The history of rubber in the heart of Brazil elicits images of untold wealth amassed around the turn of the 20th century and again during World War II.  The highly prized rubber trees were guarded like gold in Brazil where great cities like Manaus sprung up and grew in the dense jungles primarily around the headwaters of the great Amazon and Rio Negro.  A grand opera house was built to create a cultural network for the select few who soon grew very rich.  

In a saga that resembled the great Klondike Gold Rush including love, loss, beauty, riches and poverty.  It is said the men lit their cigars with 100-dollar bills, quenched the thirst of their horses from silver buckets of French Champagne while the ladies scoffed at the tannin-rich brown water had their fine silk clothing flown home to launder. 

The sap that wept from the rubber trees was imperfect … it was either hard as a brick or sticky until 1839 when Charles Goodyear developed the vulcanization process and the versatile rubber we know today was born.

Rubber sprouts were eventually pirated and successful plantations sprung up in other parts of the world such as the Philippines, Malaysia, Africa, and India.  Primarily controlled by the English, the pirated plantations effectively broke the strangle-hold on this highly sought after product. 

Today, the fine city of Manaus still thrives near the magnificent river junction and the opera house still stands for the enjoyment of nearly two million residents and visitors who frequent this off-the-beaten vacation hide away.  The area is exceptionally rich in exotic wildlife.  The residents, including the Indians, are friendly and welcome you to this exciting locale and are eager to share their culture. 

Many frequent this popular ecotourism destination these days to fish for the stunningly beautiful peacock bass or simply a relaxing cruise around on the 120-foot luxury private yacht ZENITH.  This yacht is based in Manaus and accommodates up to twelve guests.   Call us today for a sample Itinerary.