The capital of Mato Grosso State is renowned for its colonial architecture and its green urban areas. The city is also the gateway to some of the main tourist destinations in the country: the north side of the Pantanal and Chapada dos Guimarães National Park.

The city’s many attractions include century-old churches as well as art galleries, museums, parks, city squares, and monuments. Local cuisine is rich and varied, keeping everyone happy. For those who enjoy preserved historic buildings, a visit to the Historic Center of Cuiabá is definitely in order. The National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage (IPHAN) has added it to the National Heritage List.  Another building that is popular with tourists in the city is the Instruction Palace (Palácio da Instrução). The neoclassical-style building was inaugurated in 1914 and currently houses the Estevão de Mendonça State Library.

There are two local attractions that everyone must visit, one of which is the Morro da Caixa D’água Museum. For over 100 years, it was the only water reservoir in the city of Cuiabá. Currently a museum, it tells a little of the city’s history. The other one is Mãe Bonifácia State Park. Covering an area of over 70 hectares, the park has walking and jogging trails,  nature trails, a playground, fitness equipment, and an observation tower. Visitors will be able to see several typical plant species of the Brazilian Cerrado Biome.

When visiting Cuiabá, make sure you try the dishes prepared with local freshwater fish, such as roast stuffed Pacu and Piranha soup.

The city is relatively close to several ecotourism attractions, such as Chapada dos Guimarães National Park and the Pantanal Conservation Area (added to the UNESCO World Natural Heritage List in the year 2000).