Major Highways & Driving Tips in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil

Manaus, Brazil, Manaus, Travel & Transportation, Major Highways & Driving Tips

Major Highways & Driving Tips in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil

1. Amazonas-Transamazonica Highway (BR-230)

A vast, transcontinental highway stretching across the Amazon rainforest. Connects Manaus with Porto Velho in Rondônia state.
  • Length: Over 4,600 kilometers long, making it one of the longest highways in Brazil.
  • Road Condition: Mainly dirt roads and gravel, with sections requiring four-wheel drive vehicles.
  • Safety: Requires extreme caution due to wildlife, poor visibility, and limited services along the route.

2. Anel Viário de Manaus (Manaus Ring Road)

A circular highway surrounding the city of Manaus, providing easy access to its main districts and attractions.
  • Circumference: Approximately 80 kilometers in total length.
  • Traffic Management: Helps to reduce congestion and travel time within the city.
  • Accessibility: Facilitates access to key areas like the Amazonas Opera House, Manaus Zoo, and Amazonas Park.

3. BR-174 - The Highway to Porto Velho

Connects Manaus with the city of Porto Velho and the Brazilian border with Bolivia. This route offers stunning views of the Amazon rainforest.
  • Scenic Beauty: Offers breathtaking sights of the Amazon rainforest, wildlife, and rivers.
  • Length: Covers around 1,500 kilometers from Manaus to Porto Velho.
  • Vehicle Requirement: Recommended to use four-wheel drive vehicles for comfort and safety.

4. BR-319 - The Highway to Santarém

Linking Manaus with the city of Santarém, offering a route through the heart of the Amazon rainforest.
  • Length: Around 1,300 kilometers long from Manaus to Santarém.
  • Scenic Beauty: Features stunning views of the Amazon rainforest, rivers, and wildlife.
  • Vehicle Requirement: Recommended to use four-wheel drive vehicles for comfort and safety.

5. Manaus Zoo (Zoológico de Manaus)

A unique zoo housing a variety of Amazonian wildlife, including jaguars, anacondas, and pink river dolphins.
  • Species Diversity: Features over 1,000 species of plants, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals.
  • Educational Value: Offers educational programs and guided tours to visitors.
  • Location: Located near the Anel Viário de Manaus (Manaus Ring Road), making it easily accessible.

6. Amazonas Opera House (Teatro Amazonas)

A Neoclassical architectural masterpiece in Manaus, offering opera and ballet performances.
  • Architecture: Inspired by the Paris Opera House, with beautiful Italian marble details.
  • Performance Schedule: Regularly hosts opera, ballet, and classical music performances.
  • Location: Situated in the city center, near the Anel Viário de Manaus (Manaus Ring Road).

7. Amazonas Park (Parque Amazonas)

A spacious urban park in the center of Manaus offering recreational activities and a botanical garden.
  • Size: Covers an area of around 30 hectares.
  • Recreational Activities: Offers sports facilities, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
  • Botanical Garden: Features a diverse collection of Amazonian flora.

8. Manaus City Center (Centro de Manaus)

The historic heart of Manaus, showcasing colonial architecture and bustling markets.
  • Architecture: Features well-preserved colonial buildings, such as the City Hall and Palácio Rio Negro.
  • Markets: Offers vibrant markets like the Mercado Adolpho Lisboa (Adolpho Lisboa Market) for souvenirs and local food.
  • Location: Situated near the Anel Viário de Manaus (Manaus Ring Road).

9. Jacare Acú (Iracajá Boat Tour)

An unforgettable experience navigating the Amazon River on a traditional Jacaré boat.
  • Cultural Experience: Provides insight into local culture and daily life along the Amazon.
  • Wildlife Spotting: Offers chances to see wildlife like dolphins, monkeys, and various bird species.
  • Guides: Expert guides share their knowledge about the Amazon ecosystem.

10. Manaus International Airport (Aeroporto Internacional Eduardo Gomes)

The main gateway to Manaus, facilitating air travel to and from the city.
  • Location: Located approximately 12 kilometers from downtown Manaus.
  • Airlines: Serves multiple airlines, including TAM, Gol, and Azul Linhas Aéreas.
  • Facilities: Provides duty-free shops, restaurants, and Wi-Fi access.

11. Manaus Port (Porto de Manaus)

A major port on the Amazon River, serving as a hub for cargo and riverboats.
  • Cargo Handling: Handles a significant amount of cargo, including timber, rubber, and minerals.
  • Riverboats: Serves riverboats transporting passengers to other Amazonian destinations.
  • Location: Located near the center of Manaus, with easy access via road and waterways.

12. Manaus Port Authority (Autoridade Portuária de Manaus)

The local authority responsible for managing the port operations in Manaus.
  • Port Management: Manages cargo handling, navigation safety, and other port-related activities.
  • Services: Offers services like customs clearance and vessel registration.
  • Location: Located near the city center, with easy access via road and waterways.

13. Manaus Bus Terminal (Rodoviária de Manaus)

The main bus station in Manaus, connecting the city with other Brazilian destinations.
  • Location: Located approximately 3 kilometers from downtown Manaus.
  • Bus Companies: Serves multiple bus companies, including Viação São Francisco and Viação Reunidas.
  • Facilities: Provides waiting areas, ticket counters, and food vendors.

14. Manaus Taxis (Táxis de Manaus)

A reliable transportation option within the city of Manaus.
  • Location: Easily found at designated taxi stands throughout the city.
  • Fares: Affordable rates for city travel, with some surcharges during peak hours or special events.
  • Safety: Licensed and regulated by the local authorities for passenger safety.

15. Manaus Car Rental (Locação de Carros em Manaus)

An option for travelers who prefer to drive themselves around the city.
  • Location: Available at the airport, bus terminal, and various rental agencies throughout the city.
  • Vehicle Selection: Offers a variety of cars to suit different travel needs and budgets.
  • Insurance Coverage: Includes liability insurance, with optional coverage for theft and damage.