Mato Grosso & Mato Grosso do Sul

Mato Grosso was once Brazil’s wild west, a land known only to indigenous hunters, poachers, gold seekers and naturalists. Today, some of Brazil’s most photogenic wildlife and incredible scenery make it a prime destination for ecotourists and anglers.

The Pantanal, one of the most important and fragile ecosystems on the planet, truly shines as Brazil’s top destination for animal-spotting and bird-watching. The attractions don't stop there: the crystal-clear rivers and cave lakes around Bonito and Bom Jardim allow you to explore a remarkable underwater world by donning a scuba tank or snorkeling mask.

In the far-north town of Alta Floresta, the cerrado (savanna) morphs into the Amazon; in the south near Bonito, the Serra da Bodoquena is a breathtakingly beautiful, watery wonderland. In between the two, the Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Guimarães has some of the most commanding plateau views in Brazil.

Explore Mato Grosso & Mato Grosso do Sul

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Mato Grosso & Mato Grosso do Sul.

  • Museum

    Museu das Culturas Dom Bosco

    Built on the site of a Bororo burial ground, this superb museum is divided into two parts. One is a collection of over 10,000 insects and stuffed flora…

  • Museum

    Museu de História do Pantanal

    On the waterfront, this partially interactive museum tells the story of the formation of the Pantanal and 10,000 years of human habitation in the region…

  • Waterfall

    Véu de Noiva

    The impressive Véu de Noiva, an 86m free-falling waterfall, provides the park’s characteristic postcard moment. A small trail leads to the lookout,…

  • Port

    Porto Geral

    Corumbá's riverside is a charming locale with colorful historic facades opposite bobbing boats, some of which are waiting to take you out on a boisterous…

  • Museum

    Museu Rondon de Etnologia e Arqueologia

    The small Museu Rondon has exhibits on indigenous culture and is well worth a visit to check out the ornate headdresses and weaponry. The museum is…

  • Fort

    Forte de Coimbra

    Located some 80km downriver from Corumbá along Rio Paraguai, this large fort was built in 1775 to repel invaders from Paraguay, which it failed to do…

  • Aquarium

    Aquário do Pantanal

    Originally slated for completion in 2014, this ambitious aquarium and research center was still in development in 2018. You will either find a hugely…

  • Viewpoint

    Mirante da Chapada

    The mirante (lookout), marked with a modest concrete square, is the geographic center of South America. While the monument is underwhelming, the views are…

  • Gallery

    Art Izu

    Art Izu is home to one of Corumbá’s premier artists, Izulina Xavier. You can’t miss it – the giant bird sculptures and bronze statue of São Francisco in…

  • Viewpoint

    Cristo Rei do Pantanal

    Easily reachable via a short but steep walk or taxi ride uphill, Corumbá's answer to Christ the Redeemer is a little chipped and crowded out by cell…

  • Market

    Feira Central

    A great market worth a stroll, this massive open-air food and shopping court is lined with Japanese soba-noodle joints and other stalls, as well as some…

  • Park

    Parque Mãe Bonifácia

    This sizable forested park northwest of the city center makes a fine escape from Cuiabá's relentless sun. Pleasant shaded trails and a playground make it…

  • Museum

    Museu Histórico de Mato Grosso

    Inside a restored 19th-century building, this museum is an interesting stroll through the state’s history. Exhibits range from reproductions of…

  • Museum

    Museu do Morro da Caixa D'Agua Velha

    The city’s oddest museum brings together a variety of frankly weird water-themed trinkets, from old tubes to shower heads, housed inside a beautifully lit…

  • Monument

    Centro Geodésico da America do Sul

    An underwhelming obelisk here allegedly marks the center of the continent, calculated before the invention of satellite mapping. Tell residents that the…

  • Zoo

    Zoológico da UFMT

    Inside the UFMT university grounds, this small zoo features various denizens of the Pantanal, such as the hyacinth macaw, harpy eagle, peccaries, capybara…

  • Fort

    Forte Junqueira

    Forte Junqueira is a diminutive white hexagonal fort with 3m-thick walls located within the military base in Corumbá: phone ahead in order to visit. The…

  • Park

    Parque das Nações Indígenas

    This sizable park is at the eastern end of the central district and houses several of Campo Grande's sights, as well as walking trails, a lake, an open…

  • Waterfall

    Cachoeirinha & Cachoeira dos Namorados

    These two gentle, pretty waterfalls are reached via a 1km trail from the carpark at Véu de Noiva. They are very popular with local families as they have…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Mato Grosso & Mato Grosso do Sul.

  • Activities