Explore the 1,200-acre (486-hectare) gardens on a walking tour. A network of walking trails lead into the heart of the jungle, where you can admire wild orchids and bromeliads; spot wildlife including Amazonian birds, monkeys, butterflies, and frogs; and learn more about the native flora and indigenous communities of the Amazon. The highlight is the MUSA tower, a 138-foot (42-meter) observation tower that affords panoramic views of the rainforest.
Admission to the gardens is free, but it’s worth taking one of the guided walking tours to discover more about native flora and fauna; there’s an extra charge to climb the tower.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water and mosquito repellent.
There’s a shop selling handicrafts, a food kiosk, restrooms, and a drinking fountain at the gardens.
The gardens are not easily accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, and access to the tower is via steps only.
Manaus Botanic Gardens lie around 13 miles (20 kilometers) northeast of downtown Manaus. It’s possible to arrive by bus, but give yourself around an hour for the journey. Alternatively, it’s a 30-minute drive or taxi ride.
The gardens are open daily except Wednesdays from 8:30am to 5pm—last entry is at 4pm. Opt for an early morning visit to avoid the heat, as it can be incredibly humid in the jungle from 10am onwards. The best time for bird and wildlife watching is in the early morning or evening; it’s possible to organize a sunrise or sunset tour by reservation.
As the gateway to the Amazon Rainforest, Manaus has an abundance of greenery that you don’t have to venture far from the city to see. Take a boat cruise or seaplane flight to see the Meeting of the Waters, where the Solimões and Negro Rivers meet and flow into the Amazon River; explore the flooded forests and islands of the Anavilhanas Nature Reserve along the Negro River; or head to the Janauari Ecological Park to admire gigantic Victoria Amazonica water lilies.