In 1669 the Portuguese built a fortress to protect the region from potential invasion by the Dutch who were garrisoned on Surinam (Dutch Guyana). The fortress was named “Sao Jose da Barra”. An Indian village was spawned around the fort and was given the name “Sao Jose da Barro do Rio Negro” since it was banked on the River Negro. Eventually the name was shortened to “Villa de Barro” and in 1856 was renamed as “Manaos” to celebrate the Manao Indian Nation, the predominant native group in the region. Today the city of about 2 million people is known as “ Manaus” throughout the world.

Manaus grew economically primarily as a major exporter of natural rubber and between about 1890 and 1910, the city leaders created an ambitious plan to make Manaus a model city of its time. They brought hundreds of architects, engineers and builders from Europe to implement the urbanization plan. Having created architecture with a European flair, installed electricity, engineered a drainage system, established a water treatment system, adapted a sewer system and even designed an electric streetcar transportation system…Manaus became a modern and innovative city.

Manaus grew culturally and industrially using the Amazon River as commercial import/export network. Over a hundred years ago the Amazonas Opera House was built astonishing the world with its luxury and beauty. In 1909 the first Brazilian University was founded in Manaus. Then it was named “Univesidade Livre de Manaus” and today it is known as the “ Autonomous University of Manaus”. In 1967 this growth as an economic, cultural and educational center led Manaus to the status of largest commercial and industrial sector on the equator.

Situated on the River Negro and imbedded in the lush Amazon Forest, Manaus continues to be an astonishingly beautiful city and has become the hub for Ecotourism thanks to its natural beauties and rescue of Indigenous traditions.

The exuberance of the “boi-bumbá festivals” which date back to the 20 th century has been conquering hearts and minds of thousands of people in Brazil and thousands of visitors. It is confirmation of a welcoming and hospitable city where tradition and modernity coexist and waits for you with open arms.