Cuiabá

Cuiabá is the capital of Mato Grosso and a major gateway to two of Brazil's most remarkable natural regions: the Pantanal wetlands and the Chapada dos Guimarães plateau. Known as the Green City for its tree-lined avenues and parks, it combines a practical, fast-growing commercial centre with a warm and distinctive regional culture.

Founded in 1719 during the colonial gold rush, Cuiabá grew around mining and later cattle ranching before becoming the capital and trading hub of a vast agricultural state. Its historic centre preserves colonial churches and low-rise buildings, including the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary and Saint Benedict, while the Museu Rondon tells the story of the region's indigenous and exploration history.

Landmarks and attractions range from the modern Arena Pantanal, built for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, to the riverside Mercado do Porto and the shaded historic centre. Most visitors use the city as a base for day trips and multi-day excursions into the northern Pantanal and the waterfalls and red-rock cliffs of Chapada dos Guimarães National Park.

Neighbourhoods such as Centro, Goiabeiras, Santa Rosa and Jardim das Américas each offer a different pace, from heritage streets and markets to hotels, shopping centres, universities and restaurants. The city's cuisine is anchored in river fish and regional staples such as maria isabel, pacu, farofa de banana and pintado.

Cuiabá is also an important centre for agribusiness, logistics and regional commerce, and hosts conferences, trade fairs and corporate events throughout the year. For both leisure and business travellers, it works as a practical urban base with direct access to some of Brazil's most distinctive landscapes.