Manaus cruise port guide

Manaus boomed in the late 19th century, when rubber made it one of the richest cities in the world, and that wealth built its famous pink opera house, grand mansions and an iron-framed market hall. Today it's a city of more than two million people surrounded by rainforest, reachable only by river or air from most of Brazil.

Cruise ships often stay overnight, which allows time for both the city and the river. Classic outings include a boat trip to the Meeting of the Waters, where the dark Rio Negro and the sandy Solimões flow side by side without mixing for miles, visits to see giant water lilies, and guided walks in the forest. In town, the opera house and the Adolpho Lisboa market are walking distance from the port.

Manaus is ideal for curious travelers fascinated by the Amazon and its history. It's hot, humid and busy, and wildlife near the city is less abundant than deeper in the forest, so manage expectations on short excursions.

Ships dock at the Port of Manaus on the Rio Negro, right in the downtown area, so there's usually no tendering, although the river level changes greatly between seasons. From the port, the Adolpho Lisboa Municipal Market is a few minutes' walk and the Teatro Amazonas about 15 to 20 minutes uphill on foot, or a short taxi ride. River excursions leave from the port area or nearby docks. The Meeting of the Waters is about 30 to 60 minutes away by boat. Use ship's tours or official taxis, and allow time for heat and traffic.

Amazonian river fish are the stars: try grilled tambaqui ribs and pirarucu, one of the world's largest freshwater fish. Tacacá, a soup made with tucupi, shrimp and jambu leaves that make your mouth tingle, is sold at street stalls in the afternoon. For breakfast, locals eat the x-caboquinho, a sandwich of tucumã palm fruit and cheese. Fresh juices of cupuaçu, açaí and guaraná are everywhere.