Why Go?Mato Grosso was once Brazil’s wild west, a land known only to explorers, indigenous hunters, poachers, gold seekers and naturalists. Today, some of Brazil’s most cooperative wildlife and incredible scenery make it a prime destination for eco-tourists and anglers.

Though the Amazon has the glamor, it is the Pantanal that shines as Brazil’s top destination for wildlife-viewing and bird-watching. One of the most important and fragile ecosystems on the planet it is home to an impressive con-centration of spectacular animals. Cuiabá, Corumbá and Campo Grande are all gateways to this celebrated wetland, but the region’s offerings certainly don’t stop there.

In the far-north town of Alta Floresta, the cerrado (savan-na) morphs into the Amazon; the Serra do Bodoquena near Bonito, is a breathtakingly beautiful, watery wonderland and, between the two, Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Guima-rães boasts some of the most commanding views in Brazil.

Mato Grosso & Mato Grosso do SulPOP 5.5 MILLION

When to Go

Feb Carnaval time in Corumbá; the biggest in the region.

Jun–Aug Top time for jaguar tours in the pantanal.

Nov–Jan When Bonito is at its hottest and the water most inviting.

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Best Places to Eat¨¨ Avalom Grill (p385)

¨¨ Cantina Romana (p381)

¨¨ Pantanal Grill (p390)

¨¨ A Casa do João (p390)

¨¨ Da Mata Bistro (p366)

Best Places to Stay¨¨ Pousada do Parque Eco

Lodge (p366)

¨¨ Cristalino Jungle Lodge (p368)

¨¨ Pousada Araras Eco Lodge (p377)

¨¨ Bonito HI Hostel (p389)

¨¨ Turis Hotel (p379)

mato Grosso ..............360Cuiabá .......................360parque Nacional da Chapada dos Guimarães ................. 367The pantanal ............. 370mato Grosso do Sul ... 379Campo Grande .......... 379Corumbá....................383Bonito & Around ........386

©Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd

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1 Gawk at incredible wildlife while driving the 145km Transpantaneira ‘highway’ (p375) in the northern pantanal.

2 Journey to the centre of the earth at the Abismo de Anhumas (p388) near Bonito.

3 Watch the sunset over dramatic landscapes in

Parque Nacional da Chapada dos Guimarães (p367).

4 Go bird bonkers at the twitcher‘s paradise Cristalino Jungle Lodge (p368) in the southern Amazon rainforest.

5 Snorkel with exotic fish in the crystal-clear water world at Recanto Ecológico Lagoa Azul (p368).

6 Dance in the streets in Corumbá (p383) during Carnaval, mato Grosso style.

7 Sling a hook and hope for the best during the International Fishing Festival at Cáceres (p369).

Mato Grosso & Mato Grosso do Sul Highlights