Overview Manaus is the capital of the Amazonas State, located in northern Brazil. This city is located along the Rio Negro, nearby the world famous Amazon River. It's a bustling cosmopolitan city that is located right next to the famous Amazon Rainforest, making it a popular place for tourists to visit.
Being the main market area in Brazil, many Brazilians travel (sometimes hours) to Manaus to do their shopping. As such, Manaus can get quite busy.
This area has an equatorial climate, meaning that there is not really a dry season in Manaus. There is rain all year round in this tropical part of the world, and it can get very hot and humid.
Destinations The following destinations can be visited on a cruise leaving from Manaus, Brazil:
South America
Currency The official currency of Brazil is the Real (BRL). Using a credit card whenever possible is a great way to avoid having to exchange currency. US Dollars will be accepted at some places as well - don't expect your change to be in US Dollars though, so bring small bills if you plan to pay that way. ATM machines are available (usually in most of the banks), but make sure you use one that works with the card you're using.
Language The official language of Brazil is Portuguese. English is understood and spoken by some of the locals that work in tourist-related venues.
Tourist Attractions There is a nice high-end shopping center located right at the cruise pier. Upon exiting this area you end up right on the streets of Manaus. Throughout this city is a seemingly endless number of small shops, selling a wide range of items.
The most popular attraction in the area is, not surprisingly, the Amazon Rainforest. The Amazon Rainforest contains over half of the world's remaining rainforests. As such, there are a ton of popular land and boat trips offered through this area, allowing you to enjoy one of the most tropical areas in the world. Taking an overnight trip in the rainforest is an exciting (and sometimes expensive) option, popular among those that want to do a land package before and/or after their cruise, depending on where Manaus falls within their cruise's itinerary.
A popular boat trip to take is to view what is known as "The Meeting of the Waters." This is a very interesting event that takes place where the black waters of the Negro River (the Rio Negro) meet with the brown waters of the Solimoes River (a section of the Amazon River). They flow side by side without mixing for a while, creating a very interesting effect.
Ponta Negra Beach is the most popular beach in the area, located about 18 km from downtown Manaus. It's a great place to enjoy the sun during the day and the nightlife later in the evening.
Mercado Adolpho Lisboa is a marketplace located in the center of Manaus, along the shores of the Negro River. It's a great place to find interesting souvenirs, as well as fresh fruit and goods. This is actually the oldest marketplace in the city, as it was founded in 1882. This area is located about 10 minutes away (walking) from the cruise terminal. Since Manaus is the main shopping and trading area in Brazil, many locals come to this area to do their shopping.
The Teatro Amazonas (the Amazon Theatre) is an opera house that was built in 1896. It's one of the most well known landmarks in Manaus and is located right in the heart of the city. This is a beautiful place that would be a shame to miss if you're visiting the area. The interior of this theatre is magnificent. Located right by the opera house is the Rio Negro Palace, an interesting cultural center.
Port Location The modern cruise port is located in downtown Manaus. It's actually a floating dock. Most of the major attractions in town are located within walking distance of the cruise pier.
