The jaw-dropping city that's one of the world's fastest growing in the middle of a jungle

There are impressive mega-cities in almost every country on planet Earth but very few of them happen to be in the middle of the jungle. Yet in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, one fast-growing city is expanding at an incredible pace, but it’s coming at a cost.

Manaus, the capital of Brazil’s Amazonas state, has gone from a small riverside settlement to a huge metropolis of more than 2.4 million people. In 1950, the city had fewer than 90,000 residents. By 1990 it reached almost one million. And in 2025, its population is estimated at over 2.43 million, according to figures from the World Population Review. Built along the Amazon River and surrounded by dense jungle, Manaus has earned the nickname “the gateway to the rainforest”.

But while the city offers easy access to natural wonders, its rapid growth is coming at a cost.

Much of Manaus’ expansion has come at the expense of the rainforest, with urban development cutting into vital ecosystems.

This has not only affected the natural habitat of wildlife but also contributes to climate change, as trees are removed and biodiversity is reduced.

Despite these concerns, Manaus remains one of South America’s most intriguing places.

The city sits where the Rio Negro and Rio Solimões rivers meet. Their waters run side by side without mixing for around four miles, creating a natural phenomenon called the Meeting of the Waters.

According to travel experts at Lonely Planet, visitors can explore jungle lodges, take boat tours deep into the forest, or head to nearby rivers like the Rio Urubu for a chance to spot wildlife in one of the last untouched parts of the Amazon.

The Anavilhanas Archipelago, the world’s largest freshwater island system, is also just a short boat ride away.

For those staying in the city, Manaus itself offers a brilliant mix of history and architecture.

One of the most popular attractions is the Teatro Amazonas, an opera house built during the rubber boom of the 19th century.

According to Adventure Life, it’s one of the city’s most visited landmarks.

Other popular spots include the Adolpho Lisboa Municipal Market, where visitors can sample local dishes and browse Amazonian goods, and Ponta Negra Beach, a sandy stretch along the riverbanks perfect for sunsets and relaxation.

As far as getting there is concerned, Manaus is located around 1,420 miles (2,285km) from Brasília, the capital of Brazil, and nearly 930 miles (1,500km) from the nearest ocean, so the only realistic option is a plane.

Luckily the city has its own airport. Manaus is also well connected by road with Ponte Rio Negro a big stand out.