Things To Do
in Nova Ubiratã
Nova Ubiratã is a small agricultural municipality in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, characterized by wide horizons, working farms and a close-knit rural community. The town functions as a service hub for surrounding soybean, corn and cattle farms and retains a laid-back pace of life with basic urban amenities. Visitors will encounter open landscapes, riverine vegetation and simple local architecture rather than big-city attractions.
Its remoteness offers quiet rural scenery, opportunities to experience Brazilian countryside culture, and easy access to outdoor activities like birding and river walks.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a scenic drive into Nova Ubiratã, taking in verdant pastures and riverbanks. Check into a cozy pousada overlooking the Cuiabá River and enjoy a fresh tropical fruit breakfast. Wander along the riverside trails to spot kingfishers and capybaras while learning about local ecosystems.
Savor a traditional rice and beans lunch at a family-run restaurant by the water. Hire a guide to canoe upstream and observe how fishermen cast nets in the tranquil river. Return for a refreshing swim in a shaded cove and relax with a cold guaraná soda.
Dine on freshly caught fish grilled over wood fire and seasoned with regional herbs. Join locals at a riverside bar for caipirinhas and acoustic sertanejo music. End the night strolling under fireflies and listening to the gentle flow of the river.
Set off early for a guided hike to Cachoeira do Roncador, weaving through cerrado vegetation and rocky outcrops. Listen for toucans and howler monkeys echoing through the trees as you ascend. Reach the falls in time to feel the cool mist and snap photos of cascading waters.
Enjoy a packed picnic lunch on a sunlit rock shelf overlooking the pool below the waterfall. Spend time swimming or simply basking in the sun while watching dragonflies dart around. Return along a different trail where you might glimpse armadillos or capuchin monkeys.
Head back to town for a late afternoon rest and a fresh fruit juice. At dinner, taste farofa and mandioca prepared in banana leaves at a local eatery. Share stories with fellow travelers around a bonfire, gazing at the clear, star-filled sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee and snack at a café | $1.50-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi/ride | $2-8 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel (per night) | $30-70 |
| 🛒Groceries / basic market shopping (per day) | $5-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural Brazilian experience with friendly locals
- Excellent opportunities for landscape and wildlife photography
- Low tourist crowds and tranquil atmosphere
- Close contact with agricultural life and local food products
- Limited tourist infrastructure and fewer accommodation choices
- Card acceptance and ATMs can be sparse—cash often required
- Long travel times to major airports and specialty medical care
- Fewer organized tours and language barriers if you don't speak Portuguese
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado (if you're male) / Obrigada (if you're female)" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o centro?" - Where is the town center?
- "Tem comida sem carne?" - Do you have food without meat?
Places to Visit in Nova Ubiratã
Visit one of these nice places.
Capture everyday life, colonial-style facades, local commerce and candid portraits of vendors and residents—best in morning or late afternoon light.
Wide-open fields, tractors, silos and grazing cattle create dramatic compositions against golden-hour skies.
Photograph reflective water, birds, fishermen and the lush vegetation along local streams and rivers — early morning is ideal for mist and wildlife.
Document rural working life: cowboys, cattle drives, branding and rustic fences — ask permission before photographing people at work.
Long dirt or paved roads lined with pastures and trees offer strong leading lines and minimalist compositions.
Food in Nova Ubiratã
Nova Ubiratã Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Brazilian barbecue — a variety of grilled beef (and sometimes pork or chicken) prepared over open flame; commonly found at local churrascarias and roadside bars.
Must-Try!
A staple trio of rice, black or brown beans and toasted manioc flour (farofa); often served alongside grilled meats and salads in local restaurants.
Freshwater fish prepared simply — grilled or fried — available near riverine areas and small eateries; asking for locally-caught species provides the best experience.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small local market where producers sell fruits, vegetables, eggs and regional products; ideal for sampling tropical fruits, buying coffee and speaking with vendors about seasonal produce.
Informal street stalls and bars serving snacks like fried manioc, salgados (fried or baked savory pastries) and cold beer — popular on weekend evenings and along main roads.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Brazilians are warm and informal—handshakes are common in business or first meetings; friends may exchange light cheek kisses (usually one or two) and use first names quickly. A friendly greeting and smile go a long way.
Show respect for rural routines, farm property and neighbors. Always ask permission before entering private farms or taking close-up photos of people or their animals.
Dress modestly for church services and official buildings; casual wear is accepted elsewhere but avoid overly revealing clothes in conservative community settings.
Portuguese is the local language—learning basic phrases and addressing people politely (e.g., 'por favor', 'obrigado/obrigada') is appreciated. Avoid loud or disrespectful behavior in small public spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Nova Ubiratã
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected in small towns. For restaurants, a 5–10% tip is polite if service is good; for taxi-like rides, round up the fare. Tip farm guides or helpful locals modestly to show appreciation.
Cash (Brazilian reais) is widely used—many small eateries and rural vendors do not accept cards. Larger businesses may accept debit/credit cards and PIX (instant bank transfer). ATMs are available in bigger nearby towns but may be limited in Nova Ubiratã, so carry sufficient cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and rainy season: heavy afternoon storms are common, humidity is high and mosquitoes increase. Plan outdoor activities for mornings, carry waterproof gear, and expect lush green landscapes ideal for birding but intermittent road washouts in rural areas.
Transitional period with gradually falling temperatures and reduced rainfall; comfortable days and clearer skies make this a pleasant time for both town visits and outdoor excursions.
Dry, cooler season with low humidity and minimal rain—mornings can be cool and nights noticeably colder for the region. Dustier conditions on dirt roads, clearer skies for photography and easier access to rural trails.
Warming temperatures with increasing humidity as rains approach; wildflowers and new growth appear, and rivers refill after the dry season—good for wildlife activity but prepare for occasional rain later in the season.
Nova Ubiratã at Night
Hiking in Nova Ubiratã
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, informal trails along local rivers and streams—good for easy nature walks, birdwatching and photography; check land access with property owners.
Guided or self-led walks across working farms offer insight into agricultural practices and provide wide-open landscape views; footwear and sun protection recommended.
Small fragments of native vegetation and riparian corridors near town that are suitable for short hikes and nature observation—best visited in the dry season for easier access.
Airports
How to reach Nova Ubiratã by plane.
Regional airport serving northern Mato Grosso with connections to larger Brazilian hubs; reachable by car or bus from Nova Ubiratã though travel times can be several hours.
Major international/regional airport for Mato Grosso with more frequent flights and services; the most common gateway for long-distance travelers, requiring a long drive or domestic connection to reach Nova Ubiratã.
Small airstrips used for agricultural aviation and private flights exist in the region—useful for specialized charters but limited in scheduled service and infrastructure.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-term residents who work in agriculture, local commerce and municipal services—community-oriented and tied to land-based livelihoods.
Workers who travel from other parts of Brazil for planting and harvest seasons, contributing to cultural diversity and seasonal activity.
Nearby regions of Mato Grosso have indigenous and traditional riverine communities; while not necessarily located inside the municipal center, these groups contribute to the cultural landscape of the wider area.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport—played informally in town fields and followed on national and regional teams. Local amateur matches and small tournaments are common community events.
Indoor five-a-side football is popular in gyms and community centers, especially among younger residents.
Rodeo-style events and equestrian activities reflect the cattle-ranching culture; these gatherings are social highlights in the rural calendar.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nova Ubiratã.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are limited but possible—look for salads, rice-and-bean plates and fried manioc. Explain preferences in Portuguese (e.g., 'sou vegetariano/vegetariana') and ask cooks to omit meat or bacon stock.
Vegan choices are fewer; bring snacks or specialty items if you need reliable vegan meals. Simple vegetable preparations, rice, beans and fruit are usually available, but clarify use of dairy or eggs.
Traditional Brazilian staples like rice and beans are naturally gluten-free, but be cautious with breads, fried foods and prepared sauces. Ask about cross-contamination at smaller eateries.
Certified halal or kosher options are rare in small towns — diners should plan ahead, bring supplies, or eat simple vegetarian plates and fish when available.