Mato Grosso, located in Brazil’s Central-West region, boasts astounding ecological diversity—where the Amazon rainforest, the Cerrado savanna, and the Pantanal wetlands converge. It’s home to mesmerizing landscapes, abundant wildlife, and immersive nature experiences.

Top Things to Do

1. Pantanal Mato-Grossense

The world’s largest inland wetland, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, spans over two million hectares. It's rich with wildlife: jaguars, caimans, capybaras, tapirs, marsh deer, hyacinth macaws, and hundreds more species. May to September (dry season) offers peak wildlife sightings.

2. Chapada dos Guimarães National Park

Rugged cliffs, cascading waterfalls (like the iconic Véu de Noiva, 86 m high), scenic hikes, archaeological sites, birdwatching—and the geodetic center of South America at Mirante de Geodésia.
Reddit visitors highlight amazing panoramas over Vale do Rio Claro and the Hotel Casa da Quineira as a great base for exploring the park.

3. Bom Jardim region & Nobres

Turquoise rivers and caves in the Cerrado. Snorkeling in crystal-clear pools, bird watching (especially macaws at sunset), and remote eco tours along unpaved roads.

4. Serra Azul State Park (Barra do Garças)

Mountain and cerrado landscapes, paragliding, 15 waterfalls, and prehistoric cave paintings. The park includes Brazil’s geodetic center marker.

5. Serra de Santa Bárbara State Park

A large protected area where Amazon rainforest, cerrado, and Pantanal meet. Home to endemic species and archaeological sites near the border with Rondônia.

6. Morro de Santo Antônio (near Cuiabá)

A historical and scenic hill rising ~500 m above Cuiabá. Great for short hikes and city views—it appears on the state’s emblem.

7. Cuiabá & Mãe Bonifácia State Park

Cuiabá is the gateway city to both Pantanal and Chapada. Relax or hike in the urban park Mãe Bonifácia with cerrado nature trails and lookout points.

 Eat & Drink

• Acorda Pantaneira – Traditional fish stew with cassava flour.

• Empadão – Savory pie filled with chicken, beef, cheese, or shrimp.

• Caldinho de Feijão – Small cups of bean soup, perfect street-snack.

• Pamonha – Corn-based sweet or savory dough wrapped in husks.

• Local treats: Guavira sorbet or ice cream; fresh fruit juices; Tereré (cold yerba mate infusion).

• Caipirinha & Guaraná – National cocktail and Amazon-origin soft drink.

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit:

• For wildlife viewing: May–September (dry season).

• For lush landscapes and rainbows over the Pantanal: December–March (wet season).

Getting There & Around:

• Fly into Cuiabá (major Brazilian hubs like São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro connect daily).

• To reach Amazon lodges, can fly to Alta Floresta then stay at eco-lodges such as Cristalino Lodge.

• Rent a car for flexibility; riverboats or guided 4WD tours are common in the Pantanal.

Health & Safety:

• Use insect repellent in jungle and cerrado.

• Drink bottled or filtered water.

• Wear sun protection—weather can be hot and intense, especially in the dry season.

Where to Stay & Recommended Stays

Regions to Base Yourself:

• Cuiabá – City center gateway, urban hotels and easy access to parks.

• Chapada dos Guimarães – Charming town with eco-lodges near the national park.

• Pantanal lodges near Poconé, Porto Jofre, or Araras for wildlife safaris.

• Barra do Garças/Nobres – Ideal for river adventures and local nature reserves.

Recommended Accommodations:

• Caiman Lodge (Pantanal) – Luxury eco-lodge with safari programs, conservation projects, and traditional Brazilian meals. Observe jaguars and hyacinth macaws.

• Cristalino Lodge (Alta Floresta) – Jungle-based lodging with bird‑watching, canopy hikes, and Amazon immersion.

• Casa da Quineira (Chapada dos Guimarães) – Welcoming boutique hotel praised by recent visitors for helpful staff and guide services.