Manaus, Brazil Port

Manaus sits near the start of the Amazon River, and is a city steeped in history. At once time it was the world’s wealthiest destination, thanks to the thriving rubber trade, before the huge downturn brought these empires crashing down. Yet the heritage still exists, both in the Rubber Museum that tells the story of how the material was produced, to the lively entertainment venues that the rubber barons would frequent, including the Teatro Amazonas Opera House where the finest performers in the world would flock. You can also learn more about the native tribes that live further up the river, with the Museo do Indio offering insight into the cultures and social structures of these fascinating people.

Yet it’s the natural wonders of the Amazon rainforest that brings travellers from around the world to Manaus these days. The largest tropical rainforest in the world, it is home to countless species of exotic wildlife, including toucans, snakes and a whole lot more, along with beautiful flora amongst the towering trees. If you’ve an extended overnight stay in Manaus, consider an evening alligator cruise, where you can get close to this magnificent beasts as they congregate on the waters.

The currency in Manaus is the Real. Manaus is 4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT -4).