Presidente Figueiredo

Presidente Figueiredo sits on a belt of sandstone north of Manaus where streams draining the Guiana Shield cut down through soft rock, and the result is a concentration of waterfalls unusual for the Amazon basin, which is otherwise famously flat - the district counts well over a hundred and calls itself the terra das cachoeiras. Several drop over overhangs you can walk behind, including Cachoeira da Iracema and Santuario, where the water falls clear of a rock lip into a plunge pool. There are also caves: Gruta da Judeia and Maroaga, with a sandstone arch and a river running through. Some falls are on private land or in indigenous territory and need permission and a local guide, which is enforced.

What you actually see

• Falls you can walk behind - water clearing a sandstone overhang at several sites.
• Over a hundred waterfalls - an unusual concentration for the flat Amazon basin.
• Sandstone caves - Maroaga and Judeia, with arches and an underground stream.
• Blackwater plunge pools - tannin-dark and swimmable at most sites.

When to go

All year; strongest December to May, though heavy rain closes trails. Two days.

Honest expectations

Several falls need a local guide and some are on indigenous land where access is restricted - respect that. Trails are muddy and slippery. Sites are spread far apart; a vehicle or a tour is necessary.

Nearby

Manaus is two hours south; the Balbina dam and reservoir are east.