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Start From Manaus

Posted by Pankaj Singh on 09-07-2025

Travel and Fun

Manaus, one of the largest cities in Brazil, is nestled where the dark waters of the Rio Nero meet the sandy Rio Solimões. Known as the main entry point to the Amazonian Rainforest, Manaus blends wild nature with striking architecture and vibrant urban life.

For our Lykkers looking for an unforgettable destination rich in culture and natural wonders, this guide offers everything needed to explore Manaus with ease and excitement.

Where It Is and How to Get There

Location

Manaus is located in the heart of the Amazonian region in northwestern Brazil, far from the country’s southern megacities. It’s surrounded by lush rainforest and only reachable by air or water.

How to Get There

The fastest way to reach Manaus is by flying into Eduardo Gomes International Airport (MAO), with direct connections from major Brazilian cities like São Paulo, Brasília, and Rio de Janeiro. From the airport, the city center is a 30–40-minute ride by taxi or bus. Public buses such as line 306 or 813 run from the airport to downtown.

Top Attractions in Manaus

Teatro Amazonas

An architectural jewel, the Teatro Amazonas stands as a symbol of the city’s rubber-era prosperity. With its dome tiled in green, yellow, and blue, and its elegant interiors, the theatre hosts regular performances and guided tours.

- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

- Ticket: Around R$20 (free on certain days).

- Public Transport: Bus lines 300, 448, and 652 stop nearby.

Mercadão Municipal

Inspired by European market design, this vibrant market offers fresh tropical produce, spices, and local crafts. It’s a great spot to taste regional products and experience daily life.

- Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday until 12:00 PM.

- Entry: Free.

- Public Transport: Easily reached by bus lines 500 and 517.

Praça São Sebastião

This lively square is more than a meeting point—it's an open-air stage for artistic performances, surrounded by colorful buildings and the grand theatre.

- Best Time to Visit: Early evening or during events.

- Entry: Free.

- Transport: Served by various city bus lines stopping at Avenida Eduardo Ribeiro.

Museu da Amazônia (MUSA)

A forest museum that offers a deep dive into the Amazonian natural and cultural richness. It includes observation towers, trails, and interactive exhibitions.

- Opening Hours: Daily, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM.

- Ticket: Around R$30.

- Getting There: Bus line 448 to the entrance of the Reserva Florestal Adolpho Ducke.

Floating Port (Porto Flutuante)

Built to adapt to the rise and fall of the rivers, this floating harbor showcases Manaus’s connection to the water. It's a common starting point for river tours and offers views of nearby landmarks such as the Customs House.

- Access: Daily, with river cruises departing regularly.

- Entry: Free to walk; tours vary by provider.

- Public Transport: Near bus hubs at Rua Marquês de Santa Cruz.

Into the Amazonian Forest: Tours and Excursions

Day Trips and Half-Day Tours

Short on time? Choose from half- or full-day jungle excursions departing from Manaus. These often include trekking, birdwatching, or visiting indigenous communities.

- Cost: From R$150 to R$300 depending on itinerary.

- Pick-up: Most agencies offer hotel pick-up.

Multi-Day Adventures

For deeper immersion, multi-day packages offer stays in eco-lodges, guided treks, night safaris, and canoe trips. These experiences allow close encounters with wildlife and the famed "Meeting of the Waters" where two rivers flow side by side without mixing for kilometers.

Wildlife and Water Excursions

Highlights include boat rides at sunrise, swimming with pink dolphins, and nighttime alligator spotting.

- Availability: Year-round, but best between June and November when water levels are lower.

Flavors of the Forest

Local Ingredients

Expect a rich variety of Amazonian fruits, root vegetables like manioc, and river fish such as pirarucu and tambaqui.

Traditional Dishes

- Tacacá: A warm, spicy broth with jambu leaves and shrimp.

- Pirarucu à casaca: A baked dish featuring the region’s most famous fish.

- Tucumã Sandwich: A street food classic combining palm fruit slices with cheese or banana.

Where to Try Them

Restaurants such as Banzeiro and Caxiri near the Teatro Amazonas offer regional cuisine. The market also features snack stalls with freshly made dishes.

In Summary

Manaus is not only a city—it’s an experience. With its unique blend of natural wonders and cultural gems, it offers Lykkers the perfect starting point for an adventure deep into the Amazonian forest. From iconic architecture and lively markets to unforgettable forest encounters and regional dishes, Manaus delivers moments to remember. A trip here is more than a journey—it's a story waiting to unfold.