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Embedded in the Amazon Forest, Manaus is a city with almost 1.5 million inhabitants and it is the capital of Amazonas, the largest Brazilian state. The city impresses with its natural beauty, ecological parks and a series of green areas that seem endless. It is a land of contrasts, blending exuberant nature with a high-tech industrial center and the remains of a glorious past, during the peak of the international rubber trade. Manaus was founded in the second half of the 17th century, with the construction of the São José da Barra Fort, on the Negro River's left bank, with the purpose of protecting the region against foreign invasion. Its name is a reference to the manaos Indians that lived in the area.
For many years, the city was practically isolated. However, from the 19th century on, when the international rubber trade started to grow and its raw material, latex, was extracted from native rubber trees, Manaus started to attract the attention of businessmen the world over. By the end of the 19th century, the wealth generated by rubber exports financed the construction of luxury buildings replicating Europe's fashionable architectonic style in the heart of the Forest. Orchestras and European opera companies performed regularly at the Amazonas Theater, one of the greatest symbols of economic development of that period. When the rubber trade declined, for a long time, Manaus was forgotten. It recovered its economic importance with the installation of an industrial center, stimulated by the institution of a Free Zone in 1957. Today, many companies stand out, using state-of-the-art technology to produce electronic, computer and communication equipment.
ATTRACTIONS
Amazonas Theater
It is the greatest symbol of Manaus' economic peak. It has 700 seats and was constructed with bricks brought over from Europe, French glass and Italian marble. Several important opera and theater companies, as well as international orchestras, have already performed there.
Ponta Negra Cultural, Sport and Leisure Park
Ponta Negra beach, located 13 km from downtown Manaus, is one of the city's most important tourist attractions. The complex has beach volleyball courts, cycle way, a belvedere, playground, a medical center and a large sidewalk with bars, restaurants and snack bars. The sunset seen is extraordinary. It also has a modern amphitheater with capacity for 15 thousand people, dressing room, and all the infrastructure for shows, where many popular spectacles are constantly being held.
Public Swimming Areas
The Tarumã, Tarumãzinho and Cachoeira das Almas bayous (branches of rivers), located near the city, are places of leisure for the population on weekends. Manaus has several public swimming areas that are being remodeled and urbanized lately. There are also many private clubs that can be visited.
Beaches and Ecological Parks
For outings to beaches and parks situated near the city, many times it is necessary to use boats. The beaches are formed right after the river water level starts dropping, which lasts from August to November. Starting in December, as the river rises, the waters invade the sand and the woods on the banks.
Paricatuba Waterfall
This waterfall, located on the right bank of the Negro River, along a small tributary, is formed by sedimentary rocks, surrounded by abundant vegetation. Access is by boat. The best time to visit is from August to February.
Love Cascade
This cascade, located in the Guedes bayou, with cold and crystal clear water, is accessible only by boat and, then, hiking through the Forest.
Tupé Beach
Approximately 34 km from Manaus, this beach is well frequented by bathers on holidays and weekends. It is accessible only by boat. When the Negro River waters rise, the beach is restricted to a 20 m width and when they recede, it can reach 80m.
Moon Beach
It is located on the left bank of the Negro River, 23 km from Manaus. It is accessed only by boat. The beach is shaped like a crescent moon and has rare vegetation of natural beauty, with a great stretch of sand and clear, cold water.
Lion Waterfall
Located on Km 34 of the AM 010 highway (Manaus-Itacoatiara), this is a pleasant place to spend the day. Bathing in the waterfall is allowed. The water is clear and very cold.
Anavilhanas
Approximately 100 km above Manaus, near the Township of Novo Airão, on the Negro River, there is Anavilhanas, the world's largest archipelago of fluvial islands. There are about 400 islands covered with native forest, forming a real natural labyrinth. During the dry season, the receding waters reveal several white sand beaches and interesting natural formations of roots and trunks.
Meeting of the Rivers
This natural phenomenon is caused by the confluence of the Negro River's dark water and the Solimões River's muddy brown water that come together to form the Amazonas River. For 6 km, both rivers waters run side by side, without mixing. This phenomenon is caused by the great difference between the water temperatures and current speeds. The Negro River flows approximately 2km/h at 22ºC, while the Solimões River flows 4 to 6 km/h at 28ºC.
Adolpho Ducke Botanical Garden
The Adolpho Ducke Botanical Garden, inside a 100 km ecological reserve, is the world's largest, with an infinite number of vegetal and animal species.
Municipal Park of Mindú
It is located in an urban area, in the November 10 Park district. It was created in 1992 to be an area of ecological interest. It covers an area of 330.000 m2 (33 ha) of forest remaining from the Township, used for scientific, educational, cultural and tourist activities. It is one of the last habitats for the sauim-de-coleira, a species of monkey that only exists in the Manaus region and is threatened with extinction. It is possible to walk safely through four distinct ecosystems in the park: land covered by secondary growth, firm ground brush, sandbanks and degraded areas that were illegally cleared in 1989. The Park also has a Library, with an information center on the environment connected to the Internet. It also has a parking area, amphitheater for 600 people, gardens planted with medical and aromatic herbs, orchid nursery, above ground trail and signs aiming to develop environmental education programs.
The Science Grove
The Grove is located in the INPA's - Amazonas National Institute for Research - area. A visit to the grove provides better knowledge of the Amazonas environment, while it permits pleasant moments walking through its trails and paths. The Grove's main attractions are: otter vivarium, manatee hatchery, bee hives, Science House, educational trails, alligator's vivarium, botanical garden, above ground trail, free fauna, orchid nursery and bromeliad nursery.
Zoo
The zoo is open to the public. It is managed by the Brazilian Army and has approximately 300 species of animals from Amazonas fauna, including monkeys, wildcats, otters, snakes, alligators, macaws, tapir, and turtles.
Tropical Manaus Eco Resort
It is Brazil's most luxurious hotel, located in the heart of the Amazon Forest, on the banks of the Negro River. It has 588 apartments and the largest complex of hotel, events, sports, and tourism and leisure services. It is only 10 km from the Brigadeiro Eduardo Gomes International Airport and 16 km from downtown Manaus.
Cruises - Iberostar Gran Amazon
A luxurious boat, with capacity for 150 people, will take tourists on a cruise over the Negro and Amazon Rivers, offering comfort and the excellent Iberostar service. The trip starts in Manaus, stopping at several locations in the Amazon jungle to take tourists on small boat excursions that will explore the thick native vegetation. Ideal for those who like adventure, but want the comfort of a five star hotel.
