Mato Grosso

This region holds the states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul which have a combined area of 1,231,549 square kilometres and a population of only about 3.8 million. The two states are half covered with forest, with the large wetland area called the Pantanal, which is a mecca for wildlife tourism or fishing. Seasonal variations make a great difference to getting to this region and what you will experience once there. Other worthwhile places to go are the ancient landscapes of the Chapada dos Guimardes and the lovely area around Bonito.

Cattle ranching is very important in this area with over 16 million hectares of free-range pasture in Mato Grosso do Sul alone. A road which runs across Mato Grosso do Sul via Campo Grande to Porto Esperanca and Corumba, offers many interesting sights of birds and other wildlife.

Here are some points that will make your trip more pleasant:
1) Take good care in your personal hygiene and dress to avoid ridicule and to fit in with the locals.
2) Remember to be polite by removing headdress (males) and shaking hands and waits for a reply before proceeding.
3) Be patient and don’t criticise.
4) When taking photographs with locals in them, always ask permission.
5) Generally be wary of what you do to avoid offending or causing trouble.

Most of Brazil can be visited comfortably throughout the year - it's only the south, which can be unbearably sticky in summer and non-stop rainy in winter, that has extreme seasonal changes. With many Brazilians on summer vacation from December to February, travel can be difficult and expensive, while from Rio to the south the humidity can be oppressive.
Summer is also the most festive time of year, as Brazilians escape their apartments and take to the beaches and streets. School holidays begin in mid-December and go through to Carnaval, usually in late February.