Just remember that the months between April and June tend to be more humid!
Do I Need a Visa for Brazil?ย
The Short Answer: If you are traveling from the US, Canada, Australia, and Japan, the answer is no, UNTIL October 1, 2023, then the answer is yes. Currently, no visa is necessary from European Union (EU) countries. This looks like it will be the case even after October 1, 2023.ย
The Longer Answer Traveling to Brazil is a great experience, but it is important to make sure you have all your ducks in a row so to speak. That means having the proper documentation needed to enter the country.ย
Here’s what you need to know about securing a visa for Brazil, specifically for citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, and European Union (EU) countries.
Section 1: US, Canada, Australia, and Japan
Citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, and Japan can currently enter visa-free travel to Brazil for tourism or business purposes.ย
This applies to stays of up to 90 days within a 12-month period. All you need is a valid passport with an expiry date at least six months beyond your intended departure from Brazil.
Brazil is looking to implement the visa requirement again for these four countries as of October 1, 2023, so plan in advance for this.ย
Section 2: European Union (EU)ย Nationals
For most European Union citizens, including those from the UK, Germany, France, and Italy, also benefit from visa-free entry to Brazil.ย
This policy permits EU nationals to stay in Brazil for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days within a 12-month period. Like others, they will need a passport that is valid for at least six months past the date of entry into Brazil.
Visa and immigration requirements can and do change. It is always advised to check the latest information from the official government websites of Brazil or your home country’s foreign travel advisory services before making travel plans.
For the most recent and comprehensive information about visa requirements for all nationalities, consult the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or a Brazilian embassy or consulate near you during your pre-planning phase of your trip.ย
The October 1st, 2023 update does not look like it will affect EU Nationals, but research accordingly here.
What Do I Need on My Brazil Packing List?ย
Packing your bags to travel abroad is a part of the adventure. if youโre like me and feel like youโre never quite sure what to take and always end up forgetting something essential, this next part of our Manaus travel guide is for you.
Here’s a curated list focusing on your primary needs:
๐ Power Adapters: Near the beginning of this Manaus travel guide, we talked about what power outlets look like here, so bring adapters that fit types C and N outlets. Double check you have the correct ones and more than one since theyโre not so easy to find. For visitors from other countries, youโll need something like this universal travel adapter.
๐ณ Brazil and Florianopolis SIM Card: You need to be online when going places you donโt know. You may need to use apps like Uber and Google Translate to move around and communicate, so get a SIM card with a big data package. You can get eSIM cards nowadays, too!
๐ง Filterable Water Bottle: Because tap water in Brazil is safe to use but not drink, this Manaus travel guide reminds you to pack a reusable water bottle. The Water-To-Go Filterable Bottle is a great option. It is refillable, but filters your water so you donโt get sick in Brazil.
๐ Anti-Hangover Meds: Especially if you come over for Carnival celebrations, bring over whatever medicine you already trust. Like this, you avoid wasting a whole day in bed.
๐ Sun Protection: The Brazilian sun is intense, and heat is guaranteed in northern states, so be ready! Have plenty of high-SPF sunscreen and a hat to wear if needed. Even just a short time unprotected in the sun causes a lot of harm.
๐ฆ Bug Repellent: Brazil is mostly in tropical weather, and Manaus is surrounded by natural landscapes and jungles. And because mosquitoes and bugs will be around, especially during summer, pack repellant and remember to put on a nice layer every time you head out. To make it easy, here is an eco-friendly bug repellent.
๐ฉด Comfortable Footwear: On this Manaus travel guide, we talked about how you can take tours walking through town, exploring the jungle, and more. You want to do that with comfortable shoes, so leave the brand-new ones out in favor of your trusted pairs.
๐ Travel Documents: Triple-check if you have every document you may need during your trip in a safe spot. This includes passports, visas, valid licenses, and travel insurance. Bring at least two copies of each since itโll make dealing with losses or theft easier.
Another important thing to remember is that depending on how big your toiletries are, you canโt have them in carry-on bags, so check the companyโs policy before boarding. The rest of your packing list needs to include clothes appropriate for the heat and geared toward your planned activities.ย
Is it Safe to Rent a Car and Drive in Manaus Brazil?ย
Of course! You can easily pick up a car when you land at the airport and drive to wherever youโre staying in Manaus!ย
But not every Manaus travel guide talks about traffic rules being a little different in Brazil when compared to other countries. You can rely on your carโs GPS or Google Maps to take care of translating directions, and because they need it, make sure good mobile internet is available.
Remember, our cars drive on the right-hand side! Donโt forget to get good insurance policies when booking your rental for safety. Double-check that your doors are locked each time you park the rental, with no valuable items left in sight.
All things considered, driving in Manaus is safe. Itโll add much more freedom to your trip. So, think of it as more than a way to get places; it is part of the adventure!
Do I Need to Speak Portuguese to Visit Brazil?
You wonโt exactly need fluent Portuguese because you are coming to a place where tourism is popular, and the industry has adapted to have English speakers available.
However, itโs recommended you add a few key phrases to your vocabulary so your experience is much deeper. Itโll help with being immersed in the city and in a pinch if people around you arenโt English speakers. Tools such as DuoLingo are amazing! They have great user-friendly apps to help with picking up the basics before a trip.
Not achieving fluency isnโt a hurdle for you to have a great time in Brazil. Itโs just nice to learn a little bit of whatever language is spoken where youโre going so you donโt rely solely on translating apps. It is something I usually try to do, and if you are like me,
Here Are Some Great Language Preparation Options for Your Trip to Brazil:
Learn A Little Portuguese: It is best to use language-learning platforms that have apps like Duolingo and Pimsleur. They have interactive courses to help you gain some confidence to speak Portuguese when you come here.
Use Google Translate App: This app can be a lifesaver in emergencies. Whenever you have to navigate language barriers, make sure to have it downloaded on your phone. Also, remember to have a Brazilian/Travel SIM card with plenty of data.
Get a Portuguese Phrasebook: And just in case, Iโd also recommend you pack a Portuguese phrasebook like the โLonely Planet Portuguese Phrasebook.โ It is good to have a non-digital assistant on hand to help with communication and local language.
Even if you wonโt achieve fluency, it is important to have at least basic knowledge of the local language. It makes your experience richer, making you turn into your own Manaus travel guide. Locals love to see visitors make an effort.
Is Brazil Safe for Solo Female Travel?ย
Brazil is generally safe for solo female travel, but we need to take precautions just as anywhere else to ensure safety.
Remember the tips weโve discussed before in this Manaus travel guide! Do research on your accommodations and only book well-reviewed ones. Your activities should be booked through online services, and you need to be attentive to your surroundings at all times.
In addition to that, leave your fancier items at home to avoid unwanted attention.
We also ask you to respect the local rules and customs in place, even if they seem silly. Itโll show locals you care! As for transportation, use only trusted apps like Uber and 99, or just rent a car if you can!
If youโre entirely on your own, never forget to keep family and friends updated on your whereabouts, just in case.
Manaus is the heart of a wonderful part of my country, and I canโt wait to go there again. You might reach it before I do, so enjoy it for both of us! Just remember that planning can turn an ordinary trip into a life-changing experience.
