Manaus, Amazonas

The capital of the state of Amazonas, it is located at the confluence of the Negro and Solimoes rivers. The city is located in the middle of the rain forest and is accessed primarily by boat and air plane. The city was founded in the 17th century but saw its great expansion during the rubber boom in the 19th century. The abundance of sudden wealth saw the city build the Teatro Amazonas which cost $10 million and many villas and palaces. The city had electricity before most European cities. After the rubber bust, the city lost its electricity and the famous theatre was abandoned. It is grandiously restored now.

Santarem to Manaos

Another 5 days sailing the Amazon river up to the capital of the Amazonas. We stopped at a few small towns to drop off/take supplies and people. This time Nicola and I had to be vigilant at night as there were thiefs on board who constantly looked for the opportunity to separate us from our belongings. All of their attempts were abortive however.

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Santarem, Brazil Part 2

Five days' boat ride up the Amazonas from Belem lies the comfortable, laid back town called Santarem. There are small stores and pubs lining the river pier that come alive in the evening. It is an oasis of civilization in the middle of swamps, rain forests and a maze of interconnected rivers. I really enjoyed staying here and taking long walks along the Amazon River.

Sleepy town of Santarem

Five days' boat ride up the Amazonas from Belem lies the comfortable, laid back town called Santarem. There are small stores and pubs lining the river pier that come alive in the evening. It is an oasis of civilization in the middle of swamps, rain forests and a maze of interconnected rivers. I really enjoyed staying here and taking long walks along the Amazon River.

Belem: the port

From the colonial Sao Luis we took a bus to Belem, which is a large city on the mouth of the mighty Amazon River. Our plan was to take one of the local boats up the Amazon to Manaus. Photos below are from one of the ports in Belem. This was one of the shadier parts of the city where even the taxistas were hesitant to enter yet the boat that was to take us up the Amazon River departed from this very pier. Surprise was on our side as none of the vagabonds hanging around this place had a chance to plan an assault and separate us from our belongings. I wonder what the locals thought as they saw two blond guys walking around with their backpacks asking for a boat ride to the heart of the Amazon.