Things To Do
in Manicoré

Manicoré is a small riverside town in Amazonas, Brazil, positioned along the Manicoré River and surrounded by lush Amazon rainforest. It serves as a gateway to forest communities and flooded forests, offering intimate encounters with river life and local culture. The town has a relaxed pace, colorful markets, and a backdrop of dense jungle and wildlife.

Visitors should be prepared for hot, humid days and occasional heavy rainfall, especially in the wet season.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional Brazilian pão de queijo. Afterward, wander through the quaint streets of Manicoré’s historic center, admiring the colonial architecture and vibrant murals. Be sure to stop by the local artisan shops to pick up unique handmade crafts.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a riverside restaurant, where you can taste regional dishes like tambaqui and farofa. Post-lunch, visit the Museu Municipal to learn about the history and culture of Manicoré, filled with fascinating exhibits. Take a stroll along the waterfront, soaking in the views of the majestic Madeira River.

evening
:

As the sun sets, find a cozy spot at a local bar to enjoy a refreshing caipirinha while watching the colorful sky. Engage with friendly locals and fellow travelers, potentially sharing stories over live music performances. End your day with a satisfying dinner of fresh fish, cooked with regional spices.

day 2
Amazon River Adventure
morning
:

Begin your adventure early with a guided boat tour on the Amazon River, where you will witness the breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife. Keep your camera ready as you might spot pink dolphins and various exotic birds along the banks. Enjoy a packed breakfast on board, surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest.

afternoon
:

Continue your exploration by visiting a nearby indigenous community, where you can learn about their traditional way of life and participate in cultural activities. Enjoy a hearty lunch prepared by the community, featuring local ingredients and flavors. Afterward, embark on a nature walk through the lush jungle, guided by an expert who will point out fascinating flora and fauna.

evening
:

As evening approaches, return to your accommodations for a refreshing shower and some relaxation. For dinner, choose a restaurant known for its Amazonian cuisine, sampling dishes made with ingredients sourced from the rainforest. Conclude your day with a night stroll along the riverbank, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere of the Amazon.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
🧃Bottle of water (1.5L)$0.75-1.50
Coffee or tea$1-3
🚕Short taxi ride$2-5
🌯Street snack or local dish$1-4

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich biodiversity and river-based activities
  • Friendly locals and authentic Amazonian experiences
  • Limited nightlife and fewer tourist infrastructure in the immediate area
  • Long travel times from major hubs; humid, can be hot and rainy
  • "Bom dia" - Good morning
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Onde fica o mercado?" - Where is the market?

Places to Visit in Manicoré

Visit one of these nice places.

Riverside Promenade

Golden-hour views along the Manicoré River with boats and locals casting nets.

Praça da Prefeitura and Igreja Matriz

Colorful town square with colonial church, ideal for portraits and street scenes.

Sunset Over the River

High vantage point or waterfront cafe to capture silhouettes and reflections.

Fauna and Flora Trails

Forest trails near the river offer opportunities to photograph birds and caimans at dawn.

Culinary Guide

Food in Manicoré

The cuisine blends freshwater fish, tropical fruits, and cassava, with iconic Amazon dishes like tacacá, maniçoba, and grilled tambaqui.

Manicoré Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Tacacá

A hot tucupi soup with dried beef, jambu, and tucupi sauce, a staple Amazon street bite.

Must-Try!

Maniçoba

Slow-cooked leaves and meat dish often prepared in larger gatherings.

Tambaqui ao molho de farinha

Grilled tambaqui served with manioc flour sauce and local greens.

Pato no tucupi

Duck cooked in tucupi sauce, a rich, tangy Amazon classic.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de Manicoré

Main market offering fresh fish, fruits, and regional ingredients; a great place to sample street foods.

Açaí na tigela carts

Street-side stalls serving açai bowls, a refreshing Amazonian favorite.

Climate Guide

Weather

The climate is hot and humid year-round, with a pronounced rainy season. Temperatures typically range from 24°C to 32°C (75–90°F), and heavy rains can occur suddenly, especially during the wet season.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with a friendly "Bom dia/Boa tarde" and a handshake; address elders with respect.

Punctuality and conversation

People are generally relaxed about time; engage in small talk and show interest in local life.

Safety Guide

Safety

Safety in Manicoré is generally good in the town center, but travelers should exercise typical jungle precautions: use insect repellent, avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas, stay hydrated, and follow local advice for river activities to avoid strong currents or dangerous wildlife.

Tipping in Manicoré

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

A 5-10% tip is customary in restaurants if service is not included; small markets rarely expect tips.

Payment Methods

Credit/debit cards accepted in larger establishments; cash (Brazilian real) is widespread, especially in markets and small eateries.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer (Dec–Mar)

Hot and humid with heavy afternoon showers; good for river trips but bring rain gear.

Dry Season (Jun–Sep)

Lighter rainfall, cooler nights, and clearer skies; great for hiking and sightseeing.

Shoulder Seasons (Apr–May, Oct–Nov)

Variable rain; river levels can be high, offering dramatic flooded-forest photography, with comfortable temperatures.

Nightlife Guide

Manicoré at Night

In Manicoré, nightlife is quiet and community-focused, with evenings centered around riverside cafés, small bars, and informal music gatherings; it's a social scene where locals chat and share stories rather than a club scene.

Hiking in Manicoré

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Trilha do Rio Manicoré

A river-facing forest trail that offers chances to see birds and monkeys, best in the early morning.

Mata de Terra Firme Trail

Dense forest trail near the river edge; a good introduction to Amazonian flora.

Airports

How to reach Manicoré by plane.

Manaus – Eduardo Gomes International Airport

Major regional hub with domestic and international connections; use as a gateway to Manicoré.

Manicoré Municipal Airport

Small local airport serving regional flights, primarily to Manaus and nearby towns.

Getting Around

Walkability

Manicoré is walkable in the town center with many markets, churches, and riverside paths; outside the core, roads can be rough and distances to natural sights may require a vehicle or boat.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Ribeirinhos (riverine communities)

Indigenous and mixed-heritage residents living along rivers and floodplains.

Urban residents

People working in markets, schools, and local services; about community life centered in the town.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Futebol (Soccer)

The dominant sport; local leagues and informal games are common in evenings.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in the town is usually light; river transport is essential for longer trips and some neighborhoods rely on boats or small buses for connections to rural communities.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Manicoré.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Navigate by asking for vegetariano prato or substituting with beans, rice, tofu, or plantains; many dishes can be prepared without meat.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Manicoré is basic, with local health posts and clinics; for more advanced care, travelers typically go to Manaus or other larger towns with hospitals and specialists.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide