Manuaus is the capital of the Amazonas state, the largest in Brazil. Once an urban island in the jungle, it now sprawls over a series of eroded and gently sloping hills divided by numeous creeks, while the city grows fast and high-rise modern buildings rise above the traditional flat, red-tiled roofs.
In the early years of the 20th century the became very wealthy when rubber brought prosperity to the area, and it was the most important cultural centre in northern Brazil. The city went into decline as synthetic alternatives became popular. An intiative in 2001 saw the beginning of a restoration project to give historic buildings a new lease of life and create leisure and cultural spaces. The city is a perfect place from which to visit the Amazon.
Situated on the banks of the Rio Negro (meaning Black River, because of the dark color of the water), Manaus is an important centre for ecological tourism. At Ponta Negra beach, 13 kms from the city, when the river is low, the 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 National Research Institute of Amazonia (INPA) is a fusion 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 facing extinction.
Dominating the centre of the city is a cathedral, built in simple Jesuit style on a hill, and nearby is the main shopping and business area, the Avenida Eduardo Ribeiro. The Teatro Amazonas offers performances several times a week, and on Monday nights, the free Brazilian music concert is very popular.
The city has several museums for visitors who would like to learn more of the history and way of life of the Amazonian man: The Indian Museum, with its large collection of objects from the indigenous peoples of the Upper River Negro; The Museum of Northern Man, illustrating the way of life, customs and culture of the local people; and the Port Museum, displaying historical items, documents, plans and instruments belonging to the English who constructed the Port zone in 1904.
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Museu Tiradentes ~ Run by the military police, this little museum holds selected historical items and old photographs.
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Museu do Homem do Norte ~ Showing the way of life for the Amazonian population, showing the social, cultural and economics aspects of their lives by way of photographs, models and other items. Similarly, the Instituto Geográphica e Histórico do Amazonas houses a museum and library which thoroughly documents Amazonian life through the ages.
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Museu do Indio ~ this interesting collection includes handicrafts, ceramics, clothing, utensils and ritual objects from the various Indian tribes of the upper Rio Negro, as well as an excellent craft shop for souvenirs.
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Botanical Gardens (INPA) ~ The centre for scientific research in the Amazon, offering a small museum, restaurants, birds, trees and a selection of indigenous animals.
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Botanical Gardens 'Chico Mendes' ~ Smaller garden, containing a selection of plants from the Amazon region.
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Jungle Tours ~ It is possible to pre-book organised tours from Manaus into the jungle, and these usually include some fishing, visits to local families and some trekking.
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Teatro Amazonas ~ This theatre was inaugurated on December 31st 1896, and is the most important architectural building from the prosperous rubber period. The theatre regularly stages opera, featuring regional, national and international programmes.
