A visit to Manaus

Regular cruise-tours of the Amazon takes aproximately 10 hours, so we decided to take a private boat excursion (which took only 4 hours).

Then a visit to the market by the river where fruits, vegetables, meat, animals, ceramics etc. are brought for sale. We went by narrow canals into the jungle where we saw monkeys, sloths, snakes parrots and all kind of different animals.

The meeting of the waters was spectacular as the huge water lilies by the bank of the river. In the city of Manaus the Opera House and the Indian Museum are worth visiting.

Quick Tips:

You are near the Ecuator and the sun and heat are brave, take plenty of suntan lotion and take your own water on the tours, you will need plenty of it. Rest in the afternoon and in particular during the first 24 hours take it easy. Relax by your hotel pool to cool down. People in Manaus are nice and friendly in particular the children.

You are as much an attraction to them as all the new things you are going to run into in this area.

Best Way To Get Around:

Visiting the Amazon you need a motorboat, excursion boat or a canoe. Walking is out of the question since there is not much to see in the city. Don't venture by yourself in the jungle, take a guide with you. Tour buses are available for the city.

This Hotel is situated in the proximity of the Amazon River and has transportation to and from the airport. Pool, tennis court and even a small zoo with animals from the area. Rooms are large and comfortable but you have to walk quite a bit to reach it since the hotel has only 1 floor and is extensive.

This is the place to eat. We did not venture into the city for our meals. It was very convenient with all the ammenities offered at the hotel. The restaurant is big with plenty of windows, fresh air and a large bird cage with colored parrots and different birds singing. Food was excellent and fresh, in particular the vegetables, fruits and desserts. We felt really refreshed with the different varieties of fruits they have to offer.

This was truly an adventure. You have 2 options: a whole day tour in a cruise boat (10 hours) or half a day (4 hours) with a motorboat and a private guide. Just a short walk from the hotel is the Amazon River where after boarding the boat with the guide and the boat's driver we were taken to the "meeting of the waters" were the Negro River's muddy waters meet the blue waters of the Amazon River and you can see the difference in colors. Then to the Market by the river and to see the giant Water Lilies ("Vitoria Regia). We ended the tour with a trip by one of the many canals deep into the jungle and watched birds, monkeys, snakes, and sluths in their natural habitat. Take with you suntan lotion, drinking water, a hat or cap and light clothing.

Bus did not have air conditioning and that was my long lasting impression. We enjoyed when we stopped to visit and could get off the bus and feel the fresh air. We were going to the Port, which is very busy and its Buildings are a remembrance of years gone by. The visit to the Opera House was the hallmark of the city visit. Inside as well as outside is nicely constructed. You can see paintings, marble stairs and nice decorations.

Ceiling paintings revealed a big european influence, strange to find out in this area and side of the world. The rest of the tour took us to the Army Zoo and Botanical Gardens and to the Indian Museum.