Top Rated Attractions in Manaus

Bosque da Ciência is a forest rich in local flora and fauna. This area is home to several wild animals like monkeys, sloths, turtles, otters and myriad tropical birds. There is also a manatee pool with underwater windows. Many species of plants, including poisonous and medicinal plants, and many trails and treks that attract hoards of tourists can be found here. Tours are held here throughout the year.

Situated a short walk away from the historic Teatro Amazonas is another place to fascinate history buffs - Museu Amazônico. The museum houses a small collection of artifacts from all over the Amazon, with some fascinating costumes, masks and hunting tools on display. Several of the items on display at Museu Amazônico are from archaeological studies that are still in progress.

The rubber boom, which lasted from 1879 to 1912, is one of the most significant events in the history of the Amazon Basin, both economically and socially, and those wishing to learn more about it should definitely pay a visit to Museu do Seringal Vila Paraíso. A short boat ride away from Manaus, the museum has created a typical rubber estate, showing visitors some of the hardships the workers faced in order to make the prosperity of the boom a reality. Visitors can learn about the rubber tapping process and also get to see what a rubber baron's abode looked like. Although its historical value is tremendous, the fact that it served as the location for the 2002 Portuguese film A Selva makes Museu do Seringal Vila Paraíso all the more fascinating.

Managed by Salesian nuns, Museu do Índio contains interesting artifacts like hunting weapons, clothes, drawings, musical instruments and cooking utensils made by tribes indigenous to the states of Pará and Amazonas. Although the displays don't offer the kind of detailed explanations many visitors would like to see, the collection serves as a fascinating source of information on native art and culture.