Manaus

Overview

Manaus is situated on the Rio Negro river, just 10 kilometers upstream from the point this river meets the Solimoes to form the Amazon. When in the area you should pay a visit to this point for the mingling of black and yellow water from the two rivers is really a sight worth seeing.

The city boomed due to the richness from the nearby rubberplants who used this place to trade latex. When the rubber business came into decline due to synthetic alternatives , the city fell into decline.

It now has a population over one and a half million people. Situated in the middle of the Amazon rain forest it serves as a travel hub and a distribution center for the river areas of the upper Amazon. It is thriving river harbour as well as the major destination on the highway from the south. You will be impressed by the vast number of river vessels of all shapes and sizes that ply their way from here to every township up and down this great river. Manaus is also the furthest point along the Amazon's deep-water channel, which allows huge ocean liners to come the 2,000 km/1,250 miles upstream from the Atlantic.

Unfortunately there's not much left of the fortress built in 1669 where the city originated, but there are lots of other interesting sights. You cannot miss the Jesuit church, dominating the city center, but you should also see the harbour installations, completed in 1902. Another interesting industrial sight, finished in the...more

History

Manaus was once the world center of rubber production and became very wealthy. When rubber tree seeds were smuggled abroad, it relapsed into poverty which was alleviated by being declared a special economic zone, bringing industry and money back. Now it's sliding back a little because other more accessible cities have also been given the same status, and Manaus' remoteness make it less competitive. The city is pleasant and friendly, although quite hot, and is still a major port, and a good base for river tours. The Rio Negro (northern) branch of the Amazon is the color of strong tea, peaty brown and its comparative acidity means few mosquitoes. At Manaus the Amazon rises and falls almost twenty meters between seasons. In May and June it's at its peak, full and very wide, spreading way out into the trees. In November December it's low; still massive but with sandbanks showing.