Arriving
By Plane -- TAM (tel. 0800/570-5700 or 065/4002-5700; www.tam.com.br), Gol (tel. 0300/115-2121; www.voegol.com.br), and Varig (tel. 092/4003-7000; www.varig.com.br) fly into Cuiabá from either Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo, or both. Cuiabá's airport, Aeroporto Marechal Rondon (tel. 065/3614-2510), is located 7km (4 1/4 miles) south of the city center, in the adjacent municipality of Varzea Grande. A taxi to downtown will cost about R$25 (US$13/£7). Tours to a Pantanal lodge normally include transfers, but it's worthwhile to double-check.
By Bus -- Cuiabá's efficient bus terminal, Engenheiro de Sá (tel. 065/3621-1040), is on Av. Marechal Deodoro s/n in Alvorada, just north of the city center. Buses to Campo Grande, gateway to the South Pantanal, depart daily at 7am, 8pm, and 9:30pm and take approximately 10 hours. The overnight buses have comfortable reclining chairs. Contact Motta (tel. 065/3621-2514; www.motta.com.br). The fare is R$60 (US$30/£16).
Visitor Information
The state tourist office, Secretaria de Turismo (tel. 065/3613-9300; www.sedtur.mt.gov.br), is located too far from downtown to be of any use.
A Health Warning: Yellow Fever
In this region of Brazil, yellow fever is endemic, and you should get a shot at least 10 days before you travel to the Pantanal. Health authorities may ask for proof of vaccination, so carry your vaccine certificate.
