The capital of Mato Grosso State, Cuiabá, captivates visitors with its splendid colonial architecture and lush green urban areas. Beyond its own allure, the city serves as the gateway to some of the country’s most prominent tourist destinations: the northern side of the Pantanal and Chapada dos Guimarães National Park.

Strategically located on South America’s central axis, Cuiabá holds the distinction of being the geodetic center of the continent. Situated right in the heart of the continent, the municipality finds itself equally surrounded by landmass both to the north and south, as well as to the east and west, an extraordinary geographical quirk that adds to its uniqueness.

Instruction Palace (Palácio da Instrução), a building in Cuiabá that dates back to 1914 and currently houses the Estevão de Mendonça State Library

The city of Cuiabá boasts an array of captivating attractions, ranging from centuries-old churches to vibrant art galleries, museums, parks, city squares, and monuments. The local cuisine is a delightful and diverse treat, catering to the tastes of all. For enthusiasts of preserved historic buildings, a visit to the Historic Center of Cuiabá is a must-do experience, as it has been recognized by the National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage (IPHAN) and added to the National Heritage List. Another architectural gem cherished by tourists is the neoclassical-style Instruction Palace (Palácio da Instrução), which dates back to 1914 and currently houses the Estevão de Mendonça State Library.

Two essential local attractions beckon every visitor. The first is the Morro da Caixa D’água Museum, which served as the sole water reservoir for Cuiabá for over a century. Now transformed into a museum, it shares glimpses of the city’s history. The other must-visit spot is Mãe Bonifácia State Park, sprawling across more than 70 hectares. The park offers walking and jogging trails, nature trails, a playground, fitness equipment, and an observation tower, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Brazilian Cerrado Biome, featuring several typical plant species.

No visit to Cuiabá would be complete without savoring the dishes prepared with local freshwater fish, such as the delectable roast stuffed Pacu and the flavorful Piranha soup.

Situated close to various ecotourism attractions, Cuiabá provides easy access to renowned destinations like Chapada dos Guimarães National Park and the Pantanal Conservation Area, the latter being recognized as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in 2000. These breathtaking locations offer unforgettable opportunities to connect with nature and appreciate the region’s abundant beauty.

How to get there

By Plane
+55 (65) 3614-2500
Cuiabá International Airport operates daily domestic flights. A great travel hub for foreign visitors who wish to go to Cuiabá is the International Airport of Brasilia, which operates flights to and from several countries..

By Bus
+55 (65) 3621-1515
The Bus Station in Cuiabá operates bus routes from most major Brazilian cities. The best routes are through highways BR-364, BR-163, and BR-070.

Getting around

By Bus
There are several intercity bus routes that cover the whole city of Cuiabá. Please visit Pantanal Transportes (the local transport authority) for more information on local routes.

Personal Vehicles or Rentals
A great way to see the attractions around the city and to visit nearby destinations is to rent a car. 

Taxis and Ridesharing Companies
If you want to get around the city more comfortably, taxis and ridesharing companies are available.

Useful Numbers


Tourism Department:
+55 (65) 3617-1261

Military Police: 190
Paramedics: 192
Fire Department: 193

Power Voltage

110V

Local Weather

There are basically two seasons in Cuiabá: The rainy season, between the months of October and April, and the dry season, between May and September.