Waterfall and River Day Trips from Manaus
Waterfall and river day trips from Manaus
Day trips out of Manaus fall into two kinds: road trips north to waterfalls, and boat trips that start on the river. Distances are big, and the river level changes what is possible, so pick one outing per day.
At a glance
- Presidente Figueiredo: about 105 km north on the BR-174. Waterfalls and caves.
- Anavilhanas and Novo Airão: about 180 km each way. River islands by boat.
- Tupé reserve and Praia da Lua: river taxi from Marina do Davi.
- Seringal Vila Paraíso: boat from Marina do Davi, half a day.
Presidente Figueiredo
Cachoeira do Santuário is the waterfall most sources describe. Entry is about R$10 per person in most accounts, with R$8 and R$20 also quoted, so expect to check the price at the gate. Opening runs from 08:00 to 16:00, and one blog says visitors can stay until 17:00. Further sites include Caverna do Maroaga and Cachoeira Iracema, both described as adventure spots. Ask locally about fees for those. Hire a local guide if you plan to swim at the falls.
Anavilhanas National Park
Anavilhanas is reached through Novo Airão, around 180 km from Manaus each way. That is too far for a relaxed day, so many travellers add a night. Boat trips go among the park’s islands. When the Rio Negro is low, sand and shallow channels limit the routes. High water changes the routes again, so ask the operator what is open.
The Flutuante dos Botos at Novo Airão is a floating platform overseen by ICMBio where river dolphins approach visitors. Some people choose it, and others skip it because of the ethical debate. If you go, follow the rules exactly. Do not feed, touch or hold the dolphins, and stay away from unofficial platforms.
Tupé and Praia da Lua
River taxis serve these places from Marina do Davi in Ponta Negra. Ask the boatman for the fare and the return time. Bring cash.
Seringal Vila Paraíso
The museum is a stage-set plantation from the film A Selva, now free to enter. Boat fares from Marina do Davi are R$21 each way. Museum hours are Monday to Saturday 09:00 to 15:00 (not Wednesdays) and Sunday 09:00 to 13:00. One guide limits the crossing to weekends and holidays, so check at the marina. See Portal Amazônia .
Checking the river
The Rio Negro reached 16.59 m at Porto de Manaus on 27 October 2026, which was 2.74 m under the level of the same date in 2025. In low-water months, roughly August to November, boat transfers take longer and beaches widen. Look at the Porto de Manaus level before booking any river trip. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for Amazonas, and malaria tablets are worth discussing with a doctor.
Book it
Compare organised trips on GetYourGuide .
Read more: Lodge stays and riverboats and Top activities .