The largest state in Brazil, Manaus is a modern city. It is also the ideal point of departure for visiting the rest of the Amazon region. Tour boats leave Manaus to see the Meeting of the Waters, an exciting natural phenomenon where the black waters of the Negro River meet the light waters of the Solimoes River. Visitors can also explore river banks and “igarapes”, swim and canoe in placid lakes or simply walk in the lush forest.