Once infamous for its violence, the Manaus travel gateway now lures tourists with surreal rivers and jungle wonders

Manaus, a key Manaus travel gateway deep within the Amazon rainforest, wears its scars with defiance. Once known for its violence, this Brazilian city is making a bold comeback. Formerly ranked the world’s 21st deadliest city, Manaus is now reconnecting with Europe through a revived TAP airline route, offering tourists a unique blend of intrigue, history, and natural splendour.

Nestled in the heart of Amazonas, Brazil’s largest state, Manaus has an undeniable charm that rivals its dark reputation. For adventurers, the city serves as the gateway to the Amazon. But what truly defines Manaus is the Encontro das Águas, or Meeting of the Waters—a mesmerising natural spectacle where the dark Rio Negro flows alongside the sediment-laden Solimões River for nearly four miles without mixing. This striking phenomenon, caused by differences in temperature, speed, and density, offers visitors a glimpse into the raw power and beauty of the Amazon ecosystem.

While the rivers paint a serene image, Manaus’s streets once told a grimmer story. Violent crime plagued the city, earning it the moniker “murderous Manaus” during the 2014 World Cup. But today, a different narrative emerges. TAP’s direct flights from Lisbon, operating three times a week, make this metropolis more accessible than ever. With Portugal’s national carrier as the only European airline to land at Eduardo Gomes International Airport, Manaus is reclaiming its place on the map—not just as a commercial hub, but as a tourist destination.

For those stepping into Manaus, its layers of history are immediately apparent. The city’s 19th-century rubber boom brought unimaginable wealth to a remote corner of the rainforest. During this gilded era, extravagant lifestyles flourished. Rubber barons built opulent villas, watered horses with champagne, and competed in absurd displays of wealth.

The jewel of this era remains the Teatro Amazonas, the city’s pastel-pink opera house. Constructed with materials imported from Europe, including Carrara marble and Murano glass chandeliers, it stands as a symbol of Manaus’s fleeting opulence. After decades of neglect, the opera house now thrives as a cultural beacon. Visitors can witness the Amazonas Philharmonic Orchestra or attend the annual Festival Amazonas de Ópera, a renowned event that draws audiences from around the globe.

Beyond its historical grandeur, Manaus is a modern economic powerhouse. It ranks as Brazil’s sixth-largest metropolitan economy, driven by industries such as electronics, chemicals, and petroleum refining. Yet, its soul remains tied to the Amazon, where adventure beckons. Visitors can embark on jungle treks, encounter rare wildlife, or explore river tributaries teeming with life.

But Manaus’s renaissance doesn’t erase its challenges. It still grapples with economic disparity and the shadows of its violent past. For travellers, it offers a paradox: a city that’s both beautiful and bruised, promising unforgettable experiences tempered with caution.

As Manaus reclaims its narrative, it invites visitors to look beyond the headlines. Here, in the heart of the Amazon, the city’s rivers tell a story of coexistence—one where opposites collide yet eventually blend, creating something extraordinary.