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.

Fast Facts

Car Rental -- Unidas, Av. Gov. João Ponce Arruda 920 (tel. 065/3682-4052), and Localiza, Rua Mal Rondon s/n (airport; tel. 065/3682-7900).

Currency Exchange & Banks -- Banco do Brasil, Av. Pres Getúlio Vargas 553 (tel. 065/3624-1944), has a 24-hour ATM. Tip: Just outside the airport are 24-hour ATMs for all major banks that accept foreign cards. If you are going to a lodge there is no need to go into town. Although most lodges will let you run a tab for your personal expenses during your stay, make sure you have some cash for tips and souvenirs.

Hospital -- For medical needs, try Hospital Santa Casa de Misericórdia, Praça do Seminário 141 (tel. 065/3321-0166).

Internet Access -- Digitus Informática, Av. Ten Cel Duarte 595 (tel. 065/3321-0166), charges R$4 an hour.

Weather -- The state of Mato Grosso is hot and muggy in the summer; temperatures can rise to 35°C to 40°C (95°F-104°F). Most rain falls from December to March. In the winter (June-Sept) it can cool off significantly, with temperatures as low as 15°C (59°F).

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