The Museu da Amazonia is located in Adolpho Ducke Forest Reserve in the major Amazonian city of Manaus. The Museu da Amazonia (called MUSA for short) offers almost 250 acres of nature near the center of the Amazonian city of Manaus and is a great introduction to the world of the Amazon. One of the main attractions of Musa is a 42-meter or 137 feet high observation tower and another is its informative trails into the rainforest.

A great way to explore the Amazon is with a cruise on the Amazon. Of course, these are not mutually exclusive and the city of Manaus in Brazil is the gateway to Brazil's mighty Amazon. One can learn many things about the Amazon ecosystem at Musa before heading off on one's expedition or cruise into the rainforest.

Why Musa Is The Best Place To Learn About The Amazon

"If the trees and insects were books, we would be going through the shelves in a library. Pages that recount stories that go back ten thousand years, revealing millions of years of adaptations."Musa

Musa (Museu da Amazonia) is one of the best places to gain an understanding of the mighty rainforest. It has been at the center of research in the region for the last 50 years with the results of that research on exhibit. The Museum is part of an Amazonian research lab.

Exhibits include an orchid, a bromeliad house, aquariums, a lake, butterfly labs, etc. Visitors learn about the plants, birds, animals, and the whole ecosystem that makes the Amazon. The intent of the museum is to further the popularization of science and to celebrate the diversity of the world.

After exploring the building, there are forest trails to wander. These allow visitors to take walks through the forest. On these trails, one will discover the Adolpho Ducke Forest Reserve. It is one of the few urban primeval forests in the world.

Related: 25 Things Hidden Deep Within The Amazon Forest That No One Knows About

The 42-Meter Observation Tower of Musa

"We have built a tower, as one builds a temple, to appreciate and celebrate the forest. A primeval forest reserve, the Ducke Forest Reserve stretches over 100 km2 in the outskirts of Manaus."Musa

One of the main attractions of Musa is the 42-meter or 137-foot high tower. From there, visitors can gain a magnificent view over the treetops. Come early in the morning and see what the canopy looks like at 6.00 am (dawn is a special time in the Amazon forest).

Climb the 242 steps to the canopy at dawn, and be greeted by the treetops emerging from the mist. See how the might Amazon awakens from the night and how the chorus of birds becomes alive. Hear the sounds and calls of the Amazon. Watch as little by little the mist dissipates and the green appears as the sun rises over the Amazon for another day.

  • Tip: Bring Binoculars
  • Best Time: The Crack Of Dawn
  • Height: 42 Meters or 137 Feet
  • Levels: Three Levels At 14, 28, and 42 Meters

The tower has been built with three platforms - these are at the heights of 14, 28, and 42 meters. The tower is built for around 30 visitors on the different levels to silently observe the birds and the levels of the Amazon canopy.

Another time when the tower is perfect for visiting is during sunset from 5.30 to 6.30 pm (depending on the time of year). The sunrise and sunset hours are outside the tower's normal opening hours and must be booked in advance.

Tower Opening Hours:

  • Days: Tuesday to Sunday
  • Times: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm (Gate Closes At 4.00 pm)

Related: 20 Surprising Things That Actually Live In The Amazon Forest

Visiting Musa - Museu da Amazonia

Musa is open daily (except for Wednesdays and when it is closed for maintenance). There are guides at Musa who will take the visitors around - the tours start on the hour every hour from 9.00 am with the last leaving at 3.00 pm.

  • Address: Avenida Margarita, 6305, Jorge Teixeira – Manaus, Brasil
  • Open: Daily Except Wednesdays
  • Hours: 8:30 am to 5 pm (doors close at 4 pm)

Admission Fees:

  • Visit without a guide: R$ 30 ($6.00)
  • Visit + guided trail: R$ 50 ($10) - By Appointment
  • Bird watching at the tower: R$ 50 ($10)
  • Sunrise or Sunset at the tower: R$ 50 ($10)
  • Guided trail + sunset at the tower: R$ 100 ($21)
  • Night trail: R$ 100 ($21)

There are seven trails with a full length of 5 km or 3 miles cutting their way through the 100 hectares of the forest reserve.

  • Trails: Seven Trails of The Adolpho Ducke Forest Reserve