Things To Do
in Corumbá
Corumbá is a border town perched on the Paraguay River at the edge of the Pantanal in Mato Grosso do Sul. It blends Brazilian, Paraguayan, and Bolivian influences in a vibrant riverfront setting. The town offers wildlife safaris, historic streets, and markets that pulse with music and color.
Visitors leave with a sense of frontier charm and a starting point for exploring one of the world's richest wetlands.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Land in Corumbá and check into a charming pousada by the river. Meet your local guide and get an overview of the adventure ahead. Wander through the colonial streets to soak up the city’s rich history.
Head to a local restaurant for caldo de piranha and refreshing sobá. Explore Porto Geral to watch the boats navigating the Paraguay River. Discover how Corumbá’s riverside location shaped its trading past.
Dine riverside and watch the sun dip below the Pantanal horizon. Listen to live Carimbó rhythms at a cozy bar. Take an evening stroll along the riverwalk under a blanket of stars.
Depart early to the Caiman Ecological Refuge for a thrilling safari. Board an open-air 4x4 and drive through winding marsh trails. Spot capybaras grazing and caimans basking along the riverbanks.
Enjoy a riverside lunch at the lodge featuring freshly grilled fish. Paddle a quiet canoe through the flooded fields. Observe giant otters playing and colorful aquatic birds in their natural habitat.
Join a dusk caiman-counting expedition by lantern light. Listen to the chorus of frogs and insects as night falls. Gather around a campfire for a hearty pantaneiro stew.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| ☕Coffee or small beverage | $1-3 |
| 🚎One-way local transport | $0.50-1 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $40-90 |
| 🍽️Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Gateway to the Pantanal and world-class wildlife viewing
- Rich cultural mix and vibrant riverfront atmosphere
- Friendly locals and affordable travel costs
- Compact downtown with walkable centers and easy day trips
- Remote feel outside the city center; some services limited
- Seasonal flooding can affect accessibility to some areas
- Limited high-end dining and nightlife compared to larger cities
- Public transportation options are fewer than in big urban centers
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
- "Onde fica o Pantanal?" - Where is the Pantanal?
- "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Corumbá
Visit one of these nice places.
A lively riverfront with colorful boats, reflecting light at dawn and dusk—ideal for wide river shots and candid street scenes.
Historic streets and pastel-colored façades provide classic colonial photography opportunities and atmospheric street scenes.
Central square framed by the cathedral; captures urban life, markets, and architectural details in soft morning light.
A hillside vantage point offering panoramic views of the town and surrounding wetlands at sunset.
Food in Corumbá
Corumbá Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A creamy fish porridge cooked in fish stock, often served with fried fish and lime.
Must-Try!
Grilled pintado (Pseudoplatystoma spp.) with pirão, a thick cassava-based accompaniment.
Rice with dried beef, peppers and onions, a hearty staple in Pantanal-ranching culture.
Crispy cassava fries that pair well with fish dishes and stews.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A local market offering fresh Pantanal fish, riverine produce, cheeses, and regional snacks.
Evening street stalls with tapioca, pastel, and other quick bites along the waterfront.
Casual spots for affordable snacks, grilled fish, and refreshing caipirinhas near the river.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a warm 'Bom dia' or 'Boa tarde'; a handshake is common in formal settings, while friends may greet with a hug or kiss on the cheek.
Treat wildlife and ecosystems with care; follow guides' instructions during tours to preserve habitats.
Small talk is common; directness is typical, but politeness and personal space are valued.
Safety
Tipping in Corumbá
Ensure a smooth experience
In Brazil, a tip of about 10% is common if service is not included in the bill; small tips for hotel staff and tour guides are appreciated.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in town; cash is useful for markets and smaller vendors, and some tours require cash on site.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent afternoon showers; Pantanal floods can be extensive, boosting wildlife activity but requiring sun and rain protection.
Gradual decrease in rainfall; more comfortable heat levels; water levels begin to recede, though some flooded areas persist into early autumn.
Dry season with cooler mornings and pleasant daytime temperatures; wildlife viewing is excellent and trails are drier.
Warm with occasional rains; vibrant birdlife returns; ideal for photographers and wildlife lovers.
Corumbá at Night
Hiking in Corumbá
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Guided hikes and boat-based walks through wetlands granting opportunities to photograph birds, capybaras, and other wildlife.
Short hillside hike to a lookout with panoramic views of the town and surrounding wetlands.
Airports
How to reach Corumbá by plane.
Small regional airport serving Corumbá and the Pantanal; connects with larger hubs and offers limited daily flights.
Major gateway with frequent national and international connections; often used to reach Corumbá via road transfer or domestic flight.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of Brazilian Pantanaleiros, city locals, and people from nearby border areas with Paraguayan and Bolivian influences.
Nearby rural communities with deep ties to the Pantanal ecosystem and regional traditions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport and a common sight in parks, schools, and local clubs.
Widely played in community centers and schoolyards, especially among youth.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Corumbá.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most restaurants can accommodate vegetarian requests. Ask for prato vegetariano or combos with rice, beans, mandioca, and vegetables; emphasize no fish or meat if needed.