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 actual geographical center of South America lies 67km away near Chapada dos Guimarães and it's unlikely you'll win any popularity contests.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Museu do Morro da Caixa D'Agua Velha

0.14 MILES

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…

2. Museu Histórico de Mato Grosso

0.34 MILES

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

3. Parque Mãe Bonifácia

1.44 MILES

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…

5. Zoológico da UFMT

2.51 MILES

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

6. Véu de Noiva

22.22 MILES

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

7. Cachoeirinha & Cachoeira dos Namorados

22.82 MILES

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…

8. Mirante da Chapada

28.75 MILES

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