Mato Grosso

A large state in west-central Brazil spanning the Pantanal wetlands, the Cerrado and the southern edge of the Amazon; a great place for wildlife viewing.

Mato Grosso lies in west-central Brazil, bordering Bolivia to the southwest, and spans three major ecosystems: the Pantanal wetlands, the Cerrado grasslands and the Amazon rainforest. The northern Pantanal is an excellent place to see jaguars, caimans and waterbirds, with several eco-lodges along the Transpantaneira highway. Near the capital, Cuiabá, Chapada dos Guimarães National Park is known for its sandstone cliffs and waterfalls, and Alta Floresta in the north is good for rainforest birdwatching. The dry season, from July to October, is the best time for wildlife viewing. Cuiabá Airport is the main gateway.

Destinations

• Pantanal
• Chapada dos Guimarães

Itineraries

• Transpantaneira Highway & Jaguar Safari – Drive south from Cuiabá along the unpaved highway, staying at a ranch to spot birds and wildlife, then head to Porto Jo…
• Brazilian Central Highlands & Wetlands – An in-depth, long-distance route connecting Brasília, the Cerrado Highlands, Northern Pantanal, and Chapada dos Guimarã…