OtherA surprisingly urban city that, although surrounded by jungle, has high-rise buildings and heavy traffic jams. Its appeal lies in the strong contrast between the opera house that shows the wealth of the rubber barons and the chaotic riverside market.

Manaus

Manaus · Brazil · -3.14, -60.02

A major city deep in the Amazon rainforest along the middle Amazon River, where 19th-century rubber wealth left grand architecture. A central port for Amazon River cruises.

Port highlights

A large city of about 2.2 million people

Population

A tropical rainforest climate that is hot and humid year-round, with nearly constant temperatures. November to May is the rainy season with frequent squalls, while June to September is relatively dry.

Climate

Portuguese

Language

Brazilian real (BRL). Cards are widely accepted, but cash is recommended at markets and landing piers.

Currency

May to July, when high water lets boats travel deep into the tributaries, or August to October, when there is less rain.

Best time to visit

Local food

Dishes made with giant freshwater fish such as pirarucu and tambaqui, tacaca (tucupi soup), acai bowls, and locally produced guarana drinks.

Sights

Teatro Amazonas (opera house)Meeting of the Waters, where two rivers mixAdolpho Lisboa MarketJungle lodge and boat safariGiant water lilies at Janauary Ecological Park

Monthly average high / low temperatures

31°

24°Jan

31°

24°Feb

31°

24°Mar

31°

24°Apr

31°

24°May

31°

24°Jun

31°

24°Jul

32°

24°Aug

33°

25°Sep

33°

26°Oct

33°

25°Nov

33°

25°Dec

Unit: °C · Calculated from NOAA GHCN-Daily station observations · Period: 1991–2023 · Station: SANTAREM-AEROPORTO · about 595 km from port · elevation difference about 55 m · Approximate (distant station) · Last checked: Oct 4, 2026 · A guide for choosing your travel month.

Local prices for travelers

Similar to Tokyo

Compared with Tokyo, Japan (median of items)100 (Tokyo = 100)

Compared with Tokyo, coffee and beer are somewhat cheaper; water costs about the same; meals and a Big Mac are somewhat more expensive.

R$3.40

Water 500 ml

R$13.75

Coffee

R$42.50

Inexpensive meal

R$14.50

Local beer

R$23.90

Big Mac

Prices in Manaus. · Amounts in the recorded local currency. No currency conversion applied. · Last checked: Oct 2026 (partly estimated) · Sources: Shop and menu prices · The Economist, Big Mac Index (CC BY 4.0)