Mato Grasso
The Mato Grosso region is actually an essentially an expansive plain with a few small mountain ranges. It is located in western Brazil. The third largest state in the country, it shares a border with Bolivia. Mato Grosso means “thick wood.” Its name fits its environment. This is a region of lush wildlife. It covers three of Brazil’s ecosystems— the Amazon Rainforest, the tropical savanna of the cerrado, and the tropical Pantanal wetlands.
A boundary sits across the Pantanal swamp dividing Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul. Mato Grosso is the northern half of the area. It is not heavily populated. Most of the local economy is dependent on agriculture. Therefore, the population is spread over a huge area. The settlements of Cuiabá, Rondonópolis and Cáceres, have a combined population of just over a million inhabitants.
Even though it is difficult to reach Mato Grasso, because of the simple road network and the fact that it is a sparsely populated area, it is worth a trip. Buses can take visitors there. The distance may be far and the ride may be a long one, but the journey there is very scenic. Along the way, the traveler will see the natural wonders of Brazil. These include swamps, cattle ranches, villages, jungle Indian reservations, forests, and much more. If you are a lover of adventure, you are in for a special time.
At Mato Grasso you can visit spectacular natural sites. Chapada dos Guimarães National Park. It includes a mountain range, which is surrounded by cerrado plains. Many tourists visit this site and experience the waterfalls, caves, canyons, and more. Further, it is a region full of many species of wildlife. The Xingu National Park is also found in Mato Grasso. This park aims to protect the environment, as well as the indigenous populations that exist in the area. Further, the Pantanal is also worth a visit. The hugest wetland in the world, it is formed by an expansive inland delta. The Pantanal is brimming with flora and fauna.
Mato Grasso offers wonderful adventure opportunities. Tourists can take advantage of the wonderful boat excursions. They can spend their time observing wildlife, hiking, and canoeing. Further, people who love fishing are in luck, as there are rivers in the area that provide great opportunities. Bird watching is also a great activity if you plan to visit this part of Brazil. If you do not have access to waterfalls where you normally live, you might be happy to know that Mato Grasso will provide you with many chances to see these spectacles. Salgadeira, Cachoeirinha, and other waterfalls are just stunning. If you want to get the most out of your outing, hire a guide. A visit to Mount Sao Jeronimo is also exciting. It is among the highest points of the region. A trail, which lasts about thirty minutes, takes you up high. From above, you can see a breathtaking view. As you walk up the mount, you pass by interesting sandstone formations like the Stone Alligator, Sacrificial Table, and more. If you are a lover of stone natural wonders, Maso Grasso is your place, as the City of Stone on the cliffs of Chapada, the Aroe Jari Cavern, and other formations provide you with a chance to see how the environment can shape stone.