Carved out of the Amazonian rain forest, the capital of Amazonas state (pop. 1.8 million) has been little known by the outside world but is filled with contrasts and intrigue, and previously lived through a golden age due to the rubber boom in the 19th century. The results can be seen in the architecture, which exude majesty and the inspiration of Belle-Époque Paris. The Amazon Theatre <(pictured here) is the foremost example; inaugurated in 1896, it’s adorned with original decorative items brought from Europe, particularly England, France and Italy.

Manaus still shines to this day, but in a different way – less because of the fancy buildings as the local cuisines and surrounding natural environment and its Amerindian peoples.

Read more in my post Manaus, Brazil´s Paris of the Amazon.

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