Manaus Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil)

There is no denying that Manaus is a cosmopolitan city with countless appealing tourist attractions, many of which relate to its proximity to the Amazon Rainforest, where tours, hiking trails, boat trips (along both the Rio Negro and Rio Solimones) and native wildlife beckon. The sight of brightly coloured scarlet macaws in full flight is certainly a memorable experience.

Manaus features many spacious parks with areas of preserved forests, such as both the Parque do Mindu (Municipal Park of Mindu) and the Bosque da Ciencia (Forest of Science), which are known for their rare tamarins and friendly monkeys respectively, together with other indigenous attractions. Tourists visiting Manaus also favour the Jardim Botanico Adolpho Ducke (Adolpho Ducke Botanical Garden), where wildlife is in abundance, along with a reliable restaurant offering views as you dine.

River Beaches

Address: Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, BR
A number of enticing river beaches are situated just a short distance from central Manaus, often being reached by boat and at their best between August and November, when the water level noticeably drops. The Praia de Ponta Negra (Ponta Negra Beach) is amongst the most visited and is just 13 km / 8 miles away, lying on the banks of the Rio Negro. Many leisure attractions are based around the Ponta Negra Beach, including an enormous amphitheatre capable of accommodating audiences of up to 15,000 people. A short distance upstream is the Praia da Lua (Lua Beach), which is accessed by motor canoes. Also of note is the Praia do Tupé (Tupé Beach), which is a little further from Manaus, being around 35 km / 22 miles away and popular with bathers at the weekend.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Parque do Mindu (Municipal Park of Mindu)

Address: Avenida Perimetral, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, BR
The Parque do Mindu resides roughly 6 km / 4 miles from the centre of Manaus and has become an important recreational space in the city, covering an area of approximately 80 acres / 33 hectares in total. Created in the early part of the 1990s, Mindu Park features a series of interconnecting trails and elevated walkways, as well as an orchid house filled with flowers. Other notable attractions include landscaped gardens, various environmental initiatives and a large amphitheatre, where frequent open-air performances are staged each year. However, most come here hoping to catch a glimpse of the shy and extremely small pied bare-faced tamarin (Sanguinus bicolor), a vanishing species that has now become critically endangered. Guides are available if you are having trouble locating the tamarins and suggest that the best time to look is early in the morning and towards the end of the afternoon.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 08:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Jardim Botanico Adolpho Ducke (Adolpho Ducke Botanical Garden)

Address: Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, BR
Located within a vast ecological reserve topping 200 square kilometres / 39 square miles in size, the Adolpho Ducke Botanical Garden contains an enormous selection of Brazilian flora and fauna, representing a cross-section of life beneath the lush rainforest canopy of the Amazon. A network of pathways leads visitors to numerous attractions, such as a library, plant nurseries and a popular restaurant. Guides are available should you need a hand finding your way around, or wish to learn more about the plethora of wildlife living here.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Zoologico do CIGS (CIGS Zoo)

Address: Estrada da Ponta Negra 75, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, BR
Tel: +55 092 3625 2044
Owned and operated by the Brazilian Army, the Zoologico do CIGS is open to members of the general public and has grown to become a popular attraction suiting all the family. The zoo specialises in native animals, many of which have been rescued by soldiers during their time training in the Amazon Jungle. There are about 300 different species living here, such as anaconda snakes, tapirs and jaguars, although some of the enclosures might be considered a little on the small side and in need of upgrading.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 0:00 to 16:30, Sunday - 09:00 to 18:30
Admission: charge

Bosque da Ciencia (Forest of Science)

Address: Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, BR
Tel: +55 092 3643 3135
Encompassing an area of just over 30 acres / 12 hectares, the Bosque da Ciencia is a zoological attraction sited within the Petropolis district of Manaus and has an array of well-cared for animals, some of which are allowed to roam freely around the grounds. As you walk along the pathways, keep your eyes peeled for wandering monkeys, sloths and exotic birds, which can often be spotted high up in the tree canopies. Another real highlight are the manatees (sea cows), which occupy a large pool, complete with an underwater viewing area. The Casa de Ciencia is located in the park and comes with an assortment of artefacts relating to various topics, such as gold prospecting and medicinal plants, while just a short distance away you will find the Museu de Ciencias Naturais da Amazonia (Amazonian Natural Science Museum).
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge