So
you're headed for the Amazon? Manaus, a sprawling city
of more than a million people on the banks of the Rio
Negro River, is a primary point of departure for those
venturing into the nearby jungle.
Before embarking on your jungle journey, you might want
to take time to enjoy the city plaza, which hosts youth
concerts and other entertainment.
You
might want to check out some Manaus' lavish and brightly
colored structures, some reflecting the massive wealth
of the rubber boom of the past. Perhaps the most famous
is the Teatro Amazonas Historic Theatre. The elegant interior
of this 1896 opera house, completed after 15 years, boasts
crystal chandeliers, wrought-iron banisters, and Italian
frescoes. Operas and other events fill the stage regularly.
The waterfront piers, which
are not fixed but left to float due to fluctuating water
levels, are also worth a visit. You'll see boats loading
visitors headed for trips to the jungle lodges in the
Amazon region.
Resources and Tips:
Remember to book in Manaus for river trips into the Amazon
region.
