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MID-NORTH · MATO GROSSO

The Mato Grosso Amazon

Pristine forest, crystal-clear rivers and some of Brazil's richest birdlife, where the Amazon meets the Cerrado. About 3 hours from Cuiabá.

~3 h
by car from Cuiabá
450+
bird species recorded in the region
8
primate species, such as the saki and the spider monkey
30 m
tower to watch the sunrise above the treetops

Where the Amazon meets the Cerrado

In the mid-north of Mato Grosso, the Amazon rainforest begins to blend with the Cerrado savanna. This transition creates a unique landscape: century-old trees such as copaíba, angelim and jatobá share space with crystal-clear rivers full of fish.

The region is considered one of the best birdwatching destinations in the country, with species you won't see in the Pantanal, such as cotingas, aracaris and tanagers. The forest is also home to tapirs, jaguars, ocelots, giant armadillos and several primates.

It's a calm, immersive trip, with local guides, well-kept trails and small groups. It pairs beautifully with the Pantanal: two different biomes in the same trip.

EXPERIENCES
  • Observation towerSunrise or sunset 30 meters up, above the forest
  • Guided forest trailsOver 12 km of trails, with boardwalks and an accessible option
  • Boat tripAlong the river and its tributaries, with crystal-clear water and lots of fish
  • Night spotlightingTo find the animals that only come out at night
  • 4x4 safariDirt roads deep in the forest, tracking tapirs and birds
  • MeliponaryMeet the forest's native stingless bees
  • Macaw roostLate afternoon, when the macaws fly back to sleep
WILDLIFE

Who you might meet there

Saki monkey, a primate with long dark fur, climbing a branch
Saki monkey
Paradise tanager, a bird with a yellow head and turquoise breast
Paradise tanager
Spangled cotinga, a blue bird with a purple throat, perched on a branch
Spangled cotinga
Tapir walking on a red dirt road
Tapir
Ocelot watching at night from the top of a rock
Ocelot
Aracari with a striped bill among leaves
Aracari
Black spider monkey high in the trees
Spider monkey
Pompadour cotinga, a wine-colored bird with white wings, against the blue sky
Pompadour cotinga
Hummingbird hovering over small flowers
Hummingbird
ON VIDEO

The region's most sought-after animals

The ornate hawk-eagle and the saki monkey live in the forest. The maned wolf shows up because this is where the Amazon meets the Cerrado.

Ornate hawk-eagle
Saki monkey, a primate of the Amazon
Maned wolf: here the Amazon meets the Cerrado
THE FOREST

Rivers, trails and treetops

Boat sailing on a calm river between forest and palm trees
Boat trip
Moss-covered trunk of a century-old tree
Century-old trees
Guide birdwatching with binoculars in the forest
Birdwatching
Wooden boardwalk on a forest trail
Boardwalk trails
Dark, transparent river beside a rock wall in the forest
Crystal-clear waters

What the stay is like

We arrange lodging and tours together with your Pantanal trip.

Lodging in the forest
Air-conditioned chalets with porch and hammocks, satellite Wi-Fi and full board.
Outings at the best times
Guided tours at 6 am and 3 pm, when the animals are most active.
Local guides
Bird and wildlife specialists, with a bilingual guide available.
For the whole family
Children are welcome and there's an accessible boardwalk trail.

The Pantanal and the Amazon in one trip

Add a few days in the forest before or after your Pantanal expedition. We take care of transport, lodging and guides.

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