Manaus Day Trips by Road and River

October 31, 2026

Day trips from Manaus by road and river

The nearest escapes from Manaus are a waterfall district to the north, a national park archipelago to the west, a forest reserve across the river and a museum reached by boat. Distances are long by road, so plan each trip around travel time and the state of the river.

Presidente Figueiredo

Presidente Figueiredo lies about 105 km north of the city on the BR-174 and is known for its many waterfalls and caves. Cachoeira do Santuário is the main waterfall stop. Most sources give entry at about R$10 per person, though R$8 and R$20 are also quoted, so carry a little extra. It opens around 08:00 and closes at 16:00, and one blog says you may stay until 17:00. Caverna do Maroaga and Cachoeira Iracema are adventure sites in the same district. Ask locally for their current fees. Swim at the falls only with a local guide, and keep to the marked paths. Day tour prices from Manaus vary, so check locally before you book.

Anavilhanas National Park from Novo Airão

Anavilhanas is an archipelago of river islands on the Rio Negro, reached through the town of Novo Airão. The distance is roughly 180 km each way, which makes this a very long day. Many visitors prefer to overnight in the area instead. Boat tours weave between the islands, and the water level decides how much you can see: low water exposes sand and shortens routes, and high water changes what the boats can reach.

At Novo Airão there is also a floating platform where pink river dolphins come to boats under ICMBio supervision. Treat it as optional and rule-bound, and note that the practice remains debated. Never feed, touch, hold or swim with dolphins, and avoid any informal floating platform elsewhere.

Tupé reserve and Praia da Lua

Tupé reserve and Praia da Lua can be reached by river taxi from Marina do Davi in Ponta Negra. Boat fares, timetables and facilities should be checked locally, and cash is the safest way to pay.

Seringal Vila Paraíso by boat

A half-day trip from the same marina takes you to the Museu do Seringal Vila Paraíso, a replica rubber plantation built for the film A Selva. Entry is free (see Portal Amazônia ). The boat costs R$21 each way, and one guide says it runs only at weekends and on holidays. The museum opens Monday to Saturday 09:00 to 15:00 except Wednesdays, and Sunday 09:00 to 13:00.

River level and health

The Rio Negro is lowest from about August to November, and the 2026 level at Porto de Manaus on 27 October was 16.59 m, well under the same date in 2025. Longer boat transfers and wider beaches are normal in low water. Ask your operator how the level affects your route. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for Amazonas, and malaria prophylaxis is worth discussing with a doctor about a month before you leave.

Book a day trip

Browse organised departures on Viator .