The capital of the Brazilian state of Amazonas with a population of more than two million people is deprived of the suburbs and surrounded on all sides by the jungle. The city of Manaus can be called the door to the world of wildlife, and those traveling in the Amazon are not left behind.
Tourism has long been the main source of income for the beautiful pearl of Brazil. Guests from all over the world dream of getting into the very heart of the jungle, and experienced guides do not disappoint foreigners, introducing them to the unknown beauties of unspoiled nature. Many tourist routes originate from the metropolis, including the national parks that Brazil is famous for. Manaus, behind whose a very curious story, delights with its color and attracts exoticism.
Rubber fever
In 1669, a small village appeared around the fort built by the Portuguese, which received its modern name only after 163 years, and after 16 years it was awarded the status of a city. At the end of the 19th century, Manaus unexpectedly became the center of the rubber industry, and rubber for tires diverged around the world. The demanded goods bring crazy incomes, and millionaires appear among the local population.
It was at this time that the wealthy city of Brazil recognized its cultural capital. Manaus, in which the state's main university opened the door for applicants, was even called "tropical Paris" because of the abundance of magnificent palaces of the local nouveau riche.
People from all over the country, who had heard about quick money, came here and began to grow hevea (rubber trees) in anticipation of milky juice. The real rubber fever that captured the city ended unexpectedly for everyone before the First World War.
Economic decline
Contrary to all prohibitions, one English fraudster secretly took out seeds that were later planted in Southeast Asia. Hevea began to give several times more rubber than in the Amazon, and it cost at the same time much cheaper. The once expensive raw materials depreciated and huge damage was done to the region. The village was in decline until, in 1967, Brazil specifically introduced economic benefits for it. Manaus, which has become a free trade zone, has again turned into a city with a high income. Now it is a large industrial center and an important seaport for the country.
Tropical climate
300 kilometers from the busy metropolis passes the equator, which greatly affects the climate as a whole. All year round, the temperature does not drop below 26-30 degrees, and due to the high humidity that is held in the city, such heat is very difficult to tolerate. In the fall, in the rainy season (for Europeans in the spring), about a meter of precipitation falls.
"Wedding of the rivers"
Surrounded on all sides by the jungle, Manaus (Brazil), whose photos reflect its sophistication and European polish, is famous for its Amazonian miracle, and tourists from different countries rush to the metropolis to witness this natural phenomenon. The city lies on the banks of the mighty Black River, and where its waters merge with Solimoes, you can watch a beautiful sight.
Rio Negro waters are rich in minerals and have a dark coffee color, while Solimões, which flows from the mountains, acquires a cloudy yellowish hue. In the place where the rivers meet, an interesting effect is observed - for several kilometers water of different temperatures flow without mixing.
Ecological tourism
Due to its geographical position, the city of Manaus (Brazil) has long become a center of ecological tourism. You can’t come here for one day, because in order to consider many natural and historical sights, it will take at least a week.
You can go to the botanical garden, spread over an area of about 100 square kilometers. At Adolpho Ducke, tourists will experience the biodiversity of the Amazonian nature. Collections of unique plants, exhibition pavilions with exotic flowers, a library and a spacious amphitheater will present many new discoveries to all guests of the country.
Zhau National Park includes several ecosystems of the region. Chocolate and dairy trees, ferns, elephant palms and creepers grow here. The density of the forests is fascinating, and the giant flowers and orchids add the unique charm of Parque Nacional do Jau, which Brazil is proud of.
Manaus is a bustling city surrounded by the jungle, and, according to tourists, the most interesting begins outside. The Amazon basin is not in vain called the "lungs of the planet", because it is a humid tropical forest with an area of more than six million square kilometers. Half of all oxygen on our earth is produced here. Scientists have studied only 30 percent of the flora of the region in which the tribes of Indians live, never contacting civilization.
Foreigners who have become acquainted with the unique nature of Amazonia, occupying a third of the territory of the South American state, rightly believe that the most beautiful country in the world is Brazil.
Manaus Tours
A trip through the rainforest accompanied by local guides leaves a lasting impression. Ecological hotels are located inside the jungle, which are cute houses built in the form of Indian huts.
Excursions for 2-3 days, which include a boat transfer from the city and three meals a day, are very popular with tourists. From early morning, guests set off on an exciting journey through the surrounding jungle. And the most desperate even take part in the hunt for crocodiles.
For wealthy guests who do not want to live in a hut, an excursion tour on a cruise ship is provided.
I must admit that for many centuries Brazil has maintained its national flavor. Manaus, whose sights are remembered forever, attracts tourists, forcing them to admire the sight seen. Not a single traveler who rested in the state capital regrets a wonderful trip.