Manaus is located in northern Brazil at the point where the river Riu Negru flows into the Amazon River. It is the capital of the state of Amazonas. The city was founded in 1832 and is the largest and most important port on the Amazon River. Its population is 1.7 million.

Manaus boomed when rubber was among Brazil's most important export commodities. Then many European immigrants moved here. Some of the city's most beautiful buildings were built, such as the Mercado Munisipal-a copy of the Paris Halls-and the customs building. The largest architectural landmark is the Opera House-Theatro Amazonas (a copy of the Paris Opera House). The Palace of the Riu Negru is a cultural center built by a German farmer.

The Natural History Museum has a private collection dedicated to the wildlife of the area. The CIGS Zoo is home to endangered wildlife and is well worth the trip there. The tour by boat or overland in the Amazon rainforest is a challenge. And the "Paricatuba" waterfall on the Riu Negru is of spectacular beauty.

Many festivals are held in the city, but the most famous is the samba festival in October. Later on the 24th of the same month there is a local festival called "Boi Manaus". Then Manaus gets the status of a city. On this day there is a lot of singing, dancing, meat specialties, gorgeous costumes and a unique Latino spirit. The landscapes on the beaches of the Ponte Negra area are also wonderful.

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Rating 2 from 2 voted Manaus, Brazil