Manaus

Manaus

This turn-of-the-century city, once the booming center of the rubber trade, is a highlight of your Amazon cruise. Its showplace is the grandly restored 1896 opera house, Teatro Amazonas, a neo-classical masterpiece of French iron-work, Italian marble, and Louis XV furnishings. The stage curtain depicts an allegory of Manauss most spectacular natural landmark, the "wedding of the waters" where the Negro and Soliomes Rivers join to form the Amazon. Shopping will find a wide range of items in Manaus.

Attractions

Teatro Amazonas Opera House - A symbol of the early 1920s rubber boom, this Neo-classical Opera House was built entirely of materials imported from Europe, and once hosted the world's finest operatic performers. Amazon Village - Located in the heart of the jungle, this exclusive lodge serves as your base for a trek or canoe journey into the rain forest.Indian Museum - Operated by Salesian missionaries, this museum features superb displays, exhibits, artifacts and ritual objects from the indigenous tribes of the Amazon.

Shopping

Look for regional hand crafted items at the Municipal Market. The prices of duty-free goods are only attractive for Brazilians from other parts of the country. The Tropical Hotel features a number of attractive shops where you will have time to browse following disembarkation and prior to your transfer to the airport. Souvenirs, gem stones and jewelry are popular items.

Food

Fresh seafood (mainly the delicate river fish) and buffalo steaks are popular items on many menus. For a typical meal, barbecue style, you may want to try the Churrascaria Bufalo (5 minutes from the port); for regional and international cuisine both the Le Jens and Village restaurants can be recommended (15 to 20 minutes' drive from the port). Brazil is known for excellent local beer, and don’t miss tasting the national drink, caipirinha.

Currency

The Brazilian currency is the Real ("hay-ahl"), and Reais ("hay-ice") for the plural. The symbol for the Real is R$. The official exchange rate is published daily in the newspapers. U.S dollars are easily exchanged at hotels, banks, travel agencies and currency exchange offices. Generally, the exchange rate for traveler's checks is lower than for cash. Credit cards are widely accepted in large cities in Brazil, however, if you are traveling to smaller towns, it is advisable to exchange some money before your trip.

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