Cuiabá, the vibrant heart of Mato Grosso, beckons you to immerse yourself in its rich culture and exuberant nature. The gateway to the Pantanal, the city offers a unique blend of regional traditions, authentic cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes. Prepare to explore lively markets, savor typical dishes like ‘mojica de pintado,’ and venture on expeditions that reveal the biodiversity of the Cerrado and the Pantanal. The warm hospitality of the ‘cuiabanos’ and the city’s relaxed pace ensure an authentic and memorable experience.
For nature lovers, Chapada dos Guimarães National Park is a great place to start your journey. Just a short drive away along scenic dirt roads, the park boasts stunning landscapes, dramatic waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints. Porto Jofre is another must-visit, where you can explore some of the best places in the Pantanal region, ideal for spotting jaguars and other rare species. Cuiabá’s high temperatures are balanced by the region’s rivers, like the Rio Cuiabá, offering a refreshing escape and a chance to get closer to the heart of Mato Grosso’s natural wonders.
Back in the city, Cuiabá offers a blend of local culture and modern attractions. You’ll find delicious local food that captures the flavors of the Pantanal region, with restaurants serving dishes that celebrate the local cuisine. Visit Senhor Bom Jesus de Cuiabá for a touch of history, or catch live music at the Arena Pantanal, which is a popular spot for both sports and entertainment. Whether you’re here for wildlife, local culture, or outdoor activities, Cuiabá is a fantastic destination and a great way to experience the heart of Brazil.
Visit Praça da República
The Historic Center of Cuiabá, preserved by Brazil’s National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage (IPHAN), marks the city’s earliest urban layout, and at its core is a central plaza lovingly referred to as the “heart” of Cuiabá.
This cherished area, the Praça da República, often called Largo da Matriz, has witnessed key religious, political, and cultural moments in Mato Grosso’s history. Within its borders lies the Mato Grosso Historical Museum, a top spot for tourists looking to explore Brazil’s past, where visitors can delve into the rich collections and lose track of time among artifacts and records from previous eras. One of the plaza’s notable features is the group of “Station Statues,” symbolizing the four seasons—summer, winter, autumn, and spring—that represent a period of “modernity” for Cuiabá.
For a relaxed day trip or an evening stroll, this plaza, with its lush gardens and historic buildings, offers a great spot to unwind and soak in the spirit of this Brazilian city. Each afternoon, the plaza buzzes with life as both locals and tourists enjoy its peaceful ambiance, with plenty of places to sit, chat, and enjoy the flow of city life. Don’t miss the iconic statue of Marshal Cândido Rondon, which honors one of Mato Grosso’s most celebrated historical figures.
Art and history enthusiasts will find “Praça da República” an ideal setting for an easy-going outing, with its mix of culture, energy, and historical depth. With its prime central location, visitors can explore other popular areas, such as the Porto Market and the Basilica of “Senhor Bom Jesus”. This small-town charm is a fantastic way to explore Cuiabá’s authentic side.
Discover the Rondon Museum (Museu Rondon)
The Rondon Museum, established in 1972, serves as a center for indigenism, research, and the celebration of Mato Grosso’s indigenous cultures. Today, the museum’s collection includes over a thousand items—feathered adornments, traditional attire, ceremonial artifacts, pottery, musical instruments, woven crafts, and tools, as well as a photographic archive that vividly captures daily village life. Named in honor of Marshal Cândido Mariano da Silva Rondon, a passionate defender of indigenous rights and a key figure in Brazilian history, the museum is a highlight among cultural tourist areas in the capital city of Mato Grosso.
What makes the museum’s collection unique is its close connection to the indigenous communities, where many of these traditional items were gathered directly from the villages. Inside, visitors are transported into the intimate setting of an indigenous home, experiencing the simple arrangement of hammocks, firewood, and the earthen floor—a respectful homage to native life. Outside, in the park next to the museum, stands an oval-shaped Xingu-style house, crafted by Bakairi artisans as a way to recover and preserve their own heritage. With more than 6,000 visitors annually, the museum frequently hosts school groups, immersing students in the cultural richness of Mato Grosso’s indigenous history.
Adjacent to the museum, Rondon Park offers a refreshing natural escape for locals and visitors alike, perfect for anyone seeking a mix of relaxation and activity in the city. With extensive walking paths, a skate area, soccer fields, and picnic spots, this bustling green space caters to outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Those drawn to nature will find the lush local flora and the chorus of birds a charming backdrop, ideal for a peaceful day outdoors. Families, especially, will enjoy the playgrounds and bike rentals, making it a top spot for a leisurely afternoon.
Rondon Park is an excellent choice for guided hikes or solo explorations through one of the top tourist areas in the city and with its proximity to Cuiabá’s cultural district, a visit to both the museum and park is a must. Plus, as one of the capital’s most scenic parks, it also offers a great contrast to Cuiabá’s bustling market scene or a drive out to explore Nobres and the north Pantanal’s small rivers. The Rondon Museum and Park truly offer a unique mix of Mato Grosso’s indigenous heritage and natural beauty, so add them to your list of top things to do in Cuiabá!
Find out About Chapada dos Guimarães National Park
The Chapada dos Guimarães National Park, established on April 12, 1989, by Decree-Law 97,656, covers a stunning 32,630 hectares of preserved natural beauty. The park protects significant samples of local ecosystems and safeguards valuable natural resources and archaeological sites. Designed for educational and research purposes, as well as for the enjoyment of visitors, this remarkable park spans between the municipalities of Cuiabá and Chapada dos Guimarães in the state of Mato Grosso. It’s a prime showcase of the Cerrado biome, Brazil’s second-largest and home to numerous headwaters of major rivers, including the Paraguay, Araguaia, Tocantins, Juruena-Tapajós, and São Francisco.
Within the park, several headwaters feed rivers that form parts of the Pantanal ecosystem. The Coxipó River, in particular, supplies much of Cuiabá’s drinking water. This national park boasts incredible biodiversity, housing 659 plant species, 44 fish species, 242 bird species, and 76 mammal species. It also protects ten unique types of Cerrado vegetation and holds fascinating geological formations, with areas once ancient deserts and even seabeds. It’s incredible to think that millions of years ago, Chapada dos Guimarães transformed from ocean to desert.
One of the park’s most famous landscapes is the Véu de Noiva Waterfall, formed by the Coxipó River, and near it are other stunning sites: Morro de São Jerônimo, the clearings of the Rio Claro, Cidade de Pedra, and the Circuito das Cachoeiras. These lush forests and rocky outcrops are a photographer’s dream and provide some of the best wildlife-viewing areas in the world. Visitors can enjoy slow wildlife-spotting walks, catching glimpses of the region’s diverse flora and fauna amid breathtaking scenery.
If you’re planning a visit, it’s good to know that the park remains open every day, including weekends and holidays. Check the official pages for updated information on visitor rules, especially as the wet season brings heavy rains that sometimes impact accessibility. For the best way to explore the top sites, a guided tour is recommended, especially if you have only a minimum reasonable itinerary to work with. Whether you’re coming from nearby Campo Grande or further afield, the Chapada dos Guimarães National Park is a must-see destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Arena Pantanal, the Majestic
Located in Cuiabá, the capital city of Mato Grosso, the Arena Pantanal is one of the twelve stadiums built to host matches for the FIFA World Cup 2014, the world’s largest soccer event. With a construction area of about 829,000 square feet (77,044.01 m²), this stadium was inaugurated on April 2, 2014, with an exciting Copa do Brasil match between Mixto (MT) and Santos (SP).
Beyond meeting FIFA standards, the architectural design of the Arena Pantanal gained national and international recognition for its commitment to sustainability, socio-environmental responsibility, and urban renewal in Cuiabá. Built with cross-ventilation between sections for thermal comfort, the stadium has a roof over all spectator seating and a capacity of over 40,000 fans. Unlike the previous Verdão stadium, the Arena Pantanal offers closer proximity to the field, bringing fans nearer to the action and the players.
If you’re passionate about sports or simply want to see one of Cuiabá’s iconic attractions, the Arena Pantanal is a must-visit. Positioned right in the heart of Cuiabá, this modern stadium stands as a true architectural gem and a lasting symbol of the 2014 World Cup that took place in Brazil. On game days, the atmosphere is electric—there’s truly nothing like the energy of a Brazilian soccer crowd, an experience all its own!
The arena, with a seating capacity of more than 40,000, hosts not only major soccer matches but also cultural events and unforgettable concerts. Even outside of game days, the Arena is still an impressive stop with its innovative design and sweeping views of the surrounding area. As a mark of sustainability and modernity, its structure remains one of Brazil’s finest.
If you’re in Cuiabá during a sports event, don’t miss the vibrant energy and fan spirit! And if you’re there for a visit, the stadium surroundings provide enjoyable spaces for relaxation, with options for dining that make it an excellent day trip. As for me, even if it’s not my team on the field, I always make a point to catch a game—it’s an experience I’d recommend to anyone!
Plus, the Arena Pantanal is close to other top things to see around Cuiabá, so it’s easy to add this visit to your itinerary of Brazilian cities. Whether you’re a dedicated sports fan or just curious to take in the grandeur of this space, the Arena Pantanal is an experience you don’t want to miss.
Get to know the Porto Market
Located along the banks of the Oito de Abril stream in Cuiabá, Mercado do Porto is a vibrant cultural symbol and one of the top tourist spots in the capital of Mato Grosso. Its roots trace back to the 1970s when local vendors and fishermen from the Baixada Cuiabana would bring their goods and display them on tarps spread across the ground. Hygiene and quality weren’t exactly hallmarks of the original open-air market, which operated where the Museu do Rio now stands in the Porto district.
Today, the market is a feast for the senses, with colorful shelves and an impressive variety of goods. You’ll find everything here—fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, grains, meats, and fresh fish. The market even has gardening supplies, artisan crafts, cereals, pet food, cheeses, and sweets. The extensive food court serves local favorites, from the classic cuiabano combo of pastel and sugarcane juice to hearty meals, tapas-style snacks, broths, savory pastries, tapioca, barbecue, fried fish, and more.
Beyond the flavors, Mercado do Porto is a haven for anyone who loves local handicrafts. You’ll find a wide selection of shops selling authentic items from Mato Grosso, like leather goods, ceramics, and souvenirs crafted by local artisans. The environment is vibrant and welcoming, filled with the lively energy of both merchants and visitors.
To complete your visit, take a moment to enjoy the scenic view of the Cuiabá River nearby, which makes for a relaxing stroll in the late afternoon. This setting is a delightful blend of past and present, with architecture that hints at the colonial era while embracing the modern trends of cuisine and art.
If you’re looking to experience the true flavor and spirit of Cuiabá, Mercado do Porto is the perfect destination. Come get lost in the tastes, colors, and stories that make this place so enchanting!
Bônus:
Though I’ve already highlighted the Mercado do Porto and its culinary gems, I encourage you to dive deeper into the local restaurants and bars throughout Cuiabá. The cuisine here is truly rich, showcasing a fascinating mix that blends influences from the Gaucho, Goiano, and indigenous Brazilian cultures.
- Rice with Pequi (Arroz com Pequi): Rice with pequi is a traditional and flavorful dish, that combines cooked rice with pequi, a unique fruit native to the Brazilian cerrado. With its intense and distinct taste, pequi perfectly complements the rice, bringing out the authentic flavors of the region. Often served with sun-dried beef or chicken, this dish is a culinary emblem of Mato Grosso.
- Cassava Soup (Sopa de Mandioca): Cassava soup is a comforting and nutritious option, especially loved during the cooler nights in Cuiabá. Made with tender, shredded cassava and enhanced with beef or chicken, it’s seasoned with garlic, onions, and fresh herbs. Known locally as “aipim,” cassava is a staple ingredient, and in this dish, it shines in a deliciously simple way.
- Cuiabano Cheese Bread (Pão de Qeujo Cuiabano): Cuiabano cheese bread is a local take on the traditional pão de queijo from Minas Gerais, with its own twist. Made with cassava starch and cheese, the Cuiabano version is known for being flavorful, with a slightly crisp outside and a soft, cheesy inside. With cured cheese and a hint of pork fat, it’s the perfect snack for breakfast or an afternoon treat.
- Muçum: Muçum is a beloved fish from the Cuiabá River, often served fried or grilled. With its delicate, mild flavor, it’s a hit among locals and even those with more discerning tastes. This fish finds its way into a variety of local recipes and is a classic dish during Cuiabá’s celebrations, frequently served with rice, farofa, and a simple salad.
- Grilled Pacu (Pacu Assado): Pacu is a freshwater fish abundant in Mato Grosso’s rivers and is a quintessential dish in Cuiabá’s cuisine. Traditionally grilled, it’s seasoned with herbs and spices to bring out its flavor. Served with rice, beans, and farofa, pacu is a fisherman’s delicacy and a must-have at regional celebrations.
- Chipa: Originally from Paraguay, chipa has become popular in Cuiabá and across Mato Grosso. Made with cassava starch, cheese, and eggs, it has a light and crispy texture, making it a delicious choice for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Freshly baked with an irresistible cheesy aroma, chipa is widely found in bakeries and local markets.
These dishes are just a taste of the vibrant Cuiabano cuisine, filled with authentic flavors and local ingredients. Each dish carries a story, giving you a glimpse into the culture of Mato Grosso, and they’re essential for anyone looking to savor the very heart of the city.
