Things to Do in Manaus

October 31, 2026

Things to do in Manaus

Manaus sits where the dark Rio Negro meets the sandy Rio Solimões, and most of what visitors do here involves water, forest or a century-old opera house. This page covers the main activities, with the hours, prices and cautions that matter.

The Meeting of the Waters

Near the city, the black water of the Negro and the sediment-heavy Solimões run side by side for roughly 6 km before they blend. The two rivers differ in speed, temperature and density, which is why the line between them stays visible. You see it from a boat, either on a tour or by arranging a trip from the Porto Flutuante, the floating port in the city centre. Tour prices vary, so compare a few before you commit. Details are on Portal Amazônia .

MUSA canopy tower

The Museu da Amazônia, known as MUSA, stands at Avenida Margarita 6305 in the east zone, inside the Adolpho Ducke Forest Reserve. Its tower is about 42 m high, with platforms at 14, 28 and 42 m reached by roughly 242 steps. Opening hours are daily 08:30 to 17:00, closed Wednesdays, with last entry around 16:00. Ticket prices change, so check the museum site, where residents receive a discount. Book by WhatsApp on (92) 99280-9059 or by email at agendamento@museudaamazonia.org.br . Birds are possible from the top, though no morning is guaranteed. See museudaamazonia.org.br .

Teatro Amazonas

The opera house on Praça São Sebastião opened on 31 December 1896 and is still a working venue. Entry is by guided visit only, at R$20 for a full ticket and R$10 for half price. Amazonas residents with photo ID, children up to 10 and people with disabilities enter free. Opening days are Tuesday to Saturday 09:00 to 17:00 and Sunday and holidays 09:00 to 13:00, and Monday has varied between sources, so confirm on the day. In July 2026 the theatre was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of Amazonia Theaters. The wider historic centre is not itself a World Heritage Site. More at Portal Amazônia .

Night caiman spotting

Some lodges and guides run evening boat outings to see caimans by torchlight. Go only with a licensed local guide, and treat it as watching from the boat. Nobody should catch, hold or pose with the animals.

Waterfalls at Presidente Figueiredo

About 105 km north of the city on the BR-174, Presidente Figueiredo is known for its many waterfalls, and a local guide helps for swimming at the falls. See the day trips page for details.

Health and safety basics

The CDC recommends yellow fever vaccination for travellers aged nine months and over who are going to Amazonas, and it should be given at least 10 days before travel. Brazil does not require it for entry. Malaria transmission occurs across all of Amazonas, so see a doctor about a month ahead to discuss prophylaxis, and use DEET or picaridin repellent. Dengue is also a mosquito risk in towns. Brazil carries a US Level 2 advisory for crime, so use normal city precautions.

Money and timing

Prices are in Brazilian reais (R$), and cash helps for river taxis and small vendors. The river is lowest from about August to November, when channels are shallow and boat transfers are longer. High water brings the reverse. Check the level at Porto de Manaus before booking any river trip.

Book a river or city tour

Compare listings for the Meeting of the Waters and city tours on GetYourGuide .