The Amazon, consisting mainly of forests, occupies more than 56% of Brazil's area, though only 7% of its population live in the region. Apart from the natives in the jungle, most of its inhabitants live in and around few cities, such as Manaus, which is a thousand miles from the ocean and Belém, situated on the Equator line and only few miles from the Atlantic. The jungle is the largest in the world, with flora and fauna richer than any other. The vital force of this rich green world is the Amazon River, almost 4.000 miles long with a volume of water equal to 11 times that of the Mississipi River. This gigantic force of nature floods its banks every year covering thousands of square miles.
The main gateway to the Amazon and its wonders is the city of Manaus, named after an indigenous tribe named Manáo which originally inhabitaded the area. The colonization of this city began around 1657, when an expedition sheltered on the Tarumã river coasts, where religious say a mass. One year later a new troup occupied the place, forming the first center of the region, which originated Manaus.
Its growth only really had a truly impulse with the rubber boom period, between 1890 and 1920. The rubber barons built magnificent palaces such as the Manaus Municipal Theater with interiors recently renovated, the Market and the Customs Building.
Today, Manaus is an important commercial port, principally exporting agricultural and forest products. The Zona Franca estabilishiment contributed to increase the city business movement. Manaus has a boiling industrial district which produces sophisiticated consumer goods, duty free shops and a modern international airport.
SERVICES IN MANAUS - TRANSFER
From the International Aiport to the hotels, or vice-versa
CITY TOUR
Dailly at
9:00 A.M. and 02:00 P.M. except on Mondays. Approximate duration: 4 hours.
Indian Museum and Handicraft Exhibition. Matriz Church and harbor, Municipal Market sights where fruits and tropical fish are sold by the local inhabitants- ("caboclos"). Includes a visit to the famous Municipal Theater.
FULL DAY - MEETING OF THE WATERS -
CRUISE
Daily at 8:30
A.M. Approximate duration: 8 hours (Lunch
included)
Through the Negro River, sailing past small floating Manaus ports where, in the meeting of the Solimões, the Amazon River is formed. Visit to Terra Nova Island. Sailing to the upper Solimões, entering the tropical jungle.
