Do I need a guide to visit Bonito's attractions?

Yes, most natural attractions in Bonito require licensed local guides for conservation and safety.

Is the Pantanal accessible year-round?

No, many areas flood during the wet season (Nov-Mar); the dry season (May-Sep) is best for access and wildlife.

What is the food specialty of Mato Grosso do Sul?

Try carne seca (dried beef), pantaneira fish stew, and tereré. Barbecue (churrasco) is ubiquitous.

Can I see jaguars in the wild?

Yes, the northern Pantanal around Porto Jofre is one of the world's best places for jaguar sightings, especially July-October.

Is English widely spoken?

No, Portuguese dominates. Learn basic phrases; tour operators in Bonito and the Pantanal often have English-speaking guides.

Varies by nationality. Many countries get 90-day visa-free stays. Check with Brazilian consulate.

What currency is used?

Brazilian Real (BRL). Credit cards accepted in cities; cash needed in remote areas.

Is the Pantanal safe for solo travelers?

Yes, but book with reputable tour operators. Guided tours are recommended.

What is the best way to see jaguars?

Take a boat tour in the Pantanal's Porto Jofre region during dry season (June-October).

Can I drink tap water?

No, drink bottled or filtered water.

Light clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen, rain jacket, sturdy shoes, and binoculars.

Are there ATMs in rural areas?

Limited. Withdraw cash in Campo Grande or Bonito before heading to the Pantanal.

A cold herbal tea (mate) drunk from a gourd with a metal straw, a local social tradition.

Mid-range. Attractions have entrance fees (around $20-40 each).

Do I need a guide for Bonito?

Yes, all ecotourism activities require a certified guide.

What is the time zone?

America/Campo_Grande (GMT-4), no daylight saving.

Good coverage in cities; limited in Pantanal. Buy a local SIM for data.

Mato Grosso do Sul - Travel destination image

Mato Grosso do Sul

StateBrazil, South America

Mato Grosso do Sul is a STATE in Brazil, South America.

Mato Grosso do Sul is Brazil's wild frontier, where the world's largest tropical wetland meets dramatic sandstone cliffs and endless cattle ranches. This state is defined by the Pantanal, the planet's biggest floodplain, offering unparalleled wildlife viewing—spot jaguars, giant river otters, caimans, and hundreds of bird species on river safaris. Beyond the wetlands, the surreal landscapes of Bonito captivate with crystal-clear rivers perfect for snorkeling among colorful fish, and breathtaking caves like Gruta do Lago Azul. Campo Grande, the capital, pulses with Tereré culture—sipping cold yerba mate is a daily ritual. The remote Serra da Bodoquena mountains provide hiking and waterfalls, while the historic Estrada Parque scenic drive connects Pantanal lodges. Indigenous Guarani-Kaiowá communities preserve rich traditions, and the gaúcho cowboy culture thrives on vast fazendas. From fishing for monstrous pintado catfish to witnessing the spectacular sunset over the Paraguay River, Mato Grosso do Sul delivers raw, authentic Brazilian adventure far from crowded coastlines.

Best time to visit Mato Grosso do Sul

May to September (dry season) is ideal, especially for Pantanal wildlife viewing as animals congregate at water sources and jaguar sightings peak. July to September offers pleasant temperatures and minimal rain. Avoid November to March (wet season) when flooding makes many Pantanal areas inaccessible, though landscapes are lush. Bonito is best visited April to October for clear river conditions.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather: Hot 25-33°C, start of rain

Travel notes

Crowds: Medium
Prices: Mid

Transition month, still good

Know before you go

Getting there

CGR

Campo Grande International Airport

International

0 km away

BYO

Bonito Airport

Domestic

0 km away

PMW

Palmas Airport

Domestic

800 km away

VAG

Major Brigadeiro Trompowsky Airport (Varginha)

Domestic

900 km away

Getting around

"Renting a 4x4 is recommended for exploring beyond cities, especially in the Pantanal. Buses connect major towns (Campo Grande, Bonito, Corumbá) but are infrequent. Domestic flights serve Campo Grande International Airport. In Bonito, tours include transportation to attractions. Taxis and ride-sharing apps (99, Uber) work in cities. For the Pantanal, most visitors book packaged tours with transfers from Campo Grande. Boat tours are essential in wetland areas. Motorbikes are popular locally but risky for inexperienced riders."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

25 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Widely available in cities and lodges

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $5

Calling code

+55

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Low violent crime but petty theft exists. Pantanal is very safe with guides.

Night safety

7/10

Low violent crime but petty theft exists. Pantanal is very safe with guides.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Generally safe for tourists, but exercise caution in Campo Grande's outskirts at night. In the Pantanal, always go with licensed guides for wildlife viewing—never approach jaguars or caimans alone. Road travel can be hazardous due to poor conditions and wildlife crossings; avoid driving after dark. Petty theft occurs in tourist areas; don't leave valuables unattended. Use registered tour operators in Bonito. Be aware of remote border areas near Paraguay and Bolivia, which may have smuggling activity. Emergency services are slower in rural zones."

Police

190

Ambulance

192

Fire

193

Tourist Police

Entry and health

Health information

"Yellow fever vaccination is highly recommended for the Pantanal and rural areas; carry proof. Malaria and dengue fever are risks in wetland regions—use DEET repellent and mosquito nets. Medical facilities are adequate in Campo Grande (Hospital Universitário, Santa Casa) but limited in remote areas. Travel health insurance with evacuation coverage is essential. Drink only bottled or filtered water. Beware of sun exposure and dehydration. Hospitals in Bonito and Corumbá handle basic emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available in cities."

Culture

Local customs

"Tereré (cold yerba mate) is a social staple—accept if offered. Dress is casual but modest in rural areas. Tipping 10% in restaurants is customary; tip guides and drivers. Respect indigenous communities—ask permission before photographing. Punctuality is relaxed. Cowboy culture is revered; attend a rodeo or festival if possible. Greet with handshakes or cheek kisses among acquaintances. Avoid discussing deforestation or indigenous land disputes unless invited."

PortugueseIndigenous languages (Guarani, Kaiowá)

Costs and practicals

Currency

Brazilian Real (BRL) · R$

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$5-10 | a cheap local meal costs around $5-10

Hotels

$40-80 | budget hotels range $40-80/night

Local transport

$1 | local bus ride ~$1

Cost notes

Pantanal tours can be expensive (multi-day packages $200+). Bonito attraction fees add up.

Timezone

America/Campo_Grande -04:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

2,900,000

Area

357,125 km²

Government

State government within Brazil's federal republic, headed by a governor

ISO code

BR-11

Type

State

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Matu Grosu du Sul, מאטו גרוסו דו סול, Urin Mato Grosso, Мато Гросо до Сул, Suda Mato-Groso, 마투그로수두술, 南马托格罗索州, Јужна Мато Грошо, รัฐมาตูโกรสซูโดซู, Mato Groso do Sur, マットグロッソ・ド・スル, ماتوگروسو جنوبی, მატუ-გროსუ-დუ-სული, Pietų Mato Grosas, मातो ग्रोसो दो सुल, Мату-Гросу-ду-Сул, マットグロッソ・ド・スル州, Matu-Grosu-du-Sul, Mato Grosso do Sul, Hegoaldeko Mato Grosso, Urin Mato Grosso suyu, มาตูโกรสซูโดซูล, ماتو گروسو دو سول, 南馬托格羅索州, Silva Crassa Meridionalis, Мату Гросу ду Сул, Mato Grosso del Sur, Matugrosu du Sula, ماتو غروسو دو سول, BR-MS, Մատու Գրոսու դու Սուլ, MS, Santa Rita, Santa Rita do Pardo, Santa Rita do Rio, Santa Rita do Rio Pardo, Xavantina

Major HubEcotourismWildlifeAdventureNatureWetlandsSnorkelingHikingCultural