Located less than 4 hours flight from Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro and less than 6 hours direct flight from Miami, Manaus is the main entry point to adventures in the brazilian Amazon. The old historical city center is a living testimony of the time when the city was the center of a rubber boom in the end of the 19th century.
The Teatro Amazonas, the famous Opera House is a monumental construction and certainly one of the most beautiful opera houses in the southern hemisphere. The city has an up and coming food scene with many gastronomical experiences hard to find elsewhere in the world. And for those short on time, a series of day trips can be the perfect way for a great introduction to the Amazon.
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Although Opera season is short and happens every year during May, on many other nights of the year there are brazilian music bands and singers, and this can be the best way to experience the Opera house. Steps away from the theater, is the Galleria Amazonica, one of the finest native indigenous art galleries in the Amazon, definetely worth a visit. Don’t miss a morning visit to the city market on the shores of the Rio Negro, just 5 minutes away by car. For those who are looking for a two or three night stay in the Amazon, staying in Manaus and choosing a couple of our day trips, is a fine way to explore the region.
Fitz Carraldo is Hotel Villa Amazonia´s bistro, opens every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In a pleasant location, right at Manaus´ historical city center, it serves a unique mix of classic international dishes and the authentic Amazon’s exotic flavours.
Caxiri, located across the street from Teatro Amazonas, is known for its contemporary cuisine which creatively showcases the uniqueness of native ingredients that will dazzle your taste buds. Ask for one the tables by the window: they have stunning views of the theater.
Banzeiro definitely has some of the finest fish in the Amazon. One of the most intriguing options on the menu of this somewhat informal place, though, is the Saúva Ant starter served with manioc foam. Is a must-try for the most adventurous ones!
Manaus
The boutique hotel Villa Amazonia is our favourite option in Manaus. Its location steps away from the Opera House and some of the best restaurants in town, make it the perfect base to explore the city. Set in a beautifully restored historical building, the hotel has a charming restaurant and a small swimming pool to escape the heat.
