Amazonas is the largest state in Brazil, and its capital Manaus – on the banks of the Negro River in north-western Brazil – is of huge importance to the region. Its port is at the centre of everything commercial; it is a Free Trade Zone with electronic manufacturing at its heart, so components are constantly being brought in and the finished products shipped out. The city is also a major departure point for the surrounding Amazon Rainforest. We tell you what to do if you have got 24 hours here:
Morning
Starting any day at the enormous food market is a way to see Manaus at its most vibrant and real. A population of 1.4 million sees most of its fish, fruit and vegetables landed at the docks next to the market, and the variety and quantity of produce for sale is astounding. Huge river fish are expertly prepared in the main market and served grilled on open coals to workers and buyers alike, strange jungle fruits and vegetables are set out in bountiful displays and sold in every different way – whole, chopped, frozen, diced, shredded or juiced.