Things To Do
in Nova Xavantina
Nova Xavantina is a small riverside town in Mato Grosso, Brazil, surrounded by Cerrado landscapes and a friendly, laid-back atmosphere. It sits along the Araguaia River, serving as a gateway to natural scenery and outdoor adventures. The town blends rural charm with growing services for visitors, including markets, eateries, and casual cafés.
Around Nova Xavantina, nature and culture intertwine, offering river life, hiking, and local traditions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down in Nova Xavantina and check into a cozy pousada near the town center. Enjoy a strong Brazilian coffee and pastel at a local café while observing friendly early risers. Chat with the owner to gather insider tips for the days ahead.
Take a leisurely stroll through Praça da Matriz, discovering colorful colonial facades and lively street art. Visit the municipal market to sample regional fruits and artisanal cheeses. Meet local vendors and learn about Mato Grosso’s unique culinary traditions.
Dine at a family-run restaurant serving fresh fish from the Rio das Mortes. Sip on a caipirinha made with local cachaça as you watch live sertanejo music. Return to your pousada under a sky awash with stars, greeting fireflies along the path.
Depart early for Cascata dos Namorados to beat the crowds and feel the mist on your skin. Hike along a well-marked trail through lush gallery forest alive with birdsong. Pause at scenic viewpoints to photograph the falls framed by emerald foliage.
Refuel with a packed picnic of pão de queijo and tropical fruit beside the pool at the waterfall’s base. Take a refreshing swim in the crystalline water and let the soothing roar of the cascade wash over you. Relax on sun-warmed boulders while reading or journaling.
Return to town and freshen up before dinner. Savor a hearty feijoada at a local tavern accompanied by live forró rhythms. Cap off the night with a stroll along quiet streets lit by vintage lampposts.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee/tea | $1-3 |
| 🚖Taxi 1 km | $1-2 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $20-40 |
| 🥗Mid-range restaurant combo | $8-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Friendly locals and a laid-back pace
- Access to river-based nature and Cerrado landscapes
- Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure
- Longer travel times to major cities
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
- "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Nova Xavantina
Visit one of these nice places.
Riverside promenade at sunset; great for silhouettes, reflections on the water, and street life along the bank.
Central square with local architecture, a backdrop for candid portraits and daily market scenes.
Historic church with simple exterior and tranquil surroundings; good for architectural details and morning light.
Bridge viewpoints offering river views, especially during golden hour.
Food in Nova Xavantina
Nova Xavantina Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Pantanal-style grilled fish served with cassava porridge, a staple for river menus.
Must-Try!
Rice cooked with river fish, vegetables, and herbs for a comforting, one-dish meal.
Crispy cassava fries with a simple, spicy pepper sauce.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local market offering fresh produce, cassava, regional fish, and everyday Brazilian snacks.
Evening street stalls offering grilled corn, queijo coalho, and quick bite options near the river.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings such as Bom dia/Boa tarde are appreciated. A handshake with eye contact is common when meeting someone new.
Friendly but respectful conversation; avoid loud discussions in public spaces and show consideration in crowded places.
Safety
Tipping in Nova Xavantina
Ensure a smooth experience
If service is not included, leaving a tip of around 5-10% is appreciated in restaurants. For street food and casual cafés, tipping is optional and typically small.
Cash is widely accepted, and many places take debit/credit cards. PIX, Brazil’s instant payment system, is increasingly common for quick payments and transfers.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent afternoon showers; carry water, sunscreen, and a light rain layer. Early mornings are best for outdoor activities.
Dry season with warmer days and cooler nights; comfortable conditions for walking and outdoor exploration. Humidity is lower but sun can still be strong—use sunscreen.
Nova Xavantina at Night
Hiking in Nova Xavantina
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy to moderate trails through savanna, with wildlife viewing opportunities.
Waterfall hike along the river with scenic pools.
Airports
How to reach Nova Xavantina by plane.
Main gateway to central Brazil; connections to major Brazilian cities and international flights.
A broader gateway option with longer overland transfer times to Nova Xavantina.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Traditional communities form the backbone of the town, with a growing number of students and retirees.
A small but increasing number of visitors seeking nature and offline experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport, with local matches and pickup games
Popular along the Araguaia river and nearby waters
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nova Xavantina.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Look for salads, cassava-based dishes, beans, and vegetable stews. Most kitchens can prepare simple veggie options if asked, especially at cafés and casual restaurants.