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Cuiabá

Brazil · City · BRL · -15.601400, -56.097900
Family friendly 8.4/10 · Rank 27 of 2 709
Best season: May-September

Best for

Cuiabá suits ecotourism enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and those who want to see the wildlife of the Pantanal. The city is not suitable for beach lovers and quiet urban tourism.

Best season

May-September

Daily budget
$60.00 (≈ 5 035 ₽ · ≈ 330 BRL)
For 7 days
$420.00 (≈ 35 246 ₽ · ≈ 2 310 BRL)
Cuiabá is the capital of Mato Grosso state, located in the very heart of Brazil, near the Pantanal — the world's largest tropical wetland ecosystem. The city is the main gateway for trips to this unique nature reserve, home to jaguars, caimans, and hundreds of bird species. Cuiabá is also famous for its cuisine, combining indigenous, African, and Portuguese traditions. It is a must-stop for ecotourism and wildlife enthusiasts.
Summer
32.6°C
Winter
16.6°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

moderate

Pace of life

slow

Local character

The residents of Cuiabá, known as Cuiabanos, are descendants of Portuguese colonists, African slaves, and indigenous peoples. They are known for their hospitality, love of fishing, and deep connection with nature. Locals take pride in their region and happily share their knowledge of the Pantanal.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Gateway to the Pantanal: Cuiabá is the starting point for expeditions to the world's largest wetland area.
  • Unique nature: the opportunity to see jaguars, capybaras, anacondas, and hundreds of bird species in their natural habitat.
  • Affordable prices: accommodation, food, and transport are significantly cheaper than in Rio or São Paulo.
  • Gastronomic diversity: fresh fish, pequi, and regional dishes of Mato Grosso cuisine.
  • Warm climate year-round: the swimming season lasts almost all year.
  • Rich culture: the historic center, markets, and museums reflect the color of the region.
  • Excellent ecotourism conditions: numerous lodges, guides, and excursions for every budget.

Cons

  • Hot and humid climate: temperatures can reach 40°C, and humidity is high, which is hard to tolerate.
  • No sea: swimming is possible only in rivers with murky water, which is not suitable for beach lovers.
  • High crime rate: as in other large Brazilian cities, increased precautions are required.
  • Rainy season from December to March: frequent downpours can disrupt excursion plans.
  • Transport remoteness: no direct flights from Russia and a long journey from São Paulo.
  • Limited tourist infrastructure: fewer hotels and entertainment options aimed at foreigners.
  • Mosquitoes and insects: in the Pantanal and around Cuiabá, repellents are necessary.
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
28.3°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
32.6°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
32.6°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
24.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
31.8°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
16.6°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
December-March
Attractions

Pantanal

The world's largest wetland area, located 100 km from Cuiabá. It is home to jaguars, capybaras, anacondas, and hundreds of bird species. Excursions to the Pantanal are the main reason tourists come to Cuiabá.

Chapada dos Guimarães National Park

A park with waterfalls, canyons, and rock formations, located 60 km from Cuiabá. Here you can swim in natural pools, hike, and see rare plant species. Stunning landscapes and coolness on a hot day.

Aqueduct and Republic Square

The historic center of Cuiabá with a 19th-century aqueduct, Republic Square, and old buildings. Here you can feel the atmosphere of a colonial town and see works by local artists. An excellent place for walks and photo shoots.

Museum of Rio Negro

A museum dedicated to the history and culture of the region, with collections of indigenous artifacts, fossils, and household items. Located in a historic building and offers interesting exhibitions for the whole family.

Church of Bom Despacho

One of the oldest churches in Cuiabá, built in the 18th century. Famous for its religious festivals and a procession held in June. The interior has a peaceful atmosphere, and the hill offers a view of the city.

Porto Market

A lively market on the banks of the Cuiabá River, where you can buy fresh fish, tropical fruits, local spices, and handicrafts. It is especially popular on Saturdays when farmers from the surrounding area come here.

Parque Mãe Bonifácia

An urban park with lakes, tennis courts, and walking paths. Here you can see monkeys, toucans, and other animals. An ideal place for morning runs and family picnics.

Arena Pantanal

A modern football stadium built for the 2014 World Cup. It holds 44,000 spectators and is the home arena of the Cuiabá club. It also hosts concerts and cultural events.

Best areas

Centro

The historic center of Cuiabá with colonial architecture, markets, and museums. The main attractions are located here, including the Aqueduct and Republic Square. A budget option for accommodation, but requires caution after dark.

Jardim das Américas

A prestigious area with modern apartments, shopping malls, and restaurants. It has a calm atmosphere, and wide streets and green areas are conducive to walks. Popular among families and professionals.

Bosque da Saúde

A residential area with affordable hotels and authentic local restaurants. Here you can experience the daily life of Cuiabá and try regional cuisine. An excellent place for budget travelers.

Goiabeiras

A modern area with elite residential complexes, parks, and shopping malls. The city's best hotels and author cuisine restaurants are located here. It stands out for its high level of safety and comfort.

Praça Popular

The area around Praça Popular, known for its nightlife. Bars, restaurants, and clubs with live music are concentrated here. Popular among young people and nightlife lovers.

Orla do Porto

A picturesque area on the banks of the Cuiabá River with a promenade, restaurants, and markets. Here you can stroll along the water, take a boat ride, and enjoy the sunset. An ideal place for a quiet holiday.

Must-try food

Pacu Assado

Grilled pacu fish native to the rivers of the Pantanal. Served with banana farofa, rice, and salad. The pacu meat is tender and sweetish, and the crispy crust makes the dish unforgettable.

Mojica de Pintado

A thick fish stew made from pintado, cooked with cassava flour, tomatoes, and spices. Served with rice and farofa. A warming and aromatic dish worth trying in local restaurants.

Farofa de Banana

A side dish of fried bananas with cassava flour. Sweet and crispy, it perfectly complements fish and meat dishes. A simple but incredibly tasty element of Mato Grosso cuisine.

Arroz com Pequi

Rice stewed with pequi fruits, garlic, and onion. Aromatic and hearty, it is the calling card of Mato Grosso state cuisine. Served as a standalone dish or a side for meat.

Escaldado Cuiabano

A chicken soup with vegetables and spices, often eaten for breakfast or on cool evenings. Warming and nutritious, it reflects the simple and hearty cuisine of the region.

Bolinho de Pintado

Fried balls of pintado meat with cassava flour and spices. A crispy snack popular in bars and markets. Perfect with beer.

Doce de Laranja

Orange jam made with sugar and spices. Served with cheese or toast. A traditional dessert often prepared at home.

Where to go next

Chapada dos Guimarães

A town 60 km from Cuiabá, known for its waterfalls, canyons, and rock formations. Here you can swim in natural pools, hike, and see rare plant species. An ideal destination for a day trip.

Pantanal

The world's largest wetland area, located 100 km from Cuiabá. It is home to jaguars, capybaras, anacondas, and hundreds of bird species. Excursions to the Pantanal are the main reason tourists come to Cuiabá.

Nobres

A town 130 km from Cuiabá, known as the gateway to the Pantanal. Excursions to the northern part of the Pantanal depart from here. You can also visit the geodesic center of South America.

Rosário Oeste

A city 100 km from Cuiabá, known for its lakes and fishing. Here you can stay in fishing cabins and enjoy the silence of nature. A popular destination for fishing enthusiasts.

Cáceres

A city 200 km from Cuiabá, known for its fish markets and ecotourism trails. Here you can try fresh fish caught in the Paraguay River and see wild animals.

Barra do Bugres

A town 200 km from Cuiabá, located on the border with the Pantanal. Here you can go on a safari through the wetlands and see rare animals in their natural habitat.

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
moderate
Getting there
Nearest airports
Международный аэропорт Марешал Рондон (CGB).
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Visa
Visa requirements
not required
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
May-September
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 44 BRL
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$35.00
≈ 2 937 ₽ · ≈ 193 BRL
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$51.00
≈ 4 280 ₽ · ≈ 281 BRL
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$135.00
≈ 11 329 ₽ · ≈ 743 BRL
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$120.00
≈ 10 070 ₽ · ≈ 660 BRL
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽ · ≈ 220 BRL
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽ · ≈ 22 BRL
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$18.00
≈ 1 511 ₽ · ≈ 99 BRL
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$1.80
≈ 151 ₽ · ≈ 10 BRL
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽ · ≈ 11 BRL
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$0.90
≈ 76 ₽ · ≈ 5 BRL
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 44 BRL
Burger
Average price for a burger
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽ · ≈ 33 BRL
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽ · ≈ 17 BRL
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽ · ≈ 33 BRL
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽ · ≈ 110 BRL
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$0.95
≈ 80 ₽ · ≈ 5 BRL
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 28 BRL
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽ · ≈ 165 BRL
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 55 BRL
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽ · ≈ 138 BRL
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$45.00
≈ 3 776 ₽ · ≈ 248 BRL
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽ · ≈ 220 BRL
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽ · ≈ 440 BRL
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 83 BRL
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 55 BRL
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Frequently asked questions
Cuiabá: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is May-September. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Cuiabá: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +32.6°C, during the day — up to +32.6°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Cuiabá: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +16.6°C, during the day — up to +31.8°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Cuiabá: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on December-March. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Cuiabá: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $60.00 (≈ 5 035 ₽ · ≈ 330 BRL) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Cuiabá: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $8.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $35.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $51.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $135.00 per night, an apartment — $40.00 per night, a villa — $120.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Cuiabá: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $4.00, dinner at a restaurant — $18.00, a cup of cappuccino — $1.80, a 0.5L beer — $2.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $0.90. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Cuiabá: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $20.00, a single public transport ticket — $0.95, a short taxi ride — $5.00, car rental — $30.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Cuiabá: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Pantanal — The world's largest wetland area, located 100 km from Cuiabá. It is home to jaguars, capybaras, anacondas, and hundreds of bird species. Excursions to the Pantanal are the main reason tourists come to Cuiabá.; Chapada dos Guimarães National Park — A park with waterfalls, canyons, and rock formations, located 60 km from Cuiabá. Here you can swim in natural pools, hike, and see rare plant species. Stunning landscapes and coolness on a hot day.; Aqueduct and Republic Square — The historic center of Cuiabá with a 19th-century aqueduct, Republic Square, and old buildings. Here you can feel the atmosphere of a colonial town and see works by local artists. An excellent place for walks and photo shoots.; Museum of Rio Negro — A museum dedicated to the history and culture of the region, with collections of indigenous artifacts, fossils, and household items. Located in a historic building and offers interesting exhibitions for the whole family.; Church of Bom Despacho — One of the oldest churches in Cuiabá, built in the 18th century. Famous for its religious festivals and a procession held in June. The interior has a peaceful atmosphere, and the hill offers a view of the city.. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Cuiabá: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Pacu Assado — Grilled pacu fish native to the rivers of the Pantanal. Served with banana farofa, rice, and salad. The pacu meat is tender and sweetish, and the crispy crust makes the dish unforgettable.; Mojica de Pintado — A thick fish stew made from pintado, cooked with cassava flour, tomatoes, and spices. Served with rice and farofa. A warming and aromatic dish worth trying in local restaurants.; Farofa de Banana — A side dish of fried bananas with cassava flour. Sweet and crispy, it perfectly complements fish and meat dishes. A simple but incredibly tasty element of Mato Grosso cuisine.; Arroz com Pequi — Rice stewed with pequi fruits, garlic, and onion. Aromatic and hearty, it is the calling card of Mato Grosso state cuisine. Served as a standalone dish or a side for meat.; Escaldado Cuiabano — A chicken soup with vegetables and spices, often eaten for breakfast or on cool evenings. Warming and nutritious, it reflects the simple and hearty cuisine of the region.; Bolinho de Pintado — Fried balls of pintado meat with cassava flour and spices. A crispy snack popular in bars and markets. Perfect with beer.; Doce de Laranja — Orange jam made with sugar and spices. Served with cheese or toast. A traditional dessert often prepared at home.. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Cuiabá: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Centro — The historic center of Cuiabá with colonial architecture, markets, and museums. The main attractions are located here, including the Aqueduct and Republic Square. A budget option for accommodation, but requires caution after dark.; Jardim das Américas — A prestigious area with modern apartments, shopping malls, and restaurants. It has a calm atmosphere, and wide streets and green areas are conducive to walks. Popular among families and professionals.; Bosque da Saúde — A residential area with affordable hotels and authentic local restaurants. Here you can experience the daily life of Cuiabá and try regional cuisine. An excellent place for budget travelers.; Goiabeiras — A modern area with elite residential complexes, parks, and shopping malls. The city's best hotels and author cuisine restaurants are located here. It stands out for its high level of safety and comfort.; Praça Popular — The area around Praça Popular, known for its nightlife. Bars, restaurants, and clubs with live music are concentrated here. Popular among young people and nightlife lovers.; Orla do Porto — A picturesque area on the banks of the Cuiabá River with a promenade, restaurants, and markets. Here you can stroll along the water, take a boat ride, and enjoy the sunset. An ideal place for a quiet holiday.. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Cuiabá: is a visa required?
Visa: not required. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Cuiabá: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Международный аэропорт Марешал Рондон (code CGB). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $20.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Cuiabá: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — BRL. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $60.00 (≈ 5 035 ₽ · ≈ 330 BRL). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Cuiabá: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Cuiabá: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as moderate. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Cuiabá: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Chapada dos Guimarães — A town 60 km from Cuiabá, known for its waterfalls, canyons, and rock formations. Here you can swim in natural pools, hike, and see rare plant species. An ideal destination for a day trip.; Pantanal — The world's largest wetland area, located 100 km from Cuiabá. It is home to jaguars, capybaras, anacondas, and hundreds of bird species. Excursions to the Pantanal are the main reason tourists come to Cuiabá.; Nobres — A town 130 km from Cuiabá, known as the gateway to the Pantanal. Excursions to the northern part of the Pantanal depart from here. You can also visit the geodesic center of South America.; Rosário Oeste — A city 100 km from Cuiabá, known for its lakes and fishing. Here you can stay in fishing cabins and enjoy the silence of nature. A popular destination for fishing enthusiasts.; Cáceres — A city 200 km from Cuiabá, known for its fish markets and ecotourism trails. Here you can try fresh fish caught in the Paraguay River and see wild animals.; Barra do Bugres — A town 200 km from Cuiabá, located on the border with the Pantanal. Here you can go on a safari through the wetlands and see rare animals in their natural habitat.. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

8.4/10
Overall rank: 27 of 2 709
Rank among cities: 17

Best season

May-September

Useful information

Currency: BRL
Coordinates: -15.601400, -56.097900