Amazonas Travel Guide

Discover the best attractions, activities, food, places to stay, culture, safety, and logistics that Amazonas, Brazil, has to offer with this comprehensive tour guide.


Introduction to Amazonas

Amazonas is a state located in the northern region of Brazil. Known for its lush tropical forests, rivers, and exotic wildlife, Amazonas is a natural wonderland for adventurous travelers. The state is home to the largest portion of the Amazon Rainforest, which is considered one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. In addition, it has a rich cultural heritage, with indigenous communities and colonial towns dating back to the 17th century.

List of Places to Visit in Amazonas

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Amazonas Museum of Natural History, Manaus
  • Municipal Market, Manaus
  • Rio Negro Palace Museum, Manaus
  • Church of Sao Francisco, Manaus
  • Alfredo da Matta Foundation, Manaus

Natural Attractions of Amazonas: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Meeting of the Waters, Manaus
  • Presidente Figueiredo Waterfalls, Presidente Figueiredo
  • Anavilhanas Archipelago, Manaus
  • Jaú National Park, Novo Airão
  • Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve, Tefé

Hiking/Biking Routes of Amazonas

  • Ponta Negra Beach - a 17km bike trail
  • Jari River Trail, Tefé
  • Pico da Neblina Trek, São Gabriel da Cachoeira
  • Tucumanduba Trail, Presidente Figueiredo
  • Caves of Maroaga Hiking Trail, Presidente Figueiredo

Best Things to Do in Amazonas: Activities and Tours

  • Amazon River Boat Tours
  • Canopy Tours and Zip Lines
  • Birdwatching Expeditions
  • Meeting of the Waters Sunset Cruise
  • Alligator Spotting Night Tours

Week-Long Itinerary for Amazonas

Day Activity
Day 1 Manaus City Tour
Day 2 Visit the Meeting of the Waters
Day 3 Hike the Pico da Neblina Trek
Day 4 Explore the Anavilhanas Archipelago
Day 5 Birdwatching Expedition
Day 6 Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve Tour
Day 7 Presidente Figueiredo Waterfalls Tour

Food and Drink Scene of Amazonas

Must-Try Dishes

  • Tacacá - a hot and sour soup with jambu leaves and tucupi broth
  • Pirarucu - grilled or fried Amazonian fish
  • Tambaqui - baked or grilled Pacu fish
  • Farofa - toasted cassava flour
  • Maniçoba - slow-cooked dish with meat and manioc leaves

Local Beverages

  • Acai Berry Smoothie
  • Cupuaçu Juice
  • Cerveja Amazon Beer
  • Cachaca
  • Guarana Antartica

Where to Stay in Amazonas: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Tropical Manaus Ecoresort
  • Hotel Villa Amazônia
  • Amazon Ecopark Jungle Lodge
  • Juma Amazon Lodge
  • Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge

What to Buy in Amazonas: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Handmade Crafts and Souvenirs from Mercado Adolpho Lisboa
  • Indigenous Artifacts from Amazonas
  • Brazilian Coffee and Tea Blends
  • Brazil Nut Products
  • Cachaça and other Brazilian Liqueurs

Local Culture and Customs of Amazonas

Indigenous communities remain an essential part of Amazon’s culture. Visitors are expected to dress conservatively while visiting local communities and respect the customs and traditions of the indigenous peoples.

Best Time to Visit Amazonas

The best time to visit Amazonas is during the dry season, from June to November. During this time, the weather is more comfortable, and the water levels of the rivers and waterfalls are lower, making them easier to explore.

Do’s and Don’ts of Amazonas

Do:

  • Respect the indigenous peoples’ customs and traditions.
  • Wear light and breathable clothes.
  • Bring insect repellent, sunblock, and a hat.
  • Try local dishes and cuisines.
  • Learn some basic Portuguese.

Don’t:

  • Feed wild animals under any circumstances.
  • Litter or damage the environment.
  • Wear revealing clothing while visiting local communities.
  • Engage in illegal activities.

Safety and Health

Safety in Amazonas

While Amazonas is largely safe to travel, visitors should be aware of petty theft, especially in urban areas. It’s best to avoid walking alone at night and to keep an eye on your belongings. Visitors should also be alert when swimming in rivers and waterfalls.

Health in Amazonas

Visitors should take precautions against mosquito-borne diseases, such as yellow fever, malaria, and dengue fever. It’s also recommended to drink bottled or filtered water and to carry anti-diarrheal medication.

Getting to Amazonas: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Amazonas

  • Eduardo Gomes International Airport, Manaus
  • Tefé Airport, Tefé
  • Coari Airport, Coari

Bus Stations Near Amazonas

  • Terminal Rodoviário Engenheiro Huascar Angelim, Manaus
  • Terminal Rodoviário de Presidente Figueiredo, Presidente Figueiredo
  • Rodoviária de Tefé, Tefé

Other Options

  • River Boats: Several riverboats travel through Amazonas, and it’s an excellent way to experience the region.
  • Tour Packages: Many travel agencies offer package tours to Amazonas, including transportation and accommodation.

How to Get Around Amazonas

While buses and taxis are the most common modes of transportation in the cities, riverboats are the most common way to explore the region’s more remote areas.

Where to Go Next from Amazonas: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Iquitos, Peru
  • Tabatinga, Brazil/ Leticia, Colombia
  • Roraima, Brazil
  • La Paz, Bolivia
  • Machu Picchu, Peru

Conclusion

Amazonas is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts. Whether you’re exploring the Amazon rainforest, hiking the Pico da Neblina Trek, or enjoying local cuisine and culture, Amazonas is sure to offer an unforgettable experience. With this comprehensive guide, visitors can make the most of their Amazonas trip and explore the best of what the state has to offer.