Central-West

MT

Mato Grosso

Where Amazon, Cerrado and Pantanal meet

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Mato Grosso occupies a vast central plateau where three of South America's greatest ecosystems converge: the Amazon rainforest, the Cerrado savanna and the northern Pantanal. The Chapada dos Guimarães plateau near the capital Cuiabá offers dramatic red sandstone canyon views and is considered the geodesic center of South America.

Capital

Cuiabá

Region

Central-West

Estado

MT

Top Highlights

  • 1Chapada dos Guimarães — red-rock canyons, the 86m Véu de Noiva waterfall and geodesic center marker
  • 2Northern Pantanal Transpantaneira road — 160km dirt road through wildlife-rich floodplains
  • 3Alta Floresta eco-lodges — Amazon rainforest birding and harpy eagle territory
  • 4Nobres spring pools — crystal-clear natural pools in the cerrado near the Amazon border

Best Time to Visit

May to September for Pantanal wildlife safaris and Chapada dos Guimarães trekking.

Traveller's Tip

The Transpantaneira road has over 140 wooden bridges and deteriorates badly in the wet season — a 4×4 vehicle is essential.

Videos from Mato Grosso

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