Nestled in the heart of Brazil, Campo Grande is a city that effortlessly blends the charm of a bustling urban center with the tranquility of nature. As the capital of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, it serves as the main gateway to the southern Pantanal, one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems.
Often overlooked, Campo Grande surprises visitors with its vibrant cultural scene and proximity to natural wonders, making it a must-visit destination in Brazil.โ
Whether you’re exploring the vibrant downtown area or savoring the local food, there are so many things to do in Campo Grande Brazil, and it offers a rich tapestry of experiences that highlight the best things about this great place.
The first time I went to the state of Mato Grosso when I was eight years old, was during the dry season. I remember going to the Indigenous Nations Park (Parque das Naรงรตes Indรญgenas) and feeling a really good breeze at the end of the day, feeling a Brazil I’d never seen before.
If you want more, we also put together a complete Campo Grande travel guide to this fantastic city! Now, back to it!
At that age, I traveled with my parents to Sรฃo Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais (the land of pรฃo de queijo), and other parts of the country. However, it was only in Campo Grande that I realized that Brazil was still untouched by large scratches, unbridled urbanism, pollution, etc.
The city center, known for its bustling streets and cultural landmarks, is the best place to start your journey. Here, you’ll find a mix of modernity and tradition, with tourist attractions that showcase the city’s history and the warmth of its people.
The local guide to Campo Grande would undoubtedly include stops at its renowned restaurants, where the flavors of Mato Grosso’s cuisine come to life, offering a true taste of the region.
As the capital of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande is more than just a cityโit’s a destination that captures the essence of Brazil’s diverse landscapes and cultures. From the natural beauty of the southern Pantanal to the lively streets of the downtown area, Campo Grande is a place where the best of both worlds meet, making it an ideal spot for travelers seeking an authentic Brazilian experience.
In summary, Campo Grande stands out as a vibrant city and the largest city in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Known for its clear waters and dynamic cultural scene, the capital city of Mato Grosso do Sul, often affectionately called “Cidade Morena,” offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban energy.
If you’re looking for travel tips, this is the best time to delve into our article, learn, and write down everything interesting for your trip. Come with us on this exciting adventure!
things to do in Campo Grande Brazil
1. Dom Bosco Museum
The Museu das Culturas Dom Bosco was brought to life by the Salesian Mission of Mato Grosso, officially opening its doors on October 27, 1951. Its mission from the start has been to offer educational opportunities, foster development, and provide leisure activities for people of all agesโadults, youth, and children alike.
Over the years, the museum has amassed a rich and diverse collection, thanks to the dedicated work of the Salesian community.
In its sixty-year history, the museum has seen several transformations and moved through various locations. Initially housed within the Colรฉgio Dom Bosco, it relocated in 1978 to Rua Barรฃo do Rio Branco, where it remained for more than 20 years before the management transitioned to the Universidade Catรณlica Dom Bosco.
Known affectionately as the “Museu do รndio” by locals, the museum has gained recognition for its extensive collection of indigenous cultural artifacts. Today, it resides in the Parque das Naรงรตes Indรญgenas, where it continues to celebrate indigenous heritage while also offering an impressive range of exhibits in mineralogy, paleontology, zoology, archaeology, and ethnology.
2. Buraco das Araras
Buraco das Araras is a remarkable sinkhole located in the municipality of Jardim, Mato Grosso do Sul. With a depth of about 100 meters (328 feet) and a circumference of approximately 500 meters (1,640 feet), it is one of the largest sinkholes in the world.
Not only is it a stunning natural landmark, but it also serves as a habitat for over 160 bird species, including the vibrant blue macaws.
This makes the attraction a must-see for birdwatching enthusiasts or anyone interested in experiencing the regionโs most beautiful birds up close. So, where exactly is Buraco das Araras? It is situated in Jardim, roughly 236 kilometers (146 miles) from Campo Grande, the state capital.
things to do in Campo Grande Brazil
3. Crystal Clear Rivers
Have you heard of the Rio Sucuri? It’s one of Brazilโs most famous rivers, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and the diverse wildlife that thrives along its banks. If you’re wondering where Rio Sucuri is located, it’s in the central-western region of Brazil, specifically in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul.
In 2023, over 70,000 tourists visited Rio Sucuri, marking a 15% increase from the previous year. This rise highlights the growing popularity of the river and the significant role tourism plays in the economy of Mato Grosso do Sul.
The most popular activity at Rio Sucuri is floating, where visitors glide through the clear waters, observing colorful fish, turtles, and the river’s rich aquatic life. Rio Sucuri is situated in the municipality of Bonito, a city renowned for its natural beauty and one of Brazilโs top tourist destinations. Bonito is approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) from Campo Grande, the state capital.
4. Indigenous Communities
The city of Campo Grande, MS, is home to over 5,000 indigenous residents, making it the seventh municipality in Brazil with the highest indigenous population, according to the IBGE (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics). Notably, the Terena ethnicity is the most represented in the urban area, with approximately 2,500 individuals, as highlighted by SantโAna (2004).
Near the residential area in the center of the development, the Memorial da Cultura Indรญgena has been established. This space, illustrated in Figure 6, serves as a venue for exhibitions, the sale of handicrafts, and as a tourist attraction for the capital.
The memorial consists of two interconnected buildings designed in the traditional oca style, shaped like an L and covered with palm leaves and bacuri (a natural fiber native to the region). The complex covers an area of 340 square meters (3,660 square feet) and is enclosed by fences and gates that provide access to the memorial and its garden.
things to do in Campo Grande Brazil
5. Mercadรฃo Municipal
The Mercado Municipal Antรดnio Valente, commonly known as Mercadรฃo, is a prominent tourist attraction in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul. It offers a wide range of food products and everyday essentials.
Most of the vendors are of Japanese descent. The building, which was inaugurated on August 30, 1958, originally started as an open-air market that, until the 1950s, occupied a large area alongside the Noroeste railway tracks, between Avenida Afonso Pena and Rua 7 de Setembro. Revitalized in 2006, the market now features an expanded parking area, modern internal and external lighting, fresh paint, and a renovated roof.
Covering an area of 2,051.70 square meters (22,100 square feet), the Mercadรฃo houses 214 stalls and 70 boxes offering a variety of fresh produce, regional fish, and other quality goods at accessible prices for consumers.
Every city has its municipal market, and Campo Grandeโs is no exception. The Mercadรฃo boasts over 200 stalls and boxes, showcasing an array of products from fruits and vegetables to medicinal herbs, regional fish, and basic food baskets.
6. Morada dos Baรญs
Officially registered in 1918, this building was the first masonry construction in Campo Grande and originally served as the home of the Baรญs family. For many years, it was known as Pensรฃo Pimentel.
Now listed as a historical landmark by the Instituto do Patrimรดnio Histรณrico e Cultural de Campo Grande, it has been transformed into the Centro Cultural Sesc Morada dos Baรญs, a vibrant center for the culture of Mato Grosso do Sul. The venue hosts exhibitions, music performances, dance, art workshops, and regional cuisine courses.
The house was built by engineer Joรฃo Pandiรก Calรณgeras, who made history by constructing the cityโs first masonry building. It featured innovative elements such as Italian slate roofing tiles. Completed in 1918, the house remained with the Baรญs family until 1938, when the patriarch Bernardo Franco Baรญs passed away at the age of 77.
Shortly thereafter, the building was rented by Nominando Pimentel, who operated it as Pensรฃo Pimentel until 1974, when a major fire severely damaged much of its structure. After the fire, the building was repurposed for various commercial uses.
In 1986, the building was recognized as a space for art and culture when it was officially listed as a historical landmark. Seven years later, a partnership with the Serviรงo de Apoio ร Pequena Empresa em Mato Grosso do Sul (Sebrae/MS) led to extensive restoration work, and ownership was transferred to the municipality.
In 1995, it was transformed into the Centro de Informaรงรตes Turรญsticas e Culturais and the Museu Lรญgia Baรญs, showcasing works by the artist and her family. Since 2016, Morada dos Baรญs has been managed by Sesc/MS, becoming a true hub for the production and dissemination of art and culture.
things to do in Campo Grande Brazil
7. Rio da Prata
The Rio da Prata, located in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, is a vital local watercourse that flows through the city, contributing to both its water supply and urban ecosystem. This river plays a crucial role in maintaining local biodiversity and environmental quality.
Its riparian vegetation and the small ecosystems along its banks provide habitat for various species of flora and fauna, while also helping to regulate the temperature and humidity of the urban environment.
However, the Rio da Prata faces challenges due to urban growth and pollution. The city’s expansion and human activities along its banks can impact water quality and the health of aquatic ecosystems.
Efforts to restore and preserve the river are essential to ensure it continues to fulfill its vital role for the city and its residents, offering not only an important water resource but also a green space that enhances urban quality of life.
8. Bioparque Pantanal
The Bioparque Pantanal is a state public enterprise under SEGOV, managed by a General Directorate. Inaugurated on March 28, 2022, the Bioparque Pantanal is home to the world’s largest freshwater aquarium. The park is built on key pillars, including environmental education, research, conservation, innovation, inclusion, leisure, and culture.
Spanning 21,000 square meters and housing 5 million liters of water, the Bioparque Pantanal features 395 animal species across 239 tanks. These include 31 exhibition tanks, 1 for supply, 1 for wastewater reuse, 38 for quarantine, and 168 dedicated exclusively to research, conservation, bioeconomy, and sustainability.
Among the standout residents are the renowned anaconda Gaby Amarantos, the alligators, the magnificent catfish Maria Fernanda, and the painted catfish Adriano.
The complex offers more than just a visual experience; its goal is to enhance both learning and engagement.
things to do in Campo Grande Brazil
9. Museum of Image
With the mission to “Preserve the memory, educate for the future,” the Museu da Imagem e do Som (MIS), a unit of the Fundaรงรฃo de Cultura do Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, is dedicated to preserving the visual and auditory heritage of Mato Grosso do Sul. The MIS collection boasts over 108,000 items, including photographs, films, videos, posters, vinyl records, objects, and sound recordings.
Programs such as Amplificadores de Cultura, Cultura em Situaรงรฃo, Cinema no Museu, and Temporary Exhibitions have utilized educational strategies to enhance access to cultural assets that shape the state’s socio-historical identity.
Since its inception, the MIS has been committed to advancing museological practices to contribute to the development and dissemination of knowledge within the state. It offers a diverse range of community programming, including lectures, workshops, courses, seminars, film screenings, and exhibitions.
10. Lago do Amor
Lago do Amor is one of the most well-known and cherished spots in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul. Located within the Parque das Naรงรตes Indรญgenas, it offers a well-maintained green space perfect for strolls, picnics, and outdoor activities.
Surrounded by gardens and trails, the lake provides a peaceful and pleasant environment for visitors of all ages. In addition to its recreational use, Lago do Amor serves as a venue for community events and cultural activities. Itโs a popular destination for those seeking relaxation or a chance to connect with nature right in the heart of the city.
things to do in Campo Grande Brazil
Is it Worth Going to Campo Grande, Brazil?
In a nutshell, YES! Campo Grande stands out as a great option for those seeking immersion in both the natural beauty and rich culture of the region. Located in the heart of Brazil, the city serves as a gateway to the South Pantanal, one of the planet’s largest and most fascinating ecosystems.
Its central location and a variety of affordable hotels ensure that every visitor can make the most of their stay, whether exploring the beautiful parks and recreational areas or venturing into the surrounding natural wonders.
The variety of plants and different species present in the area make Campo Grande an unmissable destination for nature enthusiasts. The city’s parks not only offer a tranquil refuge but also opportunities to observe a range of species in their natural habitats.
Complementing this experience is the cityโs rich cultural heritage, providing an immersive dive into local history and traditions that makes the visit even more memorable.
In summary, Campo Grande is an ideal starting point for exploring the charms of the Pantanal and appreciating the diverse cultural and natural offerings of the state. With its central location, variety of accommodation options, and attractions ranging from natural wonders to a vibrant cultural scene, the city promises an unforgettable experience for all types of travelers.
If you’re looking for a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, Campo Grande is undoubtedly a destination to consider.
