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 Manaus
is a modern, growing city, dominating Brazil's largest frontier. Before
the rubber boom of the 19th century, Manaus was a small, insignificant
town. With rubber came riches and splendid architectural accomplishments
like the Amazonas Theater (completed in 1896 and restored in 1929)
with its neoclassical façade and art nouveau interior including
paintings by Capranesi and De Angelis. The green, yellow, blue and red
dome is made up of tiles imported from France - a masterpiece of tropical
decor.
Today, Manaus is
a meeting point for people from all over the world. International
flights from the U.S., Europe and Latin America regularly service the city.
Manaus has fine Hotels and restaurants offering international cuisine and
delightful local dishes.
Shopping is another attraction in Manaus. Imported goods can be purchased free of import duties in the free trade zone. Local arts and crafts are also readily available throughout the region. Manaus is the ideal point of the rest of Amazon region. Tour boats leave Manaus for a day trip to ‘meeting of the waters where the black waters of the Rio Negro meet the light waters of the Rio Solimões flowing side by side without mixing for several miles. Visitors can also explore river banks and "igarapés", swim and canoe in placid lakes or simply walk in the lush forest. The more adventurous may even choose to spend a night for two in the jungle in close contact with nature. The Amazon Forest
The Amazon Basin The Amazon River and its tributaries make up 20% of the world's supply of fresh water. Of the twenty largest rivers in the world, ten are in the Amazon Basin. The Amazon River itself is 4,087 miles long (2,246 miles of which are in Brazilian territory). The force of the river at its mouth is enough to generate waves 12 feet high. Aquatic plant life on the Amazon is especially exuberant. The best known plants are the "Victoria Régia" water lilies, whose leaves sometimes grow to seven feet in diameter. Not surprisingly, waterways are the main access routes within the Amazon; and boats are the principal means of transportation. |
©
Brasil Guide Turismo - 2000
The
Amazon is the world's largest rain forest. Its land area represents
40% of Brazil’s territory. 1,800 species of birds 250 varieties
of mammals are sheltered by an infinite assortment of trees and plants.
The Amazon Rain Forest is directly responsible for the production of 50%
of the world's replenishable supply of oxygen. It is a paradise for
scientists, photographers and fishermen. The world's largest river
basin contains 1,500 varieties of fish in a seemingly endless succession
of rivers and tributaries.