Manaus Landmarks and Monuments

(Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil)

There are some very interesting and historical sights in Manaus, with the most important landmarks including the Teatro Amazonas (Amazon Theatre). This famous opera house is situated in the centre of Manaus and was built with money from the local rubber boom.

Other interesting man-made landmarks include the Alfandega (Customs House), the Mercado Municipal Adolfo Lisboa (Adolfo Lisboa Municipal Market) and the Centro Cultural Palacio Rio Negro (Rio Negro Palace). However, if you are looking for something a little more natural in Manaus, then the Paricatuba Waterfall won't disappoint, with most tourists also enjoying the unique sight aptly named the Encontro das Aguas (Meeting of the Waters).

Teatro Amazonas (Amazon Theatre / Amazonas Opera House)

Address: Rua Jose Clemente, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, BR
Tel: +55 092 3232 1768
A much-loved local landmark, the centrally located Teatro Amazonas was inspired by the Opéra Garnier in Paris. The Amazon Theatre was inaugurated at the end of 1895 and has been restored a total of four times over the following century. This venue can seat audiences of 700 and has become the setting for a number of important local events, such as the Festival Amazonas de Opera (Amazonas Opera Festival) each May. Regular guided tours are available in English, as well as frequent free operatic performances.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: free, charge for some performances

Alfandega (Customs House)

Address: Avenida Floriano Peixoto, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, BR
Tel: +55 092 2125 5577
Located close to the Mercado Municipal Adolfo Lisboa and the floating docks, the Alfandega dates back to the turn of the 20th century, when it was constructed using prefabricated elements imported all the way from England, together with stone from Scotland. The Alfandega is now protected as a national Brazilian monument and features an unusual mixture of Renaissance and medieval architecture. Particularly distinctive is the Alfandega's very own lighthouse and tower.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: free, charge for some performances

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Centro Cultural Palacio Rio Negro (Rio Negro Palace)

Address: Avenida Sete de Settembre 1546, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, BR
Tel: +55 092 3232 4450
Formerly the home of a wealthy rubber baron from Germany, the Centro Cultural Palacio Rio Negro dates back to the early part of the 20th century and served for many years as the seat of government, the state capital and also as the governor's official residence. In 1997, this important building saw a change of use, being converted into a cultural centre. Today, instead of politics and state business visitors can expect changing exhibitions of art, seasonal concerts and museum-type exhibits of coins, interactive sound and image displays, and regional artefacts. Guided tours of the Rio Negro Palace are available, although only the occasional guide is fluent in English, with most speaking solely Portuguese.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Paricatuba Waterfall

Address: Rio Negro, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, BR
Situated on the right-hand side of the Rio Negro, the Paricatuba Waterfall is one natural landmark worth finding. This waterfall is formed by a small tributary running through sedimentary rocks and is surrounded by lush jungle foliage. Access to the waterfall is by boat only, and it is worth noting that it is in full flow between August and February, when its appearance is at its most dramatic.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free, charge for boat trip / cruise

Encontro das Aguas (Meeting of the Waters / Meeting of the Rivers)

Address: Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, BR
A famous natural occurrence which really does deserve to be seen in the flesh, the Meeting of the Waters is where the black waters of the Rio Negro meet with the much paler, sandy waters of the Rio Solimoes / Rio Amazonas. Whilst there is nothing unusual about the confluence of rivers, it is what happens next that is so unexpected - the different coloured waters run side by side for more than 6 km / 4 miles without mixing at all. In fact, the darker Rio Negro looks almost like a black oil slick floating alongside the brown Amazon water. There are several reasons why this happens, namely the difference in water temperature, flow rate and density.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free, charge for boat trip / cruise