Manaus was recently thrust into the popular consciousness by the Brazil World Cup. The city was the venue many teams wanted to avoid due to its isolated location near the Amazon River. The city is on the banks of the Rio Negro, so car hire in Manaus is a popular way to navigate your way to the 'Meeting of the Two Rivers'.
Whilst the city might not be perfect for football, it's an ideal gateway to the Amazon Rainforest. Manaus certainly isn't devoid of culture, and the Teatro Amazonas (Manaus Opera House) is a welcome institution.
Manaus maybe isn't as isolated as people make out, but nevertheless, hiring a car in Manaus is a wise bet; especially if you're considering visiting Ponta Nerga beach, or the river beach of Praia da Lua. Football fans will also find that the Arena Amazonia is a short drive from the city centre.
The Meeting of the Rivers is always an awe inspiring sight, formed at the confluence of the Amazon and the Rio Negro. Close to home, the Ponte do Rio Negro is the iconic bridge, with phenomenal views over the locality, and those who want to explore further into the depths of the rainforest will generally need to take a river tour.
