"April 18th 03 - My Amazon adventure" Top 5 Page for this destination Estado do Amazonas by Madasabull

Estado do Amazonas Travel Guide: 476 reviews and 1,074 photos

I think I got this one just right. - Estado do Amazonas

Sunset

I have always said, that I would visit the Amazon, before I was 40. I was 40, on the 22nd April 03, and so made may travel plans and set off to Manaus.

The first thing to hit me was that Manaus, was the biggest sh*t hole I had ever seen, and believe me, I have seen some sh*t holes in my time. The reason I started my trip in Manaus, was that it seems to be the jumping off point to the Amazon rain forest, and so is a logical choice, I was just glad I was not staying there for very long.

With only three days to go of the trip, we were back in Manaus, and were attacked by a man wielding a large sharp stick like a knife. The problem for this guy though, was that were both twice his size. I didn’t see the stick from where I was stood, but he had made a threatening thrust towards my friend, and my friend pushed him back and shouted that he had the weapon.

Now we found ourselves with this guy in between us, myself at the rear, and my friend at his front. We were keeping our distance by a few feet from him, both waiting for what seemed the right moment to attack him. At that moment, I saw a car coming down the road and flagged it down, it was a cab, it seemed the best thing to do at the time.

The man ran toward the cab shouting that we were trying to rob him, but the driver was having none of it, and the man stormed off down the road shouting about calling the police. What a crazy world hey? The main thing is that we are both OK.

Apart from the city, the rest of the trip was just amazing. From hiring our own crew and house type boat, to walking along the tracks of a Jaguar, to swimming in waters we had just caught Piranhas from to saving the life of a Macaw that had fallen in the water and was being attacked by Black Piranha, it was one of the best two weeks of my life, with so many amazing memories to share with my daughters.

Photos are on there way, so keep checking back.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Get into the Jungle and you will have a great time.
Cons:Dont waste time in the city, everyone we spoke to who we believed seemed friendly, asked for something within minutes.
In a nutshell:The Amazon jungle is great, but be aware of being suckered.

Last visit to Estado do Amazonas: Mar 2003
Intro Updated May 19, 2003
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Reviews (7)

Plenty of hotels in Manaus - Estado do Amazonas

Plenty of hotels in Manaus Hotels (3)

Enjoyed my stay for a couple of days in Hotel Tropical. And would recomend it to anyone. If your looking for a lower... more travel advice

One I caught earlier, but the guide killed it. - Estado do Amazonas

Piranha and Peacock Bass at Balbina. Off The Beaten Path (2)

It was everything I expected, and much more. We caught Piranha and Peacock Bass, and saw Giant Otters fishing and... more travel advice

The flooded lake at Balbina. - Estado do Amazonas

Fishing Off The Beaten Path (2)

Due to the fact that I like a bit of sport fishing, but rarely get the chance these days, I have decided to see what... more travel advice

View from outside Tropical Hotel. - Estado do Amazonas

Use the internet. Hotels (3)

I have saved a fortune, by booking online for the Tropical Hotel, Manaus. I found a webite http://www.viverde.com.br/... more travel advice

Tourist Traps (1)
Most of the people.

Transportation (1)
Long flight.

Travelogues (2)

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Comments (26)

balhannah Nov 30, 2008 at 7:42 PM Report Abuse

Beautiful opening photo. I like to get off the beaten track too!.
Sininen Apr 21, 2007 at 8:14 PM Report Abuse

Hello Steve! Wow! What an opening photo! I love your travelougues too and this little page is very informative. Happy birthday from Finland!
hindu1936 Feb 4, 2007 at 2:52 AM Report Abuse

Good fishing! Yeah. MORE PHOTOS! thanks for the people and hotel regina tip.
KiKitC Apr 22, 2006 at 6:24 AM Report Abuse

What an incredible picture to open your Amazon pages...WOW. Hope your have a magical birthday!
ymike2000 Apr 22, 2004 at 10:44 AM Report Abuse

What an adventure! Please post more photos. Hope you're having a happy birthday.
penpoison Feb 29, 2004 at 8:43 AM Report Abuse

i'm sorry that happened to you. i too had people ask for things but it was mostly kids and they just wanted my ice cream.
Amazondonk Nov 26, 2003 at 4:20 AM Report Abuse

Sorry you did not see the better side of Manaus. I have lived here quite a few years and my experience has been the contrary. As to piranhas, glad you went swimming, we are not on their food menu anyway.
quartinb Nov 14, 2003 at 5:14 PM Report Abuse

love the pics of course!
keeweechic Sep 21, 2003 at 1:49 PM Report Abuse

Gosh what a bad experience, I'm glad you were both able to walk away. What did we ever do without the internet.. good tips. Would love to see your photos..
dr.firas Sep 18, 2003 at 10:08 PM Report Abuse

Steve, seems you had great times in Brazil,Amazone, and you made great pictures! but where are the Beautiful Amazon Women! LOL