Manaus

A cultural gem rivaling those in Europe. — Fodor's

Sandwiched between two churches and run by Salesian nuns, the Museu do Índio displays artwork, musical instruments, fishing and hunting tools and ritual objects of indigenous groups. — Lonely Planet

Today it houses some of the city's finest art exhibits and a cultural center. — Fodor's

Visitors passing through can enjoy the excursion with a clear conscience, as the animals were saved by the army further to arrests of traffickers of wild animals. — Michelin Guide

In Santarém, for about 5½ miles, the beautiful, aquamarine Rio Tapajós floats next to the murkier waters of the Amazon, until the larger river finally absorbs it. — Fodor's

An archetypal Brazilian beach, lined with tall buildings, frequented by body-conscious young people, with futevolley grounds marked out, myriad little restaurants and bars blasting out forró music. — Michelin Guide

Sounds gimmicky, but is intriguing. Consider combining it with a stop at Praia da Lua, Manaus’ best beach. — Lonely Planet

Used as a research station for the INPA (Instituto Nacional de Pesquisa da Amazônia), the 13 hectares of tropical forest here are home to a great diversity of flora and fauna. — Fodor's

The art gallery is decent, too, but the police and archaeology displays are snoozers. Young eager guides are available for tours. — Lonely Planet

As you stroll through the church plaza, note the black-and-white Portuguese granite patterns at your feet. They are said to represent Manaus's meeting of the waters. — Fodor's

Features interesting permanent exhibitions that explore Amazonian tribes, the illegal exploitation of the Amazon's flora and fauna, and the essence of famous fragrances such as Chanel No. 5. — Fodor's

Named after its crescent-shaped beach, Praia da Lua is on the Rio Negro, and is located 10 minutes away from Ponta Negra in Manaus. — Fodor's