Things to Do & Must-See Attractions in Amazon

This museum run by a congregation of Salesian nuns boasts a nice collection of artifacts showcasing the history, heritage, and culture of the region’s indigenous populations. Items on display include pottery, weapons, tools, ritual masks, clothing, and musical instruments from the tribes of the upper Amazon.

Operated by the Salesian Sisters, an order of nuns with missions in the Upper Amazon region, the Indian Museum (Museu do Índio) displays a collection of weapons, musical instruments, ritual masks, ceramics, tools and ceremonial clothing from the indigenous tribes of the Amazon rainforest, mostly from the states of Amazonas and Pará.

Apart from touring the collection to learn more about the region’s tribes, the museum also offers visitors the chance to shop for authentic índio handicrafts, like necklaces and baskets made from natural materials, in the small gift shop.

Along with the Teatro Amazonas in central Manaus, the rubber boom of the late 1800s also saw the construction of the Church of San Sebastian (Igreja Sao Sebastiao). The church was built in 1888, and although there are other more noteworthy cathedrals in Brazil, this one is certainly worth a visit.

The CIGS Zoo is run by the Brazilian Army and serves as a safe haven for animals rescued from traffickers and hunters. The site houses a variety of animals that have been rescued (or displaced from their natural habitats due to development), including jaguars, monkeys, tapirs, sloths, and many species of birds and Amazonian fish.

A major draw of visiting the Amazonas region is the incredible variety of living creatures that are unique to the river and rainforest. Anyone who might be a bit hesitant to go trekking into the jungle to meet them in their natural habitat can get a peek at the Amazon Natural Science Museum (Museo De Ciencias Naturais Da Amazonia).

While not as well known as Ponta Negra, crescent-shaped Praia da Lua is arguably Manaus’ best beach, with white sand and the warm, black waters of the Rio Negro. It’s a popular beach for swimming or watching an Amazon sunset.

Giant water lilies, flooded forests, fertile lowlands, and rare wildlife are just part of what makes the 22,000-acre (9,000-hectare January Ecological Park so appealing. Visitors can navigate the relaxing waters while searching for rare tropical birds, monkeys, crocodiles, and brightly colored butterflies along the verdant lakeshore.

The Rio Negro is not only the largest tributary of the great Amazon River, it’s also the largest blackwater river in the world. Its color—which looks more like strong tea than a dark oil slick—comes from high concentrations of humic acid. Despite its unique color, the river supports more than 700 species of fish, making it a rich resource for communities located along its banks.

Travelers who navigate the flow of this winding river can see the diversity of the Amazon Rain Forest up close and bear witness to the Meeting of the Waters, where the muddy Amazon River mixes with the dark Rio Negro. Visitors can hire a guide, paddle a canoe or hop aboard one of the local motorized boats to explore this natural wonder, where black waters and tropical vegetation make for a memorable experience.

Known as the Land of Waterfalls, the town of Presidente Figueiredo is a hub for Brazil’s natural wonders. Close proximity to the picturesque Sanctuary and Iracema falls, as well as its rushing rivers, jungle treks and dark caves make it the perfect destination for travelers seeking ecological escapism.

Visitors can hire a guide and explore the falls with local experts who are well informed about the plants, animals and landscape of the region. Or they can hop a taxi from the bus station and venture into the woods alone—a popular choice among visitors to Presidente Figueiredo.

A network of challenging trails winds through the thick forests surrounding the town, which was founded in 1981, and while most of these paths are free to visitors, several that enter private property may require travelers to pay a nominal fee. In addition to hiking, visitors can explore some of the popular caves near Presidente Figueiredo, including Arara, a local favorite that’s located near Iracema Falls.

This rubber estate turned museum is the last vestige of the Amazon region’s once booming rubber industry, which brought an influx of riches to Manaus during the late 19th century. Here, visitors can explore a reconstructed rubber tapper shack and smokehouse to learn more about the rubber making process and the people behind it.

Travelers to Brazil rank a trip to Iracema waterfall among the top destination for visitors in search of an ecological adventure. Stationed deep in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest, a trip to see the thundering waters of Iracema is an ideal way to get up close with the indigenous wildlife while exploring the Urubui River. After hiking the surrounding trails that lead to this picturesque peak, head to the foot of the falls where shallow waters provide a welcome escape from the humidity and heat of the Amazon heat and a perfect place for a refreshing dip.

The largest rain forest on Earth, the Amazon spans more than 2 million square miles (5.5 million square kilometers). Home to around 40,000 species of plants, several thousand species of birds, more than 400 mammals, and millions of different insects, it’s one of the planet’s vital organs—and an adventurer’s playground.