Exploring President Figueiredo: The Land of Waterfalls

If you’re currently in Manaus or planning to visit the Amazon region, include President Figueiredo in your itinerary. Known as the “Land of Waterfalls,” it is about an hour and a half from Manaus. While working at Manaus, I didn’t have as much time to explore there as I wanted. Still, I plan to return because it’s the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation I enjoy. Even though I only had two days there, every moment was worth it.

Best Time to Visit

Like the rest of the Amazon, President Figueiredo experiences a rainy season (March–July) and a drier season (August–February). If you love seeing the waterfalls at full force, aim for the rainy season—though some places may be muddy or more challenging. The drier months offer easier hiking trails and more transparent waters, which makes swimming and exploring caves more comfortable. Whichever time you choose, plan for humidity, and don’t forget your waterproof gear.

How to Get There

President Figueiredo is about 1.5 hours from Manaus on the BR-174 highway. I personally went with a van provided by my tour company, which was convenient since I avoided planning and could enjoy whatever came to my experience. However, if you prefer to travel independently, you can take a public bus from Manaus’s central bus station. Once in town, you can hire local guides or take a taxi to reach the waterfalls and caves.

Where to Stay

Stay in the city for convenience rather than worrying about which hotel to pick near a specific attraction. The town has plenty of simple guesthouses (pousadas) that serve as a great base. The best way to experience President Figueiredo is by spending the whole day in nature, exploring waterfalls, caves, and lagoons, and only returning to town to rest for the next day’s adventure.

Choosing a Tour or Going Solo

Whether to explore President Figueiredo with a guide or on your own depends on your travel style.

• Guided Tour: Great if you’re short on time or want someone else to handle logistics. Your guide usually knows the best trails and the local wildlife and can provide insider tips.
• Going Solo: If you have an adventurous spirit (and maybe more time to spare), renting a car or taking a bus allows you to explore at your own pace. Remember that many waterfalls and caves are on private property or protected areas, so you might pay individual entrance fees—or need a local guide on-site.

I booked a 2-day tour for 1,080 BRL with Iguana Tours, and I highly recommend them. The package included transport, a local guide, basic accommodation, food, and entrance fees. My local guide took us to new offbeat waterfalls, not even on Google Maps, making the experience even more special. I recommend doing the same—it’s affordable, and you can meet other travelers in the shared groups, which made the total difference, as seen in this post.

New Perspectives on Familiar Adventures

Visiting Presidente Prudente reminded me that immersion changes everything, and a shared tour became lasting connections.

What to Pack

Packing right can make a huge difference in your experience. The weather is hot and humid, and you’ll spend most of your time outdoors, often near water. Keeping your gear lightweight and practical will help you focus on enjoying the adventure rather than worrying about discomfort.

• Swimwear & Quick-Dry Clothes: You’ll be swimming in lagoons, trekking around waterfalls, and immersing yourself in the region’s stunning natural landscapes. Expect a mix of adventure and relaxation throughout your journey.
• Waterproof Bag or Case: For your phone and electronics. This is not strictly necessary, but having a good backpack that can handle the humidity, wet clothes, and electronics is never bad.
• Insect Repellent: Don’t underestimate Amazonian mosquitoes. Unlike the Amazon jungle, I found the mosquitoes here easier to handle, so I don’t recommend using long sleeves and pants strictly. However, they still exist, so some protection is necessary.
• Comfortable Shoes for hiking: Even though the trails are short, people not used to hiking can find them slippery and feel insecure walking. Hence, it’s good to have good shoes.
• Snacks & Water Bottle: You can buy food along the way, but it’s nice to have your own stash when hiking, especially if you plan on spending a long time on the trails.

My Experience at Presidente Figueiredo

These past two days were intense, filled with early starts and full days of exploration. This trip is perfect if you love adventure and don’t mind ending the day feeling exhausted but satisfied.

Day 1: Caves and Waterfalls

We started early with a 6:30 AM pickup at my hotel in Manaus. By 8:00 AM, we were already deep into our first adventure. The first stop was Caverna do Maroaga & Gruta da Judeia, a pair of caves hidden within lush greenery. The hike to reach them was short but rewarding, with our guide sharing interesting details about the ecosystem. The reflections on the water inside the cave created perfect opportunities for photography, with fascinating images that captured the cave entrance in contrast to the forest.

After the caves, we headed into town for lunch, where I had a delicious Tambaqui Assado, a large freshwater fish known for its rich, fatty meat. Post-lunch, we spent the afternoon exploring Cachoeira das Araras & Cachoeira de Iracema. Both waterfalls were stunning, but Cachoeira de Iracema stood out to me. There’s something special about swimming in a waterfall pool surrounded by the Amazon jungle—definitely one of my highlights. By the end of the day, we arrived at our pousada and later went out for food and drinks to get to know each other better.

Day 2: Waterfalls and Blue Lagoons

We had breakfast at 7:00 AM before heading to Lagoa Paraíso Azul. The water here was obvious, a perfect turquoise that looked almost unreal. It felt like stepping into a tropical postcard.

From there, we moved on to Fervedouro do Maranhão & Lagoa Azul do Maranhão, where I got to experience the unique floating effect of the fervedouros. The sensation was entirely new for me—like hovering over water. It would have been worth the trip even if I had just visited this place.

After another satisfying Amazonian lunch, we wrapped up the tour with Lagoa Cristalina & Rio Vermelho. The contrast between the transparent waters of Lagoa Cristalina and the darker tones of Rio Vermelho was striking, making for some great photo opportunities. I spent a while just enjoying the scenery before we hit the road back to Manaus. When we arrived, I was exhausted but pleased with everything I had experienced.

Is President Figueiredo Worth It?

Absolutely. It’s a must-do side trip if you’re anywhere near Manaus. The landscapes are breathtaking, and the mix of caves, waterfalls, and unique Amazonian experiences is unbeatable. President Figueiredo is the place to be if you’re looking for that perfect combo of natural beauty and adventure—without straying too far from Manaus.