Carved out of the very heart of the Amazonian
wilderness, at the confluence of the Negro and Solimões
rivers, located on the left banks of the Rio Negro, is Manaus
– a city of distinct contrasts, attracting thousands
of visitors from all over the world who enjoy and experience
the adventure of exploring the tropical rain forest. In its
isolation, Manaus has remained almost untouched, surrounded
by rich fauna, lush vegetation – penetrable only by
canoe or small boats, where cranes and more than 1,800 species
of birds make their habitat. The rivers seem endless, almost
proud as they junction, refusing to blend their waters, running
side by side until they fuse into one wide Amazon river. Over
a hundred kinds of fruits produce juices of exotic flavor,
such as guaraná. Fish stews are seasoned with sensuous
Indian spices and served in floating hotels or on river boats
that cruise the waterways in endless movement.
In the early years of the twentieth century Manaus became
very wealthy and the most important cultural centre in the
Northern Region of Brazil. The old rubber barons dreamed of
transforming it into a European style city and called it "the
Paris of the Tropics". The architecture of the great
mansions was a testimony to the luxury and ostentation in
which their inhabitants lived.
A reflection of this period of opulence is to be found in
the monuments of Manaus, such as the Amazonas Theatre, opened
in 1896. Built with the aid of materials and artists brought
from Europe, its central area, in the shape of a harp, can
seat 640 people in the stalls. In 1965 it was declared part
of the Brazilian national heritage and was reopened in 1996
after complete restoration. Other city landmarks include the
Palace of Justice, with traces of the French architectural
style, the Municipal Market, influenced by the art nouveau
style and the Palácio Rio Negro, former seat of the
state government.
Manaus is also an important center for ecological tourism.
Highlights include the Ponta Negra beach, where, when the
river is low, the white sands are exposed right down to the
river bed, forming a beautiful contrast with the dark waters
of the river itself; the forested area of the Amazonian National
Research Institute (INPA), a complex made up of the Botanical
Gardens, rich in plant species from the Amazon region, and
the Zoological Gardens, which contain various animal species
of the region – including some on the verge of extinction;
the Indian Museum, with its large collection of objects from
the indigenous peoples of the upper Negro river; the Amazonian
Natural Science Museum, where a large variety of embalmed
animals and insects can be seen; the Museum of Northern Man,
which has a collection of objects illustrating the way of
life, customs and culture of the local people; and the Port
Museum, with a collection of historical items, documents,
plans and instruments belonging to the English who constructed
the port zone in 1904, with its unique floating docks.
For more information about Manaus, its highlights,
tours and a complete list of hotels, please send us an e-mail
telling us of your specific interests
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