Manaus and the Brazilian Amazon
Manaus lies in the state of Amazonas in Brazil, on the Rio Negro. For many visitors it is the entry point to the Brazilian Amazon rainforest. You can see a famous river junction, tour a historic opera house and join a ship expedition from here.
This guide covers the sights, the 2026 ticket details, the water seasons, and the health and visa points that matter for Brazil. It is independent and has no link to a city office, theater, lodge or tour company. Prices are in Brazilian reais (BRL) or US dollars, as listed in 2026.
The Meeting of the Waters
Encontro das Águas, where two rivers run side by side.
Dark water from the Rio Negro and muddy water from the Solimões flow next to each other for kilometers before they mix. Boat trips to the junction start in Manaus. Duration and price depend on the operator, and there is no fixed standard, so compare what the boat and the guide include.
A planned building complex designed by Oscar Niemeyer at the junction was still under construction, according to a city statement of 24 September 2026. Do not expect a new viewing area with set opening hours.
Our picks: tours from Manaus
A lodge stay, a jungle immersion and an overnight river tour, all starting in or near Manaus.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
2-day river tour with one night
One night in a simple guest room, not on a cabin ship. All transport, entry fees, water, an English-speaking guide and meals are included; souvenirs and alcohol are extra.
Check availability →
2- to 5-day jungle immersion near Manaus
Meals, an English- or French-speaking guide, hikes, a canoe trip, kayak or SUP, wildlife spotting and optional jungle camping. The number of nights depends on the option; alcohol and a private airport transfer are not included.
Check availability →
Anaconda Lodge stay, 2 to 4 days
One, two or three nights depending on the option, in a private cabin with fan or air conditioning. Meals, water, fruit, an English-speaking guide and Manaus hotel transfers are included; the return airport transfer, tips, beer, soft drinks, dolphin swimming and the Meeting of the Waters are extra.
Check availability →Manaus tours and jungle trips
River trips, Meeting of the Waters tours, jungle lodges and city visits around Manaus, with live prices and availability.
Teatro Amazonas: visiting hours and tickets
The opera house offers guided visits. Hours and prices are from the culture authority's page, which has no date.
Monday is not listed in the visiting plan, so do not assume the building is open. Free entry applies to people born in the state of Amazonas with proof, to people with a disability and to children aged 0 to 10. Reduced tickets go to students with valid ID, teachers, people aged 60 and over, blood donors, health workers, military staff and companions of people with a disability. Bring proof.
This is the price of the guided visit. It is not the price of an opera or concert ticket. Check the current timetable before you go.
Season, water level and climate
Manaus monthly averages, 1961 to 1990 (WMO, Brazilian weather service data). They show the pattern, not a forecast for 2026.
| Month | Max °C | Min °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30.5 | 23.1 | 260.1 |
| March | 30.6 | 23.2 | 313.5 |
| May | 30.8 | 23.3 | 256.3 |
| July | 31.3 | 22.7 | 87.5 |
| August | 32.6 | 23.0 | 57.9 |
| September | 32.9 | 23.5 | 83.3 |
| October | 32.8 | 23.7 | 125.7 |
| December | 31.3 | 23.5 | 216.9 |
A cruise operator on the Rio Negro describes the rainy season as roughly mid-December to mid-May and a drier period from about August to November. It reports the lowest water from November to January. The record low water of 2023 and 2024 is history: the WMO reports normal Rio Negro levels at Manaus in the second half of 2025. That is no guarantee for any route in 2026, so ask your operator about current levels. These figures apply to Manaus only, not to other parts of the Amazon.
Best time to visit the Amazon →Ship expeditions from Manaus
Per person, 2026, double occupancy in Green and Yellow cabins.
| Program | Length | Green cabin | Yellow cabin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Into the Wild Amazon | 4 nights | $2,750 | $3,650 |
| Voyage to the Heart of the Amazon | 6 nights | $4,650 | $6,100 |
Both programs use the Rio Negro and later the Amazon, with nature guides. Departures are spread across 2026. The 4-night description says Monday to Friday, but several dates in the calendar start on a Sunday, so confirm your exact dates. A single Blue cabin costs the same as Yellow.
River cruise guide →Health and entry for Brazil
Ask a travel medicine clinic before you go.
Yellow fever and malaria
The US health agency (CDC) recommends yellow fever vaccination from 9 months of age in parts of Brazil, including the state of Amazonas, and says proof is not required to enter Brazil (updated 23 April 2025). The next country on your trip may ask for proof. It lists malaria transmission across the state of Amazonas. Your doctor decides what suits you.
Visa and passport
US citizens have needed an approved visa before travel since 10 April 2025. German, Austrian and Swiss citizens can enter visa-free for tourism for up to 90 days (in 6 months for Germans, in 180 days for Swiss). German and Austrian advice asks for a passport valid 6 months. Rules change, so check with the Brazilian embassy before you go.
Travel disruption
The German Foreign Office notes possible traffic disruptions around the elections on 4 October 2026 and a possible runoff on 25 October 2026.
Water
The CDC advises against swimming in untreated fresh water in Brazil because of schistosomiasis and recommends life jackets on boats.
Travel tips →Plan the rest of your trip
Compare Manaus with other bases.
Manaus: frequently asked questions
What is the Meeting of the Waters?
It is the point where the dark Rio Negro meets the muddy Solimões. The two waters run side by side for kilometers before they mix.
Is the Teatro Amazonas open on Mondays?
The visiting plan lists Tuesday to Saturday and Sunday or holiday mornings. Monday is not listed, so check the current timetable before you go.
Do US citizens need a visa for Brazil?
Yes. Since 10 April 2025 US citizens need a visa approved before travel. Check with the Brazilian embassy for the current process and fees.
Is the Amazon safe to visit from Manaus?
Book through an operator with trained guides. Use a life jacket on boats, get advice from a travel medicine clinic, and check current travel advice for Brazil. No operator can promise a risk-free trip.
When is the best time to go?
That depends on what you want. In the climate table above, rainfall in Manaus is lowest from July to September. Water level changes the routes, so ask the operator about your month.