In the heart of Brazilian Amazonia is Manaus, the gateway to Amazonia, a huge swath of over 4,000 square kilometers, covering nine Brazilian states and home to most of the nearly 210 indigenous tribes in the country.

Manaus is a perfect destination for those who are fond of ecotourism, thanks to its many natural parks and environmental reserves. Tourists can enjoy sightings of typical animals in the region, such as a fish known as the peixe-boi-da-amazônia and several species of macaws.

Now, if you happen to be in Manaus during late June you must go on an excursion to Ilha de Parintins, the island where one of the most famous folklore events in Brazil takes place: the boi-bumbá (this year it's being held today through Sunday). At a specially built venue called the bumbódromo, nearly 4,000 extras perform split into two competing groups, Caprichoso and Garantido. These two groups try to win over the audience in a show filled with color, dance, rhythm and fantastic animals, staging the death and resurrection of an ox.


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