When we talk about Brazil, a very striking characteristic of our country is its natural diversity. To give you an idea, only the state of Mato Grosso preserves three biomes: Amazon, Cerrado and Pantanal. 

If you are planning to travel to a Brazilian destination, but haven't yet formulated your vacation plan very well, check it out and let yourself be surprised by the destinations that prove that Mato Grosso is worth visiting.

The state has more than 140 municipalities and the different regions have distinct peculiarities and characteristics. Initially, Mato Grosso was Spanish territory before being annexed by Brazil, in addition to having strong indigenous roots. The city of Cuiabá was born from Arraial da Forquilha, which was founded in 1719.

Strolling through the historic center, swimming in crystal-clear rivers, spotting different species of birds and tasting dishes made with local fish are just some of the options you can find at the destinations there. With that in mind, is it worth visiting Mato Grosso? Check out our article now for the best destinations in the state to travel to.

1 – Cuiabá

The capital of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, is perfect for tourists interested in cultural activities, colonial architecture and good cuisine. Anyone going there should not miss visiting the old houses and churches in the historic center. 

Those who enjoy crafts can also find beautiful products in the state capital. To do so, just visit Casa do Artesão, the tour promises to be enchanting. Without a doubt, Cuiabá is a great gateway to Mato Grosso, and one of the great proofs that it is worth getting to know the state. There you will have your first contact with the culture and diversity and all the beauty that Mato Grosso has to offer. 

2 – Pantanal

Did you know that part of the Pantanal is in Mato Grosso, it is very easy to get to know one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, with more than a thousand animal species and almost two thousand plants. 

The Pantanal is perfect for spotting wild animals such as alligators, herons, hawks, anteaters and even jaguars, and as it is the largest floodplain in the world, the wide variety of itineraries surprises its visitors.

These are stunning settings, which serve as beautiful justifications for getting to know Mato Grosso, with landscape and places that mix nature and tradition, surrounded by a complete hotel infrastructure, delicious cuisine and unmissable tours that can be done on foot or on horseback, jeep and boat. This is a unique travel experience and certainly one of the most beautiful attractions that guarantee that Mato Grosso is worth getting to know. 

3 – Jaciara

145 km from Cuiabá is the city of Jaciara, a temple of extreme sports. The municipality has dozens of waterfalls, rapids and caves designed to take your adrenaline to the maximum, making it a destination that is well worth visiting if you are an adventure lover. 

All these emotions have a direction: the thermal waters of Cachoeira da Fumaça, or Thermas Cachoeira da Fumaça, which has a waterfall with a drop of 30 meters.

Here visitors can go rafting and abseiling, as well as swimming, diving, hiking and other possibilities that will make your vacation unforgettable with the nature that Jaciara preserves in the city that still has the Vale das Perdidas archaeological site.

4 – Chapada dos Guimarães 

Located 70 km from Cuiabá, Chapada dos Guimarães is one of the main ecotourism destinations in the state. If you're looking for destinations full of beauty, get ready to fall in love with incredible landscapes, waterfalls and rocks (all very peacefully).

Chapada is the perfect place to contemplate the immensity of nature and relax. One of the most famous attractions is the Véu de Noiva waterfall. It is possible to stay in Cuiabá in comfortable hotels and from there explore the Chapada region.

5 – Araguaia Valley 

For those who want to discover a different landscape in the Center-West of Brazil, why not a beautiful beach? If your answer, even incredulously, is yes, you should visit Vale do Araguaia

Located between the borders of the states of Mato Grosso and Goiás, 518 km from Cuiabá. There you can visit Praia da Arara, with fresh water, soft white sand. In addition to 34 communities that preserve indigenous peoples, waterfalls, rivers, 

Serra do Roncador and Serra Azul are also located in the region. Both are considered by ufologists and esotericists as regions of extraterrestrial contact.

6 – Vila Bela da Santíssima Trindade

During your visit you cannot miss the place that was the first capital of the state with strong traces of black culture. Vila Bela is a historic place on the border with Bolivia, right on the banks of the Guaporé River, the city has a mountain range that attracts with its incredible waterfalls.

For those who like adventure this is the right choice, there are many almost unexplored paths and stretches hiding unique natural beauty. One of the alternatives is Cachoeira do Jatobá, a walk that requires a 3h30m walk. However, the view from more than 200 meters is beautiful.

The rainy season, which runs from April to June, is the most recommended, as at other times the falls tend to dry up.

7 -Campo Novo do Parecis 

A third of the territory of Campo Novo do Parecis is made up of indigenous lands, so most activities in the region are based on this reality, including walks to visit villages and visit waterfalls. 

Its strong point is sport: for the more adventurous there is rappelling in Santo Utiariti and an 85 meter high waterfall. 

There are many reasons that make this part of Brazil a special region, the state offers several opportunities that attract all types of travelers, you can explore the history and gastronomy of the capital, as well as enjoy ecotourism and adventures in the interior.

These are some of the reasons, or tourist attractions, why Mato Grosso is worth visiting. Remembering that our list is small compared to the various attractions that the state offers, so if you are thinking about traveling, consult a travel agency specializing in the region to guarantee the best itinerary.