Manaus : A Bustling Urban Gateway to a World of Jungle Adventures

Manaus is a sprawling urban city in the Amazon. Manaus also serves as a major port hub for vessels setting shore. If going deep into the Amazon, Manaus is the perfect stop to stock up. There are many attractive features it may have to offer despite not being a colonial gem. Below are some of the stops you can make for sightseeing in Manaus.

1. Teatro Amazonas

Teatro Amazonas is the largest theatre in the whole of Brazil. One of its interesting architectural features us the mosaic dome that mimics colors of the Brazilian flag. There are many performances that take place in this theatre including opera performances. Sightseeing guests get to appreciate the history behind this grand theatre that has been in existence since the 1800s. Tours are available in English and are facilitated by very informative guides. If you wish to carry a souvenir to remind you of this Manaus marvel, there is a gift shop at your disposal.

2. Meeting of Waters

Meeting of Waters is a symbolic mark where two water bodies are distinct from each other and do not mix. This is due to their temperature and speed difference. The Brazilians use it to mark the beginning of the Amazon. The phenomenon is very breathtaking and unbelievable for most tourists sightseeing for the first time. It is definitely one of the interesting things one can experience in a lifetime. When you touch the water, you can feel the temperature difference between the two. Those daring enough jump off for a swim to experience the waters.

3. Espaco Cultural Largo de Sao Sebastiao

Espaco Cultural Largo de Sao Sebastiao is a square annex to the theatre. The square is always busy with activity giving a great opportunity to experience the flavor of Manaus. There are various restaurants and bars serving local foods that are worth sampling. The ‘Tacaca’ is among the recommended delicacies by other tourists. There are also many stone benches under trees for relaxation. Over the weekends the museums that surround the square are constantly holding exhibitions. However, if you go on a weekend, you might bump into a fair nearby and many handicrafts on display.

4. Museu da Amazonia (MUSA)

Museu da Amazonia is based at the Adolpho Ducke Forest Reserve. It covers a 100 ha of land of native dryland forest area that has been under research for half a century. The findings of the research have been displayed to sightseeing visitors for them to understand the nature and purpose of the cause. At this museum, you are bound to find exhibitions of botany and zoology, aquariums, experimental labs together with an interesting high tower where guests can climb for 360 views. The museum refers to itself as a house of science culture that aims to provide solutions for the co-existence of living species.

5. Arquipelago de Anavilhanas

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Arquipelago de Anavilhanas is a great river ride into the thick dense forests of Manaus that give a thrilling amazon like experience. The river that is full of islands tends to get full during the floods causing its surrounding islands to submerge. While sightseeing you are bound to come across many floating homes as you get the opportunity of interacting with the indigenous tribes and natives. You will enjoy nature at its finest as you are also bound to come across some wildlife. Some interesting highlights are jumping dolphins together with beautiful macaws.

6. Manauara Shopping

Photo by pt.wikipedia.org

Manauara Shopping is a modern shopping complex that serves as a shopping mall in Manaus. It is the perfect stop for sightseeing tourists to get some shopping done or enjoy some great food from the many restaurants on the food court. It is also a good place to stock up on supplies as there are a variety of shops including pharmacies. The architecture of the mall fits the theme of Manaus, it mimics a big boat which is really interesting. If you are not about shopping and food, you can opt to visit an interesting bookstore that allows you to sit and read in the store.

7. Ponta Negra Beach

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Ponta Negra Beach is a beautiful public beach in Manaus. Most sightseeing tourists frequent the beach to enjoy a swim or get in tune with the culture of the locals. The grounds are safe as the swimming perimeter is marked with buoys. The good thing about the beach is that it is well maintained and not as crowded as one would think. During the night, boardwalks are the ideal pastime as you get the beautiful water views. It is also the time when vendors come out to sell their various merchandise.

8. Arena Amazonia

Arena Amazonia is a great stadium that is a new addition for the Copa del Mundo. The arena is famous for the Olympic showdown which is a favorite to the people of Manaus. The stadium can hold a capacity of over 40,000 fans which is a reasonable amount for a small city. The grounds are lush trying to maintain world-class standards. The locker rooms are also well fitted with VIP entrances refurbished. Within the stadium is an Olympic store where guests can purchase souvenirs. It is good to take a taxi or a bus during the Olympics as parking tends to be packed.

9. Church of Sao Sebastiao e Sao Francisco de Assis

Church of Sao Sebastiao e Sao Francisco de Assis may not be the most striking church in Brazil but it has some interesting yet unique features to it. Its dome is painted with angel murals that are hard to miss. From the inside, there are two large notable chandeliers dangling from the ceiling. The reason why people go sightseeing in this church is not due to its architecture. The church provides a peaceful space and an escape from the outside world where people can come and have silent thoughts. Many devotees flock the church during service.

10. Monumento a Abertura dos Portos as Nacoes Amigas

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Monumento a Abertura dos Portos as Nacoes Amigas is a beautiful monument sitting in the middle of a busy square. There is not much history on the monument but the surrounding area is a great space for the locals and tourists to relax. You will find many young people taking photos in front of this monument due to its beauty. The colors on its mosaics include the Rio Negro, the Amazon together with the meeting of waters. The place is also close to the famous Teatro Amazonas making it hard to miss.

◎ Closing

Evidently, Manaus offers some of the most rewarding sightseeing adventures. With a population of just three million people, it is possible for one to get lost into Manaus. It is the perfect escape for those who wish to get out of the bustling city life and get to enjoy the wild with an urban twist.

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