Things To Do
in Várzea Grande
Várzea Grande is an industrial and riverside city in the state of Mato Grosso, sitting just across the Cuiabá River from the state capital, Cuiabá. It functions as a gateway to the Pantanal wetlands and to attractions in the surrounding cerrado and plateau landscapes. The city mixes working-class neighborhoods, riverside commerce and growing residential areas, with easy access to regional airports and highways.
While less touristic than nearby Cuiabá or Chapada dos Guimarães, Várzea Grande offers authentic local culture, food and practical base services for nature excursions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the historic center of Várzea Grande, where you can marvel at the colonial architecture and vibrant street art. Stroll through Praça dos Três Poderes, a central square that showcases the city’s cultural heritage. Enjoy a local breakfast at a nearby café, savoring fresh pão de queijo and strong Brazilian coffee.
After lunch, visit the Museu Histórico de Várzea Grande, where exhibits narrate the city's rich history and indigenous culture. Spend some time exploring the local artisan shops, where you can find unique handmade crafts that reflect the region's traditions. As the afternoon sun begins to set, take a leisurely walk along the banks of the Rio Cuiabá, enjoying the scenic views.
End your day with dinner at a traditional Brazilian steakhouse, where you can experience the famous rodízio style of dining. Afterward, head to a local bar for some live music, immersing yourself in the rhythms of sertanejo or samba. Take in the lively atmosphere of Várzea Grande by mingling with locals and enjoying a refreshing caipirinha.
Rise early for an unforgettable journey to the Pantanal, one of the world's largest tropical wetland areas. Join a guided tour where you can spot a variety of wildlife, including capybaras, caimans, and a plethora of bird species. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the lodge, fueling up for a day filled with adventure.
Continue your exploration of the Pantanal with a boat ride through the marshlands, getting up close to the diverse ecosystem. Spend time fishing or swimming in the crystal-clear waters, surrounded by breathtaking nature. As the afternoon winds down, partake in a guided nature walk, learning about the unique flora and fauna of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Return to your lodge for a delicious dinner featuring local fish and traditional Brazilian dishes. After dinner, gather around a campfire to share stories and listen to the sounds of the wildlife surrounding you. Experience the starry sky of the Pantanal, which is a perfect backdrop for a night of relaxation and reflection.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-10 |
| ☕Coffee (local café) | $1.50-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within city) | $2-5 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (bar) | $1.50-3 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel / pousada (per night) | $20-45 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Gateway to the Pantanal and Chapada dos Guimarães with good access to nature excursions
- Authentic local culture and affordable food options
- Close proximity to Cuiabá’s services, nightlife and larger transport links
- Less tourist infrastructure than bigger regional hubs—fewer English-speaking services
- Hot, humid weather and heavy rains in the wet season can limit some outdoor plans
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado / Obrigada" - Thank you (male/female speaker)
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Várzea Grande
Visit one of these nice places.
Riverside vistas at dawn and dusk offer reflections, fishing boats, and daily life scenes — great for environmental portraiture and river landscapes.
Wetlands, marshes and abundant wildlife including birds, capybaras and caimans make for excellent nature photography on guided boat or vehicle tours.
Dramatic cliffs, waterfalls and panoramic lookouts about an hour from Várzea Grande are ideal for landscape and sunrise/sunset shots.
Capture colorful fruit stalls, vendors, food preparations and everyday interactions in neighborhood mercados and feiras.
Food in Várzea Grande
Várzea Grande Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled matrinxã (a large river fish common to the Cuiabá River and Pantanal) — served at riverside restaurants and popular in local lunch menus.
Must-Try!
Rice cooked with pequi (a regional fruit with a strong aroma) — iconic in cerrado cuisine, available in many traditional restaurants in the region.
Brazilian-style barbecue with cuts of beef and pork, often served at local churrascarias and during weekend gatherings.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small neighborhood fairs and markets sell fresh fruit juices, pastel, salgados and grilled snacks; try fried manioc, pastel de carne and freshly squeezed cupuaçu or mango juices.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Handshakes and friendly eye contact are normal; friends may use a single cheek kiss (right cheek) or hugs. Start interactions with a polite greeting such as 'bom dia' or 'boa tarde'.
People are generally warm and conversational; be prepared for close distances in conversation and expressive gestures.
Show respect for family and community life; when visiting indigenous or rural areas, follow local rules, ask before photographing people and avoid disruptive behavior.
Expect relaxed timing for many social events, but be punctual for guided tours and transport bookings.
Safety
Tipping in Várzea Grande
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is modest: restaurants sometimes add a 10% service charge (serviço) — if not included, leave 10% for good service. For taxis and small services, rounding up is common; tip tour guides and drivers a small additional amount if service was good.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in larger restaurants and hotels; cash (Brazilian real) is still essential for small vendors, markets and some taxis. ATMs are available in town; notify your bank before travel to avoid card blocks. Contactless mobile payments are growing but not universal.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, humid and rainy with frequent afternoon storms and river swelling; expect muddy rural roads and occasional flooding. Wildlife is active, especially birds and river fauna, but plan for rain and bring waterproof gear.
Drier, slightly cooler nights and clearer skies make it the best time for wildlife viewing and hiking; daytime temperatures remain warm. Fire and smoke from controlled burns can reduce air quality some years.
Transition months can be unpredictable — early rains or late dry spells — so check local forecasts before excursions and book guides for nature trips during changeable periods.
Várzea Grande at Night
Hiking in Várzea Grande
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A variety of trails to waterfalls, mesas and lookouts within Chapada dos Guimarães National Park — day hikes to sites like Véu de Noiva waterfall and Mirante do Centro Geodésico are popular.
Short urban and suburban trails along the Rio Cuiabá and municipal parks suitable for morning walks, jogging and casual birdwatching.
Guided walking routes and raised trails in some Pantanal lodges and reserves allow close wildlife viewing — best arranged with experienced guides due to terrain and wildlife safety.
Airports
How to reach Várzea Grande by plane.
The primary airport serving the Cuiabá metropolitan area, actually located in Várzea Grande — offers domestic flights to major Brazilian cities and is the most convenient entry point for the region; short taxi or rideshare transfer to local neighborhoods.
A larger national and international hub useful for connections if direct flights to CGB are limited; reachable by a domestic connecting flight from São Paulo or other hubs.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Large portion of the population is employed in industry, commerce and services; neighborhoods reflect tight-knit community life.
People who moved from other Brazilian states seeking work in agriculture, construction and regional commerce — contributing to cultural diversity.
Mato Grosso has indigenous communities in the broader region; their cultural influence is present in regional cuisine, crafts and traditions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport — local and regional matches draw passionate supporters, and amateur football is common across neighborhoods.
Sport and subsistence fishing in rivers and Pantanal canals is popular for locals and tourists alike.
Motorbike riding and small motorsport activities are popular pastimes among younger locals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Várzea Grande.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited compared with big cities — ask for rice, beans, salads, manioc and egg dishes; many restaurants will adapt dishes on request, but plan ahead and carry snacks.
Vegan choices can be more challenging outside Cuiabá; focus on fruit, rice, beans, salads and vegetable stews; communicate dietary needs in Portuguese to avoid confusion.
Traditional Brazilian staples like rice, beans and grilled meats are naturally gluten-free, but be cautious with breads, pastéis and sauces — clarify ingredients at eateries.