Planning a trip to the Amazon region can be a daunting task simply because there is so much to do. There are iconic spots like the meeting of waters and the ‘Teatro Amazonas’. But who is better than a Brazilian local to tell you the best things to do in and around the heart of the Amazon rainforest?
Beyond the iconic Amazon Theater, Manaus serves as a gateway to unique experiences like exploring the Meeting of Waters and immersive jungle tours that reveal the rich biodiversity of the Amazon.โ
In this article, we are going over the top ten things to do in Manaus Brazil. Trust me, this is the best place for people who want to experience natural wonders and local culture.
If you want more, we also put together a completeย Manaus travel guide for this fantastic city! Now, back to it!
Although there are over four million square miles of Amazon jungle, coming to Manaus will give you a unique opportunity to dive into the rich history of the Amazon region. So, what are the best things to do in Manaus Brazil?
Whether your idea of exploring is a guided tour walking past the famous Opera House and cultural center, maybe you want to relax on a boat tour through the Amazon River or witness the ‘Encontro das Aguas’.
No matter what kind of tourism you prefer to do, you will have the best time doing any of the top ten things to do in Manaus Brazil, Let’s dive into them now!
1. Full Days Amazon Jungle Tour
The Amazon region is full of rich history and iconic sights like the Teatro Amazonas, numerous restaurants where you can try local food, and street fairs where you can enjoy live music. But there is something magical about going into the heart of the Amazon rainforest.
Far away from more popular spots like the Meeting of the Waters, spending full days on an Amazon jungle tour is one of the best things to do in Manaus Brazil.
Sure, you will not stay in Manaus itself but you’ll hardly be like early 20th century rubber barons who went into jungles with no idea what to expect. My recommendation as a local is to book a days-long jungle tour with Jungle Resorts. There are some, like the Juma Amazon Lodge, that will help guests put together a perfect schedule for however many days they want.
A huge advantage to staying at a luxury resort is you can include excursions down to the Amazon River bank or go privately to the Encontro das Aguas. You can always extend your trip by a few days once you have had your fill of natural surroundings.
2. Overnight Jungle Experience
Spending long days in between trees and foliage might not be that high on your list of things to do in Manaus Brazil. And that is okay! Maybe you are a traveler like me, someone who values that kind of experience but isn’t exactly eager to do it for very long. In that case, an overnight jungle experience can be just right for you.
That way you are able to have a kind of highlight reel of the area around you.
There are two ways this overnight experience can go! One of them is an approach closer to local culture. A local Amazonian will guide you on trails, help your group set up a campsite then take you back to safety.
My favorite way to do those things, though, is with a little more comfort so getting these experiences through your jungle lodge should be the best way to go about it.
I think the most important part of any guided tour is whoever will be leading it. So in case your Portuguese isn’t fluent, be sure to look for guides that speak your language! Most major lodging options will have multilingual guides available for guests, it is worth the extra money you’ll invest.
3. Day Experience in the Jungle
Did you know that there are different kinds of tourism for different kinds of people? You might be the kind of person who likes to get the most done in however much time there is. For these people, even an overnight stay in the jungle can seem like a waste of time. That’s why one of our top ten things to do in Manaus Brazil, is a day experience in the jungle.
Shorter experiences usually start early in the morning, leaving from Manaus, and last for about eight hours. Think of it as a highlight reel of the best place for nature lovers. My favorite aspect of tours like these is that it is a lot easier to personalize to make this experience work for you. I’d say to include a sunset boat tour, right as late afternoon turns into evening, to wrap up your day.
Although different experiences are my favorite things about traveling, jungle experiences are very tiring. Take it from a friend, don’t schedule it for the first days. Or else you will end up too tired to enjoy anything else.
4. Amazon Private Safari
We know that jungle experiences are perfect for people who want a more hands-on approach to ecological tourism. If you want to have unique experiences and still maintain a high comfort level, you can book a private safari through the Amazon region around Manaus. This will give people an opportunity to look closely at the Brazilian fauna, which is so different from what we see in northern countries.
Booking a private guided tour can be more expensive, I know, but it will be so worth it once you are able to follow your own beat. Just remember that highly tourist areas are a hunting ground for scammers, and it can be potential by language barriers.
My advice is to book through your lodging, so your only job is enjoying a nice day. In case that isn’t an option, ask the front desk for their recommended vendors!
Do your research, and read as many reviews as you need to before choosing who is going to be your guide in this once-in-a-lifetime activity.
5. River Day Tour From Manaus
Yes, seeing the meeting of the waters is probably what most people come over to see. Our ‘encontro das รกguas’ is truly a breathtaking sight, usually the highlight of every boat tour that crosses the Amazon River.
What makes a river tour one of our top ten things to do in Manaus Brazil, is that it is an activity perfect for everyone. No matter your age, hop on a boat to witness local culture from a unique point of view.
This is one of those activities that will always look different no matter how many times you do it. I recommend you take your time to browse many different itineraries to see what works for your group. Some tours will even include quick stops to visit an Indigenous tribe, pink dolphin observation, or food and drinks for as long as your ride lasts.
It can be one of the most fun things on your trip!
As it happens with other activities, boat tours can be private. Just prepare your trip’s budget to accommodate that.
6. Private City Tour of the Historic Center of Manaus
The thing about historically significant cities like this one is that they have many entertainment options. There are so many things to do in Manaus Brazil, that it can be overwhelming.
The Teatro Amazonas, the Palacio Rio Negro, Bosque da Ciencia, and the botanical garden and what is the best order to see it all? To save you the hassle of figuring it all out, why not go for a guided tour?
I would say that you should go even further and book a private tour to explore the center of Manaus. This town, founded in the late seventeenth century, offers a unique perspective on the Collonial Brazil era. Because it is just one neighborhood, you will probably do your touring on foot so leave your brand-new shoes at the hotel.
Opt for comfy walking sneakers and a water bottle.
Oh, look for a guide who speaks a language you are fluent in. It will make a world of difference!
7. Highlights in the City of Manaus Guided Tour
Unlike a historical center guided tour, which will hardly leave the surroundings of the Teatro Amazonas, a city-wide tour will give you a wider knowledge of such an iconic city. Some suggested things to add to your itinerary are Municipal Markets and Street Fairs, Palacio Rio Negro and Amazonas Theater. But since it is a city-wide tour there are other iconic sights you could see.
What some city tours include, that could be interesting if you come during Brazilian summer, is taking the time to drive to Rio Grande do Norte’s Ponta Negra Beach. It is one of our biggest urban beaches! You may think guided tours are a waste but when you don’t have that long in town, or just don’t want to spend any time on planning, they will quickly become one of the best things to do in Manaus Brazil!
I’d go as far as saying they are a great activity to do on your first few days, just so you can figure out where you’d like to spend more time!
8. Meeting of the Waters & Pink Dolphin Tour With Lunch
Did you know that a meeting of the waters is actually a common phenomenon? But the most iconic one happens between Rivers Solimรตes and Black. Solimรตes River, with its murky beige waters, meets the currents of dark, almost black, waters of the Black River for almost four miles. They don’t mix because of current speeds, temperatures, and water acidity.
If there is anything that makes it from this article to your list of things to do in Manaus Brazil, it has to be taking a boat to see this amazing event up close. And since you are going to be gliding down river waters, why not look for an itinerary that is going to include looking for charming pink dolphins? These smart animals can only be found in Latin America, so don’t miss out on your chance!
Boat rides can be unpredictable, so have your traveler’s insurance policy handy in case anything happens.
9. Manaus to Belรฉm by Boat
Brazil is famous worldwide for a few things: carnival, soccer, music, and our natural beauty. So much of it is in our northern regions, over eighty percent of it is covered in Amazonian foliage. Because of that, we do try to preserve as much as possible.
One way to do it is taking advantage of rivers as a means of going places. There are floating restaurants, hospitals that go where cars can’t, and of course: bus-like boats.
Instead of facing dangerous roads to reach your next stop, why not try taking a boat from Manaus? The itinerary I suggest here going from Manaus to Belรฉm by boat. This journey lasts for up to four days, the enchanting part being all the stops made along the way. This is going to be your chance to squeeze some extra places into your time here.
It can seem tiring to spend four days on a boat trip but it’s one of those things you shouldn’t pass on the opportunity to do. Who knows when you will have the chance to come here again?
10.Tour of Presidente Figueiredo
Presidente Figueiredo, nationally known as the capital of caves and waterfalls, is a perfect side quest for your Amazonian adventure. As I just said, Brazil is quite popular with tourists who enjoy more natural sights. In one day or less, you will be able to get so much done! What I love about booking tours is getting to avoid driving on roads I am unfamiliar with.
This is another case where doing research beforehand can make heaps of difference. You can get simpler packages or splurge for more complete ones, with breakfast or a group photographer. The tricky part about going on a tour of caves and waterfalls is that it can be dangerous. So let me remind you again how important it is to have good insurance while traveling abroad.
Also, always listen to your guide when you’re amongst the trees!
With this comprehensive list of things to do in Manaus Brazil, you probably have a better idea of the best way to spend your time in the capital of the Brazilian Amazon. Just remember to also consider when you are coming too! Manaus has a pretty defined dry season, with an equally powerful rainy season. To help you out, here are the best times of the year to come over for each kind of activity.
- Cruises, Boat Tours, or Jungle Experiences: It is best to come over during June, July, and August. Those months are the Brazilian winter, so nature lovers should have a milder atmosphere while doing physical exploring.
- Flooded Parts of The Forest (Igapรณs): From late Brazilian Fall through our Winter, May to August. Because water will help regulate temperature, your concern should be more about insects. Colder weather is perfect for avoiding most little critters.
- Sweet Water Beaches: Did exploring get you down and do you want to have some unique experiences but still relax? If there are any Sweet Water beaches in your itinerary, October through February. Late Brazilian Spring and all of Summer are great for a sweet dip.
- Manaus Opera Festival: This one is a more particular activity. If you hope to take part in this lovely cultural heritage tradition, then May is going to be your month. Remember to look up exact dates since those can vary from year to year.
Besides planning your activities, there are other things for you to consider on your trip. There are the obvious aspects of documentation and not-so-obvious ones like health insurance. I am sure you will want to go further than the Palacio Rio Negro. For all kinds of adventuring, you have to be ready for anything. Plus, nature lovers know how unpredictable nature can be so going into the heart of the Amazon rainforest without insurance is too risky.
From the city center to meeting indigenous people, one of these top things to do in Manaus Brazil, is a great way to make your itinerary work for you!
