Manaus, capital of Amazonas, is located in the middle of the Amazon forest. In the early years of the twentieth century the city of Manaus, capital of Amazonas, became very wealthy and the most important cultural center in the Northern Region of Brazil.
A reflection of this period of opulence is to be found in the mansions and monuments of Manaus, such as the Amazonas Opera House (hyperlink for photo), opened in 1896. Built with the aid of materials and artists brought from Europe, its central area, in the shape of a harp, can seat 640 people in the stalls. In 1965 it was declared part of the Brazilian National Heritage.
Manaus functions as a common departure point for tourists who are visiting the Amazon region.
Manaus is the point of departure to Jungle Lodges. The lodges offer complete packages including all meals, transfers and excursions. Some highlights are junglewalk,piranha fishing, early morning tour, alligator spotting, swimming with the Pink Dolphins and more, activities and options will vary by lodge.
Another way to discover the rainforest is by joining one of the wonderful river cruises.
Recommend Hotels, Lodges and Cruises:
Tropical Manaus :
The Tropical Manaus is a luxurious resort located in the majestic Amazon Forest, on the banks of the Rio Negro (‘Black River’). The resort combines luxurious accommodations with the surrounding natural vegetation and wildlife to create the perfect lodging for guests looking for serenity and tranquility. Guests can take advantage of the various leisure and entertainment options provided at the resort, such as archery lessons, zoo tours, entertainment program for child, teens and adults, or simply relaxing in the on-site swimming pool. In terms of cuisine, the resort has a variety of dining options ranging from traditional regional dishes to international foods, as well as three different bars, the lobby bar one with live music and refreshing drinks. For those traveling on business, the resort provides a Convention Center that features 14 elegant meeting rooms that can accommodate a total of 1,000 people.
Jungle Lodges
Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge
The Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge is located 110 km northwest of Manaus, on the right margin of the Rio Negro. Located across from the world’s largest river archipelago, the hotel is the perfect place to explore the wonders of the Amazon basin. The Lodge offers several packages ranging in length of stay and emphasis of the visit; however, all packages include meals at the hotel restaurant, as well as two to three daily tour options. Examples of activities include hikes in the jungle, piranha fishing, dolphin and alligator spotting, canoe trips, and visits to local indigenous communities. The Lodge also offers experienced guides fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, as well as transportation to and from the international airport in Manaus.
When not participating in the Lodge’s activities, guests can relax at swimming pool area or have a drink at the bar, which also offers a library and games. The restaurant is available for all meals and serves a variety of Amazonian flavors and international cuisine.
The Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge’s guestrooms are built on suspended wooden structures, and the 16 cottages offer a combination simplicity and comfort. Adorned with regional handicrafts, every suite provides air conditioning, box spring mattresses, private bathrooms with hot showers, a mini-fridge and private deck.
Amazon Ecopark Jungle Lodge
Located in the midst of the lush jungle, just an hour from the Manaus International Airport, the Amazon Ecopark Lodge is a tourist, scientific and educational complex, founded in 1991. The educational research center is perfect for those interested in discovering the rainforest and all its wonders.
The Ecopark Lodge offers tour packages for groups of all sizes and a variety of interests. It is most known for its unique rainforest survival courses. Bilingual guides with ample knowledge of the region will teach you how and where to find edible fruits and potable water, conduct first aid, build shelter, make rope bridges, and other life-saving techniques. Further activities include visits to local indigenous communities, adventure trips on the river, piranha fishing, and hiking through the jungle.
The Ecopark Lodge offers 60 guestrooms and a restaurant serving regional Brazilian cuisine. Each room includes a private entrance, porch, and bathroom, as well as air conditioning, hot showers, and screened windows. The rustic bungalows are pleasantly decorated and provide the comforts of home in an exotic setting.
Ariau Jungle Towers
The Ariau Amazon Towers offers a range of tourist packages depending on duration of stay and the guests’ interests. Aside from lodging, most offer buffet-style meals, transportation to and from the hotel and Manaus, and a variety of excursions with bilingual guides. Activities include jungle trekking, canoeing on the Rio Negro, swimming with the pink dolphin, Amazon survival training, and visits to local indigenous communities. When not participating in organized Amazon tours and airfare, guests can retreat to the hotel’s stunning facilities. Enjoy breathtaking views at the two 134-ft observation towers and observe the friendly macaws and native monkeys that hang around the towers and catwalks. Guests can also relax at the hotel’s treetop swimming pools, and dine at restaurants serving Amazon and international cuisine. There are also four bars, perfect for unwinding after a long day. In addition, the Ariau Amazon Towers provides a business center, cyber café, helipad, and airport transportation to fulfill guests’ needs.
The hotel offers 276 rooms and 12 suites, all situated on wooden towers in the treetops. Comfortable and tastefully decorated, the rooms include air conditioning, personal bathrooms, and a mini-bar.
RIVER CRUISE
Amazon Clipper Traditional Fleet
The Amazon Clipper gives guests the best way to enjoy the Amazon: on the water and integrated with the environment. The Amazon Clipper cruises are perfect for those wanting to experience the Amazon up-close and comfortably.
The Amazon Clipper offers three packages for travelers, with itineraries ranging from three to six days. Destinations include the Amazon River, Rio Negro, and a longer tour combining both rivers. All tours include delicious buffet-style meals, day trips for fishing and exploring, and specialized information from the boat’s guide.
Guests can choose from two categories of boats: traditional and premium. Differing in size and facilities, both offer air-conditioned cabins with private bathrooms, a covered dining room with a bar and a sundeck. The boats are large enough to offer spacious cabins and inviting public spaces, but small enough to dock at remote spots and cruise to hidden locations. They also come equipped with electrical power in 120 V (AC) and 12 V (DC), and two outboard-motor canoes for side-trips and fishing.
The Traditional Fleet contains several boats with similar comfort and facilities, such as air-conditioned cabins with private toilets, a covered dining room with a bar, a library, and a sundeck with a 360° view. The Amazon riverboat with traditional lines is the “AMAZON CLIPPER”. Programs may be conducted on one of these boats without previous confirmation – depending on the number of passengers for each departure. The difference between the boats is mainly in the number of cabins. They all have the same facilities and amenities.
Amazon Clipper Premium Fleet
The Amazon Clipper Company offers 2 traditional luxury vessels that are well adapted to the Amazon region. Passengers can participate in trips to see flood plains, rubber trees, and lakes with giant water lilies, watch the birds, visit the local inhabitants, and hike in the forest. Other adventures include fishing for piranhas, night trips to see nocturnal animals, and views of the floating docks and houses on stilts.
Unique to the Premium Fleet are the spacious observation and sun deck with a fantastic 360° panoramic view. Guests on the boat can also enjoy a covered dining room, an entertainment area with library and games, and a well-equipped kitchen with freezer. The boats are accompanied by a specialist in Amazon biology and include two outboard-motor canoes for side trips and fishing.
Passengers may experience trips on the outboard powered canoes in smaller creeks to see life on the flooded plains, rubber trees, lakes with giant water lilies, watch the birds, visit the local inhabitants and walk in the forest, always accompanied by expedition guides; the adventure will follow with fishing for piranhas, night trips to see nocturnal animals, and views of the floating docks, market and houses on stilts.
The Otter and Premium vessels offer the same infrastructure; the only difference is the size.
Iberostar Grand Amazon
The Iberostar Grand Amazon is a luxury ship that takes guests on an exciting and breathtaking cruise along the Rio Negro and Amazon River. Providing total comfort and excellent service, the guest is sure to have an unforgettable Amazon vacation.
After departing from Manaus, the ship makes stops at locations along the Amazon jungle, offering excursions to explore the dense, untouched vegetation. Stays on the Iberostar Grand Amazon are all-inclusive, encompassing meals, beverages, activities both on and off the ship, and English-speaking guides. Among the many tourist activities offered are jungle treks, visits to the pink dolphins, piranha fishing, and sunrise bird watching.
When not participating in excursions, guests can take advantage of the ship’s luxury facilities. The ship offers two pools, a Jacuzzi, fitness center, and game room for entertainment. Evening activities include live music and dancing, and the bar is a perfect place to unwind after a full day. In addition, there are two restaurants on board, serving Brazilian and international cuisine.
The ship has 73 cabins and 2 Royal suites. All guestrooms are comfortable and modern, equipped with air conditioning, color television, a personal safe, telephone, mini-bar, and private bathroom.