21. Amazonas
Capital: Manaus
Nestled in the northern expanse of Brazil, Amazonas shares its borders with Peru, Colombia, and Venezuela. As the largest state in Brazil and the third-largest in the Americas, it is a land dominated by the majestic Amazon Plain. Rising above this lush terrain is Pico da Neblina, Brazil’s highest peak at 2,994 meters.
The climate here is quintessentially tropical rainforest—hot, humid, and drenched in rain throughout the year. Historically, Amazonas began as a Portuguese colony before becoming an official state of the Brazilian Empire. Today, Portuguese remains the primary language, enriched over time with words borrowed from indigenous tongues.
City Introduction – Manaus: Known affectionately as the “Rainforest City,” Manaus lies at the heart of the Amazon rainforest, where the mighty Amazon River branches into countless tributaries. This vibrant city enjoys a tropical rainforest climate, characterized by relentless heat and humidity. Originally home to the Manaós people, it was established as a Dutch colonial outpost in 1669 before evolving into the bustling hub it is today.
Renowned as both a center for natural rubber trade and a Brazilian free trade zone, Manaus offers visitors a wealth of attractions:
① **Amazon Rainforest**: The world’s largest tropical rainforest, stretching across multiple countries, with breathtaking—and sometimes perilous—landscapes found within Amazonas itself.
② **Meeting of the Waters**: A natural phenomenon on the Amazon River where the dark waters of the Negro River meet the sandy-hued Solimões River, refusing to mix for miles.
③ **Central Amazon Conservation Complex**: The largest protected area in the Amazon Basin, teeming with life and considered one of Earth’s most biodiverse regions.
④ **Amazon Theatre**: Completed in 1897, this grand structure stands as a symbol of the opulence brought by the rubber boom era.
⑤ **Manaus Customs House**
⑥ **Manaus Old Market**
22. Acre
Capital: Rio Branco
Tucked away in the northwest corner of Brazil, Acre once belonged to Bolivia before joining the Brazilian federation. Its landscape is overwhelmingly covered by the dense Amazon rainforest, thriving under an equatorial climate marked by soaring temperatures and torrential rains all year round. Acre has long been celebrated as a major producer of rubber, sustaining economies through its rich natural resources.
City Introduction – Rio Branco: Situated along the left bank of the Acre River, Rio Branco basks in a perpetually tropical climate, where scorching heat meets heavy rainfall and stifling humidity. Here, industries like oil processing and alcohol fuel production drive the local economy. For those seeking cultural enrichment, Rio Branco offers:
① **Rubber Museum**: A fascinating repository of artifacts, documents, and tools that tell the story of the rubber industry’s storied past.
② **Rio Branco Palace**: An architectural gem reflecting the region’s historical significance.
23. Roraima
Capital: Boa Vista
Perched in the northeastern reaches of Brazil’s Amazonian expanse, Roraima claims the title of Brazil’s northernmost state. Born out of what was once part of Amazonas, it boasts striking contrasts in geography. To the north, towering mountains form part of the Guiana Highlands, adorned with a tropical savanna climate. In contrast, the southern plains revel in a tropical rainforest climate, lush and verdant.
City Introduction – Boa Vista: Nestled in northern Brazil, Boa Vista serves as the capital of Roraima and holds the distinction of being the only state capital in Brazil located north of the equator. This unique city invites travelers to explore its vibrant culture and stunning natural surroundings.
The local mining industry is centered around the extraction of precious resources such as diamonds, gold, bauxite, and cassiterite. For visitors, the region offers a variety of captivating attractions, including: ① The breathtaking scenery along the Branco River, ② The awe-inspiring Terra de São Nunca National Park, and ③ The iconic Miners’ Monument, a tribute to the miners of the 1960s and 70s.
