Visit to Manaus

Q: I am hoping you can help me with an upcoming trip early September to Manaus Brazil. I am travelling (in a group of 4) to Manaus on route to a fishing expedition up the Rio Negro. We have a three night lay over in Manaus and I am looking for some advice on what not to miss in this city and suggestions on where to stay. Ideally we would like to be in an interesting location at a fair mid to low range price. - Andrew Jensen.

A: If you are expecting to arrive in a small town tucked away in the Amazon rainforest, you will be surprised to discover Manaus is a modern city with skyscrapers, a busy port and around two million residents. However, it’s still a fascinating place to visit and is the heart of the Amazon and the hub for tourism for the rivers, the jungle lodges and the river cruises. The two things not to miss are the magnificent Teatro Amazonas, a lavish opera house which reflects the town's rich colonial past, and the Meeting of the Waters, where the black waters of the Negro River meet the brown waters of the Solimoes River. These two rivers flow side by side without mixing for about 9kms. You can also spend time at Ponte Negra beach, which has a good beach and great nightlife, and check out the CIGS zoo, a military zoo for rescued animals, to see many endemic and native Amazonian species of mammals, reptiles, and birds. You can also visit a number of perfect white beaches only accessible by boat and formed when the water levels start dropping from August to November. If you want to stay in the city centre, the Hotel Manaos is a fair choice. It's just across the road from the famous Opera House. Rooms are small, but offer TV, air conditioning and Internet. Rates from 60-100 US dollars (www.hotelmanaos.com.br). A reliable mid-range option is the Novotel Manaus, which is located in the industrial section of town. However, it offers really nice rooms, a swimming pool, friendly staff and is only a short taxi ride from the city centre attractions. Rooms from 130 US dollars a night (www.novotel.com). A cheaper option is the Ibis Hotel close by. Room start at 75 US dollars (www.ibishotels.com) . A more luxurious option out of town is the Tropicale, which has a nice riverside setting with two swimming pools, a zoo, a shopping centre and its own dock. It's a little far from other attractions and a bit dated, but is the best option for a relaxing break close to the city, if that is what you are after. Rooms from 180 US dollars. (http://www.tropicalmanaus.com.br/) (6 Sept 2009)