Mato Grosso do Sul Travel Guide

About the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

Mato Grosso do Sul is a landlocked state in Brazil’s Central-West region, known for being a major tourist gateways to the Pantanal wetlands, the largest wetlands in the world. Mato Grosso do Sul covers approximately 357,000 square kilometers and has a population of about 2.8 million people. The capital, Campo Grande, has developed as a center for agribusiness and logistics. Created in 1977 from the southern portion of the original state of Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul has since built a distinct identity shaped by its frontier history and indigenous communities. The state has a significant presence of Guarani-Kaiowá and Terena Indigenous groups, particularly in the western and southern regions, alongside migrant communities from other countries.

Geographically, Mato Grosso do Sul is defined by three major ecosystems: the Pantanal wetlands, the Cerrado savanna, and remnants of the Atlantic Forest in the south. The Pantanal, located in the western part of the state near the border with Bolivia and Paraguay, is one of the world’s largest and most biodiverse wetland areas. Cities like Corumbá and Miranda serve as gateways for wildlife tourism, offering opportunities to observe jaguars, caimans, capybaras, and hundreds of bird species in their natural habitat. Bonito, in the southwestern part of the state, is an internationally acclaimed ecotourism destination, known for its crystal-clear rivers, limestone caves, snorkeling spots, and strong environmental management practices. The Serra da Bodoquena National Park, near Bonito, protects important water sources and supports a range of outdoor activities. Together, these natural attractions have positioned Mato Grosso do Sul as one of Brazil’s top destinations for nature-based tourism.

The economy of Mato Grosso do Sul is driven by agribusiness, and increasingly by ecotourism. It is one of Brazil’s leading producers of beef, with expansive cattle pastures. Soybeans, corn, and sugarcane are also major crops, cultivated mainly in the eastern and southern parts of the state. The city of Três Lagoas has become a national center for cellulose production, hosting some of the largest pulp mills in Latin America. Infrastructure investment has supported the development of road and rail networks connecting the state to ports and markets in Brazil and neighboring countries. In recent years, the state has also invested in sustainable practices and environmental monitoring.