2014 FIFA World Cup Primer: Magical Manaus

PHOTO: The Teatro Amazonas, widely considered to be the shining architectual center of Manaus. (courtesy Embratur)

-----

EDITORS NOTE: This is the first in a series that will take a look at the 12 cities that will host 2014 FIFA World Cup events.

History lesson: Manaus is the capital of the Brazilian state of Amazonas. As its name indicates, the region is home to the fabled Amazon River, at the confluence of the Negro and Solimoes Rivers.

Located deep within the rainforest, Manaus remains accessible only via boat or airplane.

The jungle city developed in the early 20th century as a rubber-exporting region, in time earning the sobriquet "Paris of the Tropics” as rubber-wealthy Europeans settled in the city, introducing European art, architecture, and culture.

Still, Manaus’ isolation has helped to preserve not only the natural surroundings, but also the city’s impressive architecture and the cultural traditions of the Native Brazilian tribes that were the region’s original residents.

Today Manaus is a modern tourist city, a historic cultural crossroads, and a gateway to excursions to the Brazilian Amazon.

Must see: The city’s architectural highlight is widely considered to be the Teatro Amazonas, first proposed in 1881 and finally inaugurated on Dec. 31, 1896. The historic theater’s first performance was of the Italian opera “La Gioconda” on Jan. 7, 1897.

Other historic structures include the Rio Negro Palace Cultural Center, a former rubber baron residence that is now the seat of the government and the governor’s official residence. Together with the Teatro, the two buildings are considered among the city’s finest examples of Amazonian Belle Epoque architecture.

Because Manaus is the Amazonas capital, the city also offers various facilities that explore the species, plants, culture and habitat of the Amazon Rainforest including the Natural Science Museum of the Amazon, the CIGS Zoo and the Amazonian Museum.

Manaus’ new Arena da Amazonia will host four World Cup matches in June, including England vs. Italy and the United States vs. Portugal (on June 22). The facility is described by the government 97 percent complete, although a worker was injured Friday while dismantling a metal bar at the stadium. A government spokesman said his condition was not immediately known.

Omar Aziz, governor of the Amazonas, had planned to announce the venue's inauguration date Friday but cancelled the announcement following the accident.

Getting in, getting around: TAM Airlines flies from Miami to Manaus. TAM passengers can also travel to nearby Brazilian cities from Miami, Orlando and New York (JFK). Travelers can find complete information on Manaus

In December TAM officials requested authorization to operate an additional 1,000 flights in June and July of 2014 to meet expected World Cup demand. If TAM’s proposal is fully approved, service to Manaus will increase from 13 to 18 daily flights.

Manaus accommodations range from five-star hotels and resorts to economy hotels; traveler can find detailed information on the city’s hotels, restaurants and attractions at the Manaus portal of the Brazil Tourism Board (Embratur) web site.   

Rainforest Cruises is offering five-day World Cup Amazon cruise packages available between June 11 and 28. The company’s 24-passenger river boats will be moored in Manaus on game days, allowing fans with tickets to attend matches.

Others can opt to go to Manaus’ Fan Fest site, watch the game in a bar among locals, or watch the match in the ship’s on-board bar. Each boat has capacity for 24 passengers, with air-conditioned, twin-bunk cabins, private bathrooms and comfortable public areas.

When not docked, the vessels will sail the Amazon, offering guests opportunities to explore the region and enjoy piranha fishing, jungle walks and nocturnal safaris with naturalist guides. Passengers will also be able to witness the “meeting of the waters,” where the black waters of the Rio Negro meet the brown waters of the Rio Solimoes and flow side-by-side without for more than six miles.

Insider Tip: Travelers to Manaus during the World Cup should prepare for hot weather, which is customary in Manaus during this time of year. Temperatures can reach up 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer dry season. 

Follow me on Twitter @cruiseprguy.