For your next stay in the northwest of Brazil, you are wondering if Manaus is a dangerous city and if there are neighborhoods to avoid.
Indeed, you will discover below that Manaus presents certain risks for tourists and that it is better to know where to stay and take appropriate precautions.
This article is a guide to help visitors choose the best place to stay in a safe neighborhood and avoid the red light districts of Manaus.
Is Manaus dangerous?
Manaus has a high crime rate compared to the majority of tourist cities in the world.
Indeed, the homicide rate is particularly worrying, with 69,15 murders per 100 inhabitants. This places it among the most dangerous cities in the world. Brazil just as Savador, Brasilia ou Fortaleza. This is what the figures on the site confirm es.statista.com.
Public chat Numbeo.com, its crime index all taken together amounts to 70,92, which is extremely high.
In comparison to this ranking, in 2024 Manaus has a level of crime equivalent to that of Tijuana, Lima ou Sao Paulo.
Areas to avoid in Manaus
Before giving you the list of dangerous neighborhoods, here are the 3 main large areas to avoid in Manaus:
- East Zone : This area is known for its high crime rate, particularly in some of its neighborhoods which visitors should avoid (see list below).
- North Zone : Certain neighborhoods in this area present risk areas and irregular occupations.
- Areas around markets and ports : The Manaus Moderna market and port areas tend to have higher rates of petty crime.
Most dangerous neighborhoods in Manaus in 2024
Security can vary greatly within the same area. Some neighborhoods may be considered risky for visitors in terms of crime.
But the lack of urban planning in some areas also contributes to security problems. There are cases of neighborhoods formed on former landfills which may pose additional risks to the health and safety of tourists.
Here are the most dangerous areas of Manaus that visitors should avoid:
- Jorge Teixeira
- Sao José Operario
- Tancredo neves
- New city
- Cidade de Deus (the largest favela in Manaus)
- newtown
- Nova Vitória
- Great victory
- Alfredo Nascimento
- Parts of Tarumã
- Some places of Nossa Senhora de Fátima
Safest neighborhoods in Manaus
Among the safest neighborhoods to stay in Manaus for a tourist stay, I recommend the following 3 neighborhoods:
Downtown – Historic District
Le downtown Manaus is an excellent choice for tourists. There you will find many hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions such as the Adolpho Lisboa municipal market, the Amazonas Theater, the Palacete Provincial which houses 5 museums.
This lively neighborhood offers a good compromise between security and proximity to the main sites of interest.
To stay in the heart of the city center, in a safe area, I recommend the Seringal Hotel which is very well placed.
Ponta Negra district
Black tip is considered one of the most upscale and safe neighborhoods in Manaus. Located on the banks of the Rio Negro river, this neighborhood is very lively. It brings together many luxurious apartments and hotels, a beautiful beach, promenades, bars and restaurants. Be careful, however, to avoid the beach after dark.
Here is a very well located hotel in the Ponta Negra district: Tropical Executive Hotel
Area near the Taruma River
- About 30 minutes by boat from downtown Manaus, this area north of Ponta Negra offers a secure natural setting:
- Ecological lodges in the middle of the forest
- Proximity to forest trails
- Breathtaking view of the river
- Perfect for observing Amazonian flora and fauna
For an unusual and immersive experience, I recommend staying in a floating lodge: Abare Floating Lodge
By choosing one of these neighborhoods, you will benefit from a good level of security while fully enjoying your tourist stay in Manaus.
Do not hesitate to ask your accommodation for advice on your travels, especially in the evening.
Visit the city and the Amazon safely
If you want to visit Manaus and the Amazon in complete safety, I recommend an excursion accompanied by a guide: