Manaus, located in northwestern Brazil on the banks of the Negro River in northwestern Brazil, is the capital of the Amazon, its largest city and primary tourism hub. Manaus is a bustling urban centre permeated with brightly coloured residential homes, modern high-rise buildings and tour offices where you can book jungle lodges and river cruises. The town lies near the confluence of the Negro and Amazon, known as the ‘Meeting of the Waters’, which is accessible by boat from Manaus. According to local lore, the two rivers run side by side for six kilometres without mixing and, in fact, it’s possible to feel the different temperatures of the two water sources by dipping your hand into the currents on either side of the vessel.
The Amazon Jungle is famous worldwide as a biodiversity hotspot and a dream destination for intrepid travellers, known for its wealth of exotic wildlife and flora. Although it extends across seven different South American nations, approximately 60% of the Amazon falls into Brazilian territory, taking up an area roughly the same size as Western Europe. Visitors who venture here will have the privilege of entering a world apart – a lush wilderness teeming with plant and animal life, offering the experience of a lifetime. Trek through a tangled rainforest, gently float upstream on a boat upriver, fish for piranha, play around with pink river dolphins, and pay a visit to the indigenous tribes of the Amazon and learn about their artwork, homes, and cuisine.
