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

day 1
Arrival and Riverside Exploration
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

day 2
Waterfall Hike and Wildlife Spotting
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔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.

Town Square and Main Street

Capture everyday life, colonial-style facades, local commerce and candid portraits of vendors and residents—best in morning or late afternoon light.

Farmland at Sunrise/Sunset

Wide-open fields, tractors, silos and grazing cattle create dramatic compositions against golden-hour skies.

Riverbanks and Riparian Areas

Photograph reflective water, birds, fishermen and the lush vegetation along local streams and rivers — early morning is ideal for mist and wildlife.

Local Ranches and Cattle Corrals

Document rural working life: cowboys, cattle drives, branding and rustic fences — ask permission before photographing people at work.

Roadside Scenes and Country Roads

Long dirt or paved roads lined with pastures and trees offer strong leading lines and minimalist compositions.

Culinary Guide

Food in Nova Ubiratã

Cuisine in Nova Ubiratã reflects the broader flavors of Mato Grosso and central-west Brazil: hearty, meat-forward dishes, fresh local produce, simple preparations and influences from southern and northeastern internal migration. Meals are often generous, focused on grilled meats (churrasco), rice and beans, fried manioc and seasonal vegetables. Local roadside eateries and small family restaurants serve comforting, unpretentious food made with ingredients from nearby farms.

Nova Ubiratã Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Churrasco

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!

Arroz, feijão e farofa

A staple trio of rice, black or brown beans and toasted manioc flour (farofa); often served alongside grilled meats and salads in local restaurants.

Peixe de água doce

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

Municipal Market / Feira Livre

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.

Roadside Botecos and Barracas

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.

Climate Guide

Weather

The region has a tropical savanna climate with a distinct wet season (roughly October–March) and a dry season (roughly April–September). Temperatures are generally warm to hot year-round, with the hottest months before the peak rains and cooler, drier conditions in the winter months. Humidity rises sharply during the rains, and heavy afternoon storms are common in the wet season.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

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.

Respect for Community

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 and Church Visits

Dress modestly for church services and official buildings; casual wear is accepted elsewhere but avoid overly revealing clothes in conservative community settings.

Language and Politeness

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 Guide

Safety

Nova Ubiratã is generally low on violent crime compared with larger Brazilian cities, but petty theft and opportunistic crime can occur—keep valuables out of sight and secure your vehicle. In rural areas, take precautions against traffic accidents on unpaved roads, avoid driving at night on secondary roads, and be prepared for limited cell coverage in some zones. Protect against mosquitoes and sun exposure, stay hydrated, and ensure vaccinations (e.g., routine vaccines and discussed yellow fever when going into forested areas) are up to date.

Tipping in Nova Ubiratã

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

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.

Payment Methods

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...

Summer (Nov–Mar)

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.

Autumn (Apr–May)

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.

Winter / Dry Season (Jun–Aug)

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.

Spring (Sep–Oct)

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.

Nightlife Guide

Nova Ubiratã at Night

Nightlife in Nova Ubiratã is low-key and centered on local bars (botecos), small live-music venues and weekend gatherings. Expect socializing over food and beer rather than dance clubs; on weekends there may be larger community events, barbecues or rodeo-style parties. For more diverse nightlife—bars with varied menus or late-night entertainment—you'll likely need to travel to a larger nearby city.

Hiking in Nova Ubiratã

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Riverbank Trails

Short, informal trails along local rivers and streams—good for easy nature walks, birdwatching and photography; check land access with property owners.

Farm and Pasture Walks

Guided or self-led walks across working farms offer insight into agricultural practices and provide wide-open landscape views; footwear and sun protection recommended.

Community Forest Patches

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.

Sinop – Presidente João Figueiredo Airport (SIN)

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.

Cuiabá – Marechal Rondon International Airport (CGB)

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.

Local Airstrips and Agricultural Fields

Small airstrips used for agricultural aviation and private flights exist in the region—useful for specialized charters but limited in scheduled service and infrastructure.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and walkable for running errands, visiting markets and cafés. However, many points of interest (farms, riverbanks, ranches) are spread out and require a car or arranged transport. Sidewalks and pedestrian infrastructure may be basic, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Small-town residents and farming families

Long-term residents who work in agriculture, local commerce and municipal services—community-oriented and tied to land-based livelihoods.

Agro-industry workers and seasonal laborers

Workers who travel from other parts of Brazil for planting and harvest seasons, contributing to cultural diversity and seasonal activity.

Indigenous and traditional communities (regional)

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.

Football (Soccer)

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.

Futsal

Indoor five-a-side football is popular in gyms and community centers, especially among younger residents.

Equestrian and Rodeo Events

Rodeo-style events and equestrian activities reflect the cattle-ranching culture; these gatherings are social highlights in the rural calendar.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in town is light and mostly made up of local cars, pickups and agricultural vehicles; tractor and truck traffic is common on approach roads. Roads connecting rural properties may be unpaved and dusty in the dry season or muddy in the wet season—4x4 or robust vehicle recommended for farm access. Public transportation options are limited to regional bus services; private cars or arranged transfers are the most convenient way to get around.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Nova Ubiratã.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

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

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.

Gluten-free

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.

Halal/Kosher

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.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic public healthcare services are available locally (primary care clinics/UBS) for routine needs and minor emergencies. For urgent or specialized care, patients are commonly transferred to larger hospitals in regional cities; ambulance and transfer times can be significant. Bring necessary prescription medications, insect repellent, and verify routine and travel vaccinations before arrival.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide