Jungle Stadiums Hidden in the Tropics

10. Estádio Floro de Mendonça – Itacoatiara, Brazil

Estádio Floro de Mendonça is located in Itacoatiara, a riverside city in Brazil’s Amazonas State. Positioned roughly 170 kilometers east of Manaus along the banks of the Amazon River, Itacoatiara immerses visitors in a quieter slice of rainforest life. With a capacity for a few thousand spectators, the stadium hosts local football clubs and regional competitions, preserving the region’s sporting spirit in a more laid-back environment than Manaus. This intimate venue provides a glimpse into daily life in the Amazon, where football remains a beloved pastime despite infrastructural challenges posed by the rainforest terrain. Enthusiastic fans pack the modest stands on match days, cheering their teams while enveloped by the constant hum of jungle wildlife. For travelers, the city’s setting offers numerous eco-friendly activities, including boat tours to spot pink river dolphins and exploratory hikes into the nearby forest reserves. Beyond the pitch, Itacoatiara’s waterfront promenade reveals local fishing boats, traditional marketplaces, and friendly residents eager to share stories of Amazonian life. Estádio Floro de Mendonça may not have the size or international recognition of other Brazilian stadiums, but its authentic feel and location within one of the planet’s most biodiverse regions make it an unforgettable destination for both football enthusiasts and nature lovers.