Manaus - Amazon Info and Miniguide

Manaus is a highly populated city in the state of Amazonas, Brazil. The city is a popular eco-tourist destination in northern Brazil at the confluence of the Rio Negro and Solimões rivers, thanks to its natural wonders. The mixing of the black and yellow waters of the two rivers is worth seeing. Rubber plantations in the region provided a major boost to the economy of the state. Manaus is at the center of the Amazon rain forest, which is what makes it an important tourist center. It also serves as a distribution center for the upper Amazon region. Ocean liners have easy access to the area since the city is at the furthest point of the Amazon's deep-water channel.

Although the city was founded in 1669 as the Fort of São José do Rio Negro, there is not much left of the fort. However, the wildlife and other interesting sights make up for the loss from a visitor’s point of view. Tour boats that ply the Amazon is the best way to experience the sights and sounds of the region. Most of the attractions and hotels are located in the center of the town. Apart from tourism, shipbuilding, brewing, petroleum refining, and electronics, are the major local industries. Jungle lodges and river cruises are what sum up the perfect vacation for tourists.

In 1969, Indian settlers, in a bid to protect themselves from Dutch invaders built the São José da Barra Fortress, made from rock and clay. The village along the banks of River Negro that surrounded the fort was named Sao Jose da Barro do Rio Negro. Later the name was changed to Villa de Barro and finally Manaos in 1856. The Manao Indians were natives predominant to the region. Although it is officaly called Manaos, the city is popularly known as Manaus.The region was a major exporter of natural rubber for years, until the city was remodeled between 1890 and 1910 by the creative minds of architects, engineers, and builders from Europe.

Urbanization of Manaus brought about a better infrastructure with electricity, drainage systems, water treatment plants, and a well developed transportation system. The Amazonas Opera House and the Univesidade Livre de Manaus, Brazil’s first university, are proof of the city’s astonishing development over the past century. Ever since 1967, Manaus has become the largest commercial and industrial sector along the equator due to its growth as an economic, cultural, and educational hub.

By Air

Manuas is serviced by the Eduardo Gomes International Airport. TAM and Copa airlines operate from Miami on a daily basis. Varig, Rico and Lloyd Aereo Boliviano all fly to and from the city. Fares are affordable today, with prices dropping as much as sixty percent.

By Road

A bus service runs from The rodoviária which is 6 km north of central Manaus. Road transport is only available up to Boa Vista, the capital of Roraima State, which lies north of Manaus. During the rainy season make sure you check the road conditions before venturing out.

By Boat

Cruise liners travel to Manaus and give you the opportunity to see many more places along the way. Prices vary from $600 to $3000, depending on the level of comfort you are looking for. River boats ply along three ports, the Bairro Educandos, the Ponte de São Raimundo and the Porto Flutante all the way to Peru and Belem.

Many of Manaus’ tourist attractions are around the Centro and along the river.

You are at an advantage if you can speak a bit of Spanish in Manaus. It would be a good idea to learn a few common phrases to get by with the locals.

Use road transport in the form of buses or taxis if you want to save money and time. However, make sure you don’t carry too many valuables with you and avoid heavy luggage during peak hours.

Hostel International has two hostels in Manaus, the Amazonas Hostel and the Hostel Manaus. For less than US $10 per night you can have a room to yourself. Breakfast is included in the rate. Members of Hostel International with a valid membership card can avail of discounts in some bars, restaurants, and shops in the region.

It is advisable to exchange currency at banks, hotels and foreign exchange bureaus.

Amazônia Turismo at de Setembro 1251 offers currency exchange at reasonable rates. Tel: 3622 7206.

Banco do Brasil at Rua Guilherme Moreira 315 is open from 9am - 3pm Mon - Fri.

Bradesco Av Sete de Setembro has one branch at Av Sete de Setembro at Rua Barroso and one at Av Eduardo Ribeiro.

Manaus has an efficient network of medical facilities. Hospitals include: Hospital de Doenças Tropicais or Hospital of Tropical Illnesses, which is located at Av Pedro Teixeira 25. The hospital specializes in all kinds of tropical diseases. Tel: 238 1146

Unimed on Av Japurá 241 has a 24 hour emergency service. They can be contacted on 3633 4431.

Free yellow fever vaccines are available the airport around the clock. You can also visit Hospital de Doenças between 9 am and 6 pm for a free yellow fever vaccination. Visitors entering Brazil through land or water need to obtain a yellow fever vaccine certificate.