Arriving
By Plane -- Flights to Cuiabá are available on TAM (tel. 0800/570-5700 or 065/4002-5700; www.tam.com.br), Gol (tel. 0300/115-2121; www.voegol.com.br), and TRIP (tel. 0300/789-8747; www.voetrip.com.br). Most flights connect to Cuiabá's Aeroporto Marechal Rondon (tel. 065/3614-2510) through Brasilia. Tours to a Pantanal lodge normally include pickup and drop-off at the airport, so there is no real reason to stay in Cuiabá.
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 10 hours. The overnight buses have comfortable reclining chairs. Contact Motta (tel. 065/3621-2514; www.motta.com.br). The fare is R$85.
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.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
