Manaus

Amazon's gateway to lush rainforest adventures

Manaus stands as a major city in Brazil’s Amazon region, located where the Rio Negro and Solimões rivers converge to form the mighty Amazon River. The city serves as a gateway for exploring vast rainforest areas and rich biodiversity found throughout the basin. Its history includes periods of rubber boom prosperity that shaped its architecture and cultural mix. Today, Manaus balances modern urban life with nearby natural attractions such as jungle excursions, wildlife observation and river cruises, providing visitors direct access to one of Earth’s most significant ecosystems.

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City in Brazil

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$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

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Safety: 4.5

General Safety:	4
Health & medical:	5
Accessibility:	7
Tap water:	4

Read details

3/5

In Manaus, English is spoken by many hotel staff, tour guides and larger restaurants, especially in tourist areas. However, outside the city center, locals primarily use Portuguese, so basic phrases help.

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Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Manaus Summary

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Great for Amazon gateway adventures. Take river cruises, watch rainforest wildlife, visit jungle lodges and explore markets along the river.

Place score

7.5

Best at:

Forests

Rivers

Natural sites

Traditional culture

Boating

Personal score

Suited for

👶 6

Families

🧓 7

Seniors

👩 7

Solo

🛡️ 6

Travel Beginners

Brazil – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	127 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type C , Type N Type C: Type N: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Brazilian Real (BRL) £1 ≈ R$7.11
Cashless info:	Rating 4/5 Cashless payment is widely accepted in urban areas but less so in remote regions. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is not customary in Brazil. Restaurants often include a 10% service charge. Additional tips are optional.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is generally allowed in Brazil, and it is common in social settings.
Public smoking:	Smoking is banned in enclosed public spaces, with designated outdoor areas.

Carnival (February/March)	Expect parades and heavy crowds.
Independence Day (September)	National celebrations occur.
Christmas (December)	Family gatherings and public celebrations are common.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Numbers: 190 (Police), 192 (Ambulance), 193 (Fire)
Taxi apps:	99, Uber, Cabify
Other:	Brazil is known for its natural beauty, vibrant culture, and Carnival celebrations. Avoid travelling alone in remote areas for safety.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Manaus, Brazil

⛈️

Jan

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Feb

⛈️

Mar

⛈️

Apr

⛈️

May

🌦️

Jun

🔥

Jul

🔥

Aug

🔥

Sep

🔥

Oct

🌦️

Nov

⛈️

Dec

High season:	July - Oct.
Shoulder season:	April - June, Nov.
Crowdedness:	6 (Many tourists)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Rio Negro peaks June to July; flooded-forest canoe trips then, jungle hikes and beaches in low water September to November

Wet season December to May: jungle lodges and river cruises run, but heavy rain disrupts excursions

Don't miss

🚡 Explore Amazon rainforest canopy via aerial tram
🌊 Visit Meeting of Waters confluence at sunrise
🕍 Tour historic Santo Antônio Cathedral and local markets
🍌 Sample tropical fruits at Feira de São José market
🚶‍♂️ Stroll along Rio Negro riverfront promenade
🛥️ Enjoy a sunset boat cruise on Amazon River

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Why travel to Manaus?

Manaus sits at the heart of the Amazon Basin, offering a unique blend of natural wonder and cultural heritage that appeals to travelers seeking both adventure and insight into one of Earth’s most vital ecosystems. The city itself is a gateway: its historic center showcases colonial architecture, while the modern Teatro Amazonas stands as a testament to 19th‑century prosperity fueled by rubber. From Manaus you can easily access the surrounding rainforest on guided tours that highlight biodiversity, riverine communities and sustainable ecotourism practices. River cruises along the Rio Negro provide intimate encounters with wildlife – capybaras, pink dolphins and countless bird species – while night excursions reveal nocturnal creatures rarely seen elsewhere. The nearby Meeting of Waters, where the clear blue Amazon meets the murky black waters of the Negro, offers a dramatic natural spectacle that is both accessible and educational. Culinary experiences in Manaus reflect its multicultural roots: try pato no tucupi (duck in cassava broth) or feijoada made with local ingredients. Markets such as Mercado Adolpho Lisboa showcase indigenous crafts, tropical fruits and artisanal goods. For those interested in conservation, the city hosts research centers and NGOs focused on rainforest preservation. Overall, Manaus serves as a practical base for exploring the Amazon’s ecological richness while immersing visitors in its vibrant urban culture, making it an essential destination for thoughtful travelers.

🏙️Cities & Regions

1 Belém
This Brazilian Amazonian hub rivals Manaus in scale but offers distinct cultural depth. Its historic colonial center buzzes with vibrant festivals, while the nearby Tapajós River provides a quieter escape from the city's energetic crowds.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Amazon River
2 Praça Pedro Teixeira

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Knowledge before you go

Pack light, breathable clothing; Manaus is hot and humid year-round.
Use a reputable tour operator for the Amazon canopy walk to ensure safety and environmental responsibility.
Arrive early at the Meeting of Waters to avoid crowds and secure a good viewing spot on the riverbank.
Explore the historic Teatro Amazonas after sunset; its interior is best seen in evening light, revealing intricate art deco details.

How to travel to Manaus

Manaus, located in northern Brazil along the banks of the Rio Negro, is accessible primarily by air or river. The main entry point is Eduardo Gomes International Airport (MAO), which connects to major Brazilian cities such as São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro via regular flights operated by domestic carriers. For international travelers, direct flights are available from select destinations in South America and Europe during peak tourist seasons. River access is facilitated through the Port of Manaus, a key hub for regional and international river cruises navigating the Amazon waterway. Ground transportation includes taxis, buses and ride-sharing services within the city, while private transfers can be arranged to nearby attractions like the Meeting of the Waters phenomenon or the Amazon Rainforest reserves.

Access summary

From Manaus International Airport (MAO): Taxi to city center 15–20 min.
From Belém: Bus or flight, 4–5 hours by road; flight 45 min.
By boat from Rio Negro River: 30–40 min to downtown.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Manaus

Manaus offers a mix of budget hostels and mid‑range boutique lodges that cater to eco‑tourists and business travelers alike. Prices typically range from R$80 (£11.94) per night for shared dormitories in well‑maintained hostels, up to R$350 – 500 (£52.23 – 74.62) for private rooms in riverside hotels featuring river views and local décor. The city is renowned for its “riverfront” accommodations that blend modern amenities with Amazonian charm, often including guided jungle tours or boat rides as part of the stay. For those seeking luxury, upscale resorts on the outskirts provide spa services, gourmet restaurants and spacious suites overlooking the Rio Negro, while still maintaining a strong connection to the surrounding rainforest ecosystem.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Hotel Millennium

8.7

Hotel Express Vieiralves

Blue Tree Premium Manaus

8.4

Novotel Manaus

7.8

Hotel do Largo Manaus

7.9

Quality Hotel Manaus

8.7

Grand Amazon Expedition - All Inclusive

10.0

Hotel Adrianopolis All Suites

8.2

Explore more accommodations

How to get around Manaus

Manaus, located in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, offers several convenient transportation options. The most common way to get around is by boat or river taxi, as much of the city lies along the Rio Negro and Solimões rivers. Water taxis are efficient for short trips between neighborhoods like Centro and Ponta Negra. For longer distances, buses connect Manaus to surrounding areas and nearby cities such as Pará and Santarém. Taxis and ride-hailing services (like Uber) are also available in urban zones but can be slower due to traffic during peak hours. Renting a car is possible, though driving conditions may vary; most visitors prefer guided tours or public boats for exploring the city’s waterways safely.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-62 %

Daily expenses in Manaus are around 62% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-6 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to BRL) is 6% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is cheaper compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£33	£68	£194
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£15	£38	£105
🍝 Food per day	£14	£26	£77
🚕 Transportation per day	£3	£4	£12

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£8.50
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£4.10
🍟 Fast food combo	£5.50
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£4.60
☕ Cappuccino	£2.30
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£1.80

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£0.65
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£7
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£1

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£4.70
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£36
🤧 Cold medication	£3.20
💇 Basic haircut	£6.50

Safety information overview

General safety

Manaus offers moderate safety for travelers, with most visitors experiencing no issues. Petty theft can occur in crowded markets and tourist spots; stay vigilant, avoid isolated areas after dark and keep valuables secure. Local police are generally helpful, but exercise common sense precautions.

Health & Medical

Manaus offers reliable medical care with modern hospitals and specialists, especially in cardiology and infectious diseases. Travelers should stay updated on malaria prophylaxis, use mosquito nets, avoid contaminated water and monitor air quality during the rainy season to minimize health risks.

Accessibility

Manaus offers mixed accessibility: many hotels and public transport have ramps, but older buildings and river ferries often lack elevators or tactile paving. Signage is improving, yet language barriers and limited wheelchair-friendly sidewalks remain challenges for visitors with mobility needs.

Tap water

Tap water in Manaus is generally safe to drink after treatment, though many locals still prefer bottled or filtered water due to taste concerns. Public fountains are common in parks and markets, offering convenient hydration for visitors.