One of my five stops in Brazil in 1986 was Manaus. I enjoyed the place so much that it is needs another visit again soon. The surrounding jungle and the river are an adventurer's paradise. Like a permanent sauna though, very humid.
Ferry across the Amazon to a jungle walk and lodging
Manaus lies on the mighty Amazon River, about halfway between source and delta. Even though more than 1000 miles from the ocean, the river is so broad that one can harly see the other side. Manaus is an important trading post for goods going both up and down river, the market and capital of the province Amazonas. Its also become the centre for environmental organisations saving the jungle from abuse.
Favourite spots:
Our group
The very buisy fish and produce market at the docks.
Enjoying Caiprinia (Rum and Limejuice) or just an ice-cold-cola at a local bar.
What's really great:
Lake "peacefull"
The hotels/guides offer experience trips deep into the jungle. Ours offered a lodge on one of the small lakes dotting the area. Beutiful natural scenery and clear water to swim in after a sweaty jungle walk. Overnighting is recommended, the wildlife not being very quiet at night but the atmosphere amazing. Our guide took us alligator hunting at night. We didnt swim the next day!
Sights:
Facade and curtain of the Manaus Opera House
The Opera House (strange place for one) was imported and reassembled from europe in the 19th century.
The floating docks
Native People Museum
Meeting of the Waters - were the dark (clean) waters of the Negro meet the brown (from clay) waters of the Amazon.
Accommodations:
Cool swim in a very hot and humid Amazon climate
Tropical Manaus Hotel
Other recommendations:
Boating the lagoons
The zoo was (1986) depressing to visit, young animals being collected by military jungle patrols and kept in small cages.
An interesting trip is to Careiro where the (only) road from the southern part of the Amazon meets the Amazon Ferry. The bus from there was very full though, we had women and children sitting on our laps!