Maués is a municipality located in the Brazilian state of Amazonas. Its population was 45,813 (2005) and its area is 39,988 km²[1].
Maués is one of the most beautiful small towns in the Amazonas region; it is also known as the "Land of Guarana". There are beautiful sandy beaches, and Maues summer festival and Guarana festival. The Mundurucus and Maues Indians cultivated the guarana fruit, which is the basis for the famous Brazilian soft drink. Maues means ¨talking parrots¨ and it is originated from one of the Indian clans in the region. Maues has 22.000 inhabitants with another 20.000 natives spread along 140 river villages.her 20.000 people distributed within 140 villages spread along the rivers. Maués is located on the side of Maués-Açu river and can be reached from Manaus (267 km away) by regional boat (18 hours), fast boat (7 hours) or plane (45 min.). Maues is an ideal starting point for adventure trekking including visit to the Amana waterfall, old goldmines, caves, exploration of primary jungle with Indian guides and visit to the Uraira developing reserve.[2]
One of the things Maués is known for is guarana, and every year they celebrate this with the Guarana festival. The festival typically includes live music, especially the local pagode dance which will involve the whole city in the festivities. The guarana fruit is used in the traditional Brazilian soft drink, sold in several varieties in Brazil. These soft drinks are now also exported to outside countries, and the guarana is becoming a known ingredient in drinks for boosting energy.