Things To Do
in Anastácio
Anastácio is a small inland city in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, perched on the edge of the Pantanal's vast wetlands. It sits along the Paraguai River, offering riverfront scenery and a relaxed, rural-minded pace. The town is a gateway for nature trips, birdwatching, and cultural experiences with a friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere.
Visitors can expect warm hospitality, accessible nature escapes, and a taste of everyday life in western Brazil.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Anastácio and check into your accommodation. Begin your adventure with a stroll through the local markets, soaking in the sounds and sights of the vibrant community. Don’t forget to sample some traditional Brazilian breakfast items like pão de queijo.
Visit the nearby wetlands, known for their incredible biodiversity. Engage in birdwatching and guided eco-tours to learn about the local flora and fauna. Capture stunning photographs of the unique wildlife and the breathtaking landscapes.
Head back to the town for a cozy dinner at a local restaurant. Enjoy an authentic Brazilian barbecue while mingling with the locals. End the night with a leisurely walk along the river, taking in the peaceful evening atmosphere.
Set out early for a day trip to the Pantanal, one of the world's largest tropical wetland areas. Join a guided tour to explore its rich ecosystem and spot exotic animals like capybaras and caimans. The breathtaking sunrise over the wetlands provides a perfect backdrop for photography.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the heart of the Pantanal surrounded by nature. Continue your adventure with canoeing or horseback riding through the lush landscape. Keep your eyes peeled for rare bird species and the stunning beauty of nature.
Return to Anastácio and relax at your accommodation. Treat yourself to a refreshing drink while discussing the day’s unforgettable experiences with fellow travelers. As the stars begin to twinkle, take a moment to appreciate the peaceful sounds of nature around you.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🥤Bottle of water (1.5L) | $0.50-1 |
| ☕Coffee in café | $2-4 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel/night | $25-60 |
| 🚗Taxi ride within town | $3-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Access to Pantanal wildlife and river scenery
- Relaxed, friendly small-town atmosphere
- Affordable food and lodging in town centers
- Easy day trips to natural areas
- Limited nightlife and nightlife options
- Some places may be cash-only or have limited card acceptance
- Infrastructure can be basic outside the town center
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
- "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
- "Eu estou perdido" - I am lost
- "Aceitam cartão?" - Do you accept cards?
- "A água é potável?" - Is the water drinkable?
Places to Visit in Anastácio
Visit one of these nice places.
A riverside stretch along the Paraguai River ideal for golden hour portraits and wide water reflections.
Lush trails and ponds with abundant birds; early mornings yield mist and quiet wildlife moments.
Historic square with civic buildings and daily life scenes perfect for street photography and candid portraits.
Food in Anastácio
Anastácio Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fish stew with farinha de mandioca served over arroz, a comfort staple found in Pantanal restaurants.
Must-Try!
Fried pacu, a local freshwater fish, often served with rice, salad, and lime.
Pantanal-style fish stew with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and herbs.
Rice cooked with chunks of river fish and herbs, a common home-style dish.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A local market where you can find fresh produce, regional cheeses, pão, and snacks like pastel and tapioca on busy mornings.
Sidewalk stalls offering pastel, coxinha, espetinho (skewered meat), and fresh fruit cups.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite handshake or cheek kiss for close friends. Use 'bom dia/tarde/noite' when greeting others; address people as 'Senhor' or 'Senhora' in formal settings.
Touching the arm while speaking is common; avoid overly loud conversations in quiet places; wait your turn in lines.
Safety
Tipping in Anastácio
Ensure a smooth experience
In Brazil, tipping is customary but not always included; 5-10% in restaurants if service is not included. Small tips to hotel staff and taxi drivers are appreciated but not required.
Cash (BRL) and cards are widely accepted in towns; expect some places to be card-only in the center. Contactless payments are common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, humid days with frequent rain showers; carry light clothing, sunscreen, and a poncho; mosquitoes are common near water.
Pleasant temperatures with decreasing rainfall; great for outdoor hiking and city strolls.
Milder days but can be cool at night; ideal for river photography and market visits.
Warm and transitional; wildlife activity picks up, making dawn boat trips especially rewarding.
Anastácio at Night
Hiking in Anastácio
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Flat, wildlife-friendly trails along floodplains; easy to moderate with opportunities to see birds and capybaras.
Shaded loops around lakes and mangrove-like edges; good for birdwatching and photography.
Short hike to a lookout with panoramic views over wetlands and distant town skyline.
Airports
How to reach Anastácio by plane.
Primary regional gateway serving Campo Grande; frequent domestic flights and connections to other Brazilian cities.
Smaller regional airport serving Bonito and nearby Pantanal tourism; a longer drive or bus ride from Anastácio but a common route for Pantanal trips.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primarily Brazilians living in small-town and rural communities; a mix of ages and backgrounds.
People visiting Pantanal-related tourism and seasonal labor around fishing and agriculture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport in the region; local leagues and informal games fill weekends.
River and wetland fishing are popular activities around the Pantanal edge.
Common in schools and community centers; casual gym games and tournaments occur.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Anast ácio.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most dishes feature fish or meat, but you can opt for salads, rice and beans, grilled vegetables, cheese, and pão de queijo; ask for peixe-free options and request oil, lemon, and herbs for flavor.