Major city · Brazil
Manaus
Base in Centro for 2 nights, add 2–3 nights at a jungle lodge: the city alone is half a day of sights, the river is the reason you came.
Manaus is the Amazon's main gateway: a rubber-boom port of 2.2 million people where the Rio Negro and Solimões run side by side without mixing. Most travellers spend one or two nights in the centre for the opera house and market, then move to a river lodge for the rainforest. It is hot all year, wet from December to May and dry from June to November, when river beaches appear and water levels drop.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- BRL
- Best months
- Jun–Nov (drier, lower river, beaches)
- avoid Dec–May (heavy rain, high river); Aug–Nov drought years bring smoke and poor air
- Airport
- MAO
- Nights
- 2 city + 2–3 lodge
Rules in force · 7Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Brazil ↗US, Canadian and Australian citizens need an e-visa (about US$81 — check) applied for online at the official VFS portal before travel; EU and UK citizens do not. Check your passport with Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs before booking.
- Brazil ↗Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for many areas, including the Amazon and Pantanal; check with a travel clinic at least 10 days before travel.
- Brazil ↗Keep your phone out of sight in the street and on beaches; phone theft is the most common crime against visitors in big cities.
- Brazil ↗Carnival 2027 runs about 5–10 February (Tuesday 9 February; Salvador from 4 February): book Rio, Salvador and Recife/Olinda months ahead or avoid those dates.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Manaus190 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Manaus, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Brazilian real (BRL, R$).Brazil-wide
- SIM or eSIMVivo, Claro and TIM cover the country; buying a prepaid SIM needs a passport and sometimes a CPF — an eSIM before you fly is easier.Brazil-wide
- Tap waterDo not drink tap water; filtered water is provided in most homes and hotels.Brazil-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 10% service (serviço) usually on the bill; optional but normal.Brazil-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/N. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 127 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Brazil-wide
- SafetyCentral Manaus is busy and generally fine by day; take ride-hailing or a hotel taxi at night, keep to lit streets…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPut toilet paper in the bin, not the toilet, in most places.Brazil-wide
- Emergency numbers190 police · 192 ambulance · 193 fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysCarnival shuts many businesses for several days; museums often close on Mondays.Brazil-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportMAO Eduardo Gomes International (About 15 km (9.3 mi) from the centre; many flights arrive in the early hours.).MAO Eduardo Gomes International (About 9.3 mi (15 km) from the centre; many flights arrive in the early hours.).
- Getting aroundThe city sprawls over roughly 400 km² (154 sq mi), so pick a base near where you will spend your days.The city sprawls over roughly 154 sq mi (400 km²), so pick a base near where you will spend your days.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or açaí (300 ml)R$8–15 (≈ US$2–3)
- Beerdraught in a bar / can at a shopR$8–15 (≈ US$2–3)R$4–7 (≈ US$1–2)
- Metro or bus rideCity bus rideR$3.80 (≈ under US$1) (check)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personR$60 (≈ US$12)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, mid hotel, a night, per roomR$280 (≈ US$55)
- High-end bedDouble room, mid hotel, a night, per roomR$600 (≈ US$120)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget R$180 (≈ US$35) · Mid R$350 (≈ US$65) · High R$700 (≈ US$130)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- MAO Eduardo Gomes International (About 15 km (9.3 mi) from the centre; many flights arrive in the early hours.)MAO Eduardo Gomes International (About 9.3 mi (15 km) from the centre; many flights arrive in the early hours.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Feb
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Mar
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Apr
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
May
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jun
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jul
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Aug
Care
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Sep
Care
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Oct
Care
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Nov
Care
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Dec
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Best: Jun–Jul. Mixed: Aug–Nov. Avoid: Dec–May. Month by month →
Warmest Aug (34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)), coolest Jan (24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C) low), wettest Mar (21 rain days), driest Aug (6). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Manaus: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
20 rd
Feb
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
19 rd
Mar
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
21 rd
Apr
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
20 rd
May
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
17 rd
Jun
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
11 rd
Jul
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
8 rd
Aug
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
6 rd
Sep
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
7 rd
Oct
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
9 rd
Nov
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13 rd
Dec
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
18 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The city sprawls over roughly 400 km², so pick a base near where you will spend your days. City buses cost about R$3.80 and you can change free at the T1–T4 terminals or within 1½ hours with a SINETRAM card. Ride-hailing apps are cheap and easier with luggage; conventional taxis cost more. Boats and lodge transfers handle the river.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Meeting of the Waters
goDoor to door: Half day
Boat tour from the Manaus waterfront, or view from the upper deck of a Santarém/Belém boat
The dark Negro and muddy Solimões run together for about 4 km (2.5 mi) without mixing.The dark Negro and muddy Solimões run together for about 2.5 mi (4 km) without mixing.
Presidente Figueiredo
goDoor to door: Full day
Road north of Manaus, about 2 h by car
Waterfalls and caves; go with a driver or tour.
Manacapuru
cautionDoor to door: Half to full day
Road or boat west of Manaus
Quiet river town; useful as a boat stop toward Tabatinga.
Barcelos
overnightDoor to door: 1–2 days
Boat up the Rio Negro, often overnight
River town and fishing base; not a day return.
Tefé
overnightDoor to door: Flight about 1 h
Flight or multi-day boat
Gateway to Mamirauá; plan at least two nights.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Centro (around Teatro Amazonas)
Walkable to the opera house, market and Rio Negro waterfront; best for a short city stay.
Adrianópolis / Av. Djalma Batista
Hotels and restaurants along the main axis; easier for buses, less walkable to sights.
Ponta Negra
River beach and upscale neighbourhood, 20–30 min by bus from the centre; good for a relaxed last night.
Jungle lodge (Rio Negro or Rio Solimões)
Most lodges are reached by road plus boat, 1–3 h from the city; book transfers with the lodge.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- R$180–300 (≈ US$35–60) excl. bed
- Mid
- R$300–550 (≈ US$60–110) excl. bed
- High
- R$550 (≈ US$110)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, mid hotel1 × 2 nights × R$280 | R$560 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × R$350 | R$1,400 |
| Airport to Centro by ride-hailing app1 × R$40 · check | R$40 |
| City bus fare, one ride2 × R$4 · check | R$8 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × R$60 | R$120 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | R$213 |
| Trip total≈ R$585 per person per day, bed included | R$2,341≈ US$450 |
2026 estimate in reais; flights and lodge packages excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or açaí (300 ml) | R$8–15 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Mains at the Mercado Municipal restaurants | R$13–20 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Beer: draught in a bar / can at a shop | R$8–15 (≈ US$2–3) / R$4–7 (≈ US$1–2) |
| City bus ride | R$3.80 (≈ under US$1) (check) |
| Airport to centre by conventional taxi | about R$52 (≈ US$10) (check) |
| Teatro Amazonas guided tour | about R$20 (≈ US$4) (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Heat and humidity: perceived temperatures pass 40°C (104°F); carry water and a light rain jacket.Heat and humidity: perceived temperatures pass 104°F (40°C); carry water and a light rain jacket.
- In drought years (Aug–Nov) smoke from wildfires can cut air quality.
- Use ride-hailing or hotel-arranged taxis at night rather than walking unlit streets.
- River levels swing about 20 m between seasons, which changes what boats and beaches are usable: check before booking.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 190
- Ambulance
- 192
- Fire
- 193
Pocket card
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ManausManaus
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Para este endereço, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police190
- Ambulance192
- Fire193
Embassy
The US has a consular agency in Manaus (check the address); most other countries: embassies in Brasília, consulates in Rio or São Paulo.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Airport → Centro, ride-hailing app: about R$20–40 (≈ US$4–8), 20–30 min (check)
- Airport → Centro, conventional taxi: about R$52 (≈ US$10) (check)
- City bus, one ride: R$3.80 (≈ under US$1) (check)
Say or show
- Olá — Hello (oh-LAH)
- Obrigado / Obrigada — Thank you (oh-bree-GAH-doo / -dah)
- Quanto custa? — How much is it? (KWAN-too KOOS-tah)
- Onde fica o banheiro? — Where is the toilet? (ON-jee FEE-kah oo bah-NYAY-roo)
- Não falo português — I don't speak Portuguese (nowng FAH-loo por-too-GAYS)
- Socorro — Help (soh-KOH-hoo)
Manaus is UTC−4, one hour behind Brasília time.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Manaus. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Nov (drier, lower river, beaches) · avoid Dec–May (heavy rain, high river); Aug–Nov drought years bring smoke and poor air · month by month →
- 1 airport and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for MAO: late-night arrivals, ride-hailing fallback, first-night hotel near Centro.
- Four walking clusters with anchors: Teatro Amazonas and Largo de São Sebastião, Mercado and waterfront, Palácio Rio Negro and Parque Rio Negro, Ponta Negra.
- Lodge pages with verified transfer times, season and what is included, plus river-boat pages with cabin classes.
- Seasonal fixtures for river level, beach access and smoke alerts so the go/caution gates can go green.