Manaus, Brazil's Paris of the Amazon

[Iberia Airlines]

by María José Cortés Llamas

Carved out of the Amazonian rain forest, Manaus (pop. 1.8 million) has been little known by the outside world, the capital of Amazonas state is filled with contrasts and intrigue, and previously lived through a golden age due to the rubber boom in the 19th century. The results can be seen in the architecture, which exude majesty and the inspiration of Belle-Époque Paris. The Amazon Theatre is the foremost example; inaugurated in 1896, it’s adorned with original decorative items brought from Europe, particularly England, France and Italy.

Manaus still shines to this day, but in a different way – less because of the fancy buildings as the local cuisines and surrounding natural environment and its Amerindian peoples.



The culinary diversity found here is mainly thanks to the region’s vast variety of fish, grilled, fried or made into croquettes, usually served with fruits and vegetables and with the bold flavours of ginger and tucupí (manioc sauce) often present. Caldeirada de tambaquí (fish with tomato, onion, pepper and oil) is one of the most traditional and popular local dishes.

The tribal population of the surrounding area is vast, numbering some 350,000. So Manaus offers some wonderful opportunties to buy artisanal products such as beautiful hammocks and baskets.



And what can I say about the Amazonian rainforest? Covering 80 percent of Brazil, it’s home to an amazing array of flora and fauna – with 1,000 different species of fish alone. The city is home to numerous outfitters which offer excursions, cruises along the nearby sections of the Amazon River (the world’s longest, and 6,400 kilometres/4,000 miles), and jungle lodge stays of varying lengths and degrees of luxury and cost.

In 2014, Manaus was selected as a venue for several of the World Cup matches, introducing many around the planet to this intriguing city and region and stimulating more visits in the aftermath. as more travelers come to take advantage of the ecotourism opportunities here deep in the Amazon, Planet Earth’s green lungs.


More information: www.Manaus.info.

 

photos | Filipe Frazao, ah_fotobox, 

[Anil]

And it has a market modeled after Les Halles. The area around the piers is bustling with activities.