Manaus is a city surrounded by 2 million square
miles of Amazon jungle. Nowadays, it is
the gateway for tourists seeking Amazon jungle adventures.
Tourists from different parts arrive on daily
flights. This city is a place to enjoy the surrounding natural splendor.
Visit Manaus to explore the Amazon's wildlife
on a jungle tour, cruise along the river tributaries or for being astonished by
its architecture.
Here, there is a short list of some activities
to do in Manaus.
Encontro das Aguas
If you
visit Manaus, you have to see Encontro das Aguas. It is one of the world's
natural wonders.
This place, located 20 kilometers southeast of
the city, is where the Rio Negro joins the Rio Solimões to form the Amazon
River. This area is special because two
rivers run together for about six kilometers without mixing.
Boat trips are the most popular trips from
Manaus. The main reason why the waters do not mix is a combination of elements
such as density, temperature, and current speeds.
A boat trip is the best way to see three
different areas of this place; you can see channels, and lakes in the Rio Negro
area, the Solimões area, and the Amazon River.
The best season to visit Encontro das Aguas is
between September and November when water levels are low.
Anavilhanas Islands
It is an archipelago consisting of 400 islands
and islets in the Rio Negro, between Manaus and Novo Airão.
It has hundreds of lakes, watercourses, and
igapós (flooded forests) extending for 90 kilometers.
The Anavilhanas Nature Reserve offers a complete
view of the Amazonian ecosystem.
Between November and April, the river is high.
It means that the waters flooded the islands. During this season you can see
squirrel monkeys, night monkeys, sloths, different types of birds (parrots,
Toucans, woodpeckers, herons), caimans, turtles and many other reptiles.
During the dry season, the islands re-merge. In
other words, larger animals return, and the channels appear.
Parque Ecológico
Janauari
It is an ecological park, located about 45
minutes by boat from Manus, and it has a variety of ecosystems.
There are solid land, várzeas (alluvial
plains), and igapós (swampy woodland) in this park.
A boat tour is the only way to take you through
the intricate network of igarapés. These narrow channels are surrounded by
amazing vegetation that goes from grasses to kapok trees.
The main attraction of the park is a lake
covered with Victoria Amazonica, a unique water lily.
The main characteristic of this lily is its two
meters in diameter floating leaves, and its flowers have a very short life.
The park is also filled with birds that you can
see.
Manaus is a place to experience a natural
wonder like the Amazon. There are many places to visit, both upriver and down, which
offer to you an Amazonian adventure.