Campo Grande

Introduction

You will find Campo Grande situated in the central and western region of Brazil as the capital of Mato Grosso do Sul. The city was historically established as a stronghold for separatists from both the North and South.

As you explore the urban landscape, you can experience a layout planned within a vast green space. You will encounter wide streets and tree-lined avenues throughout the city.

Before you go

Prepare for your visit to Campo Grande by understanding its role as a regional center for commerce and services in the heart of Brazilian cattle country. Known as the "brown city" due to the color of the local soil, the city features a diverse culture shaped by heritage from native Brazilians and people of Italian, German, Syrian-Lebanese, Japanese, Paraguayan, and Bolivian descent. You can use this location as your primary gateway to explore the southern Pantanal or travel further to reach the clear waters of Bonito.

During the dry season, you should prepare for very low humidity levels that can cause irritation to your eyes, throat, skin, and nose. To manage these conditions, drink plenty of fluids, eat fruit, use a skin moisturizer, and wash your face frequently. If the air becomes particularly dry, keep your nostrils wet or apply a protective cream, and consider sleeping with a damp towel on your headboard.

Getting there

You can arrive in Campo Grande by plane at Antônio João Airport, located a short distance from the downtown area. Upon landing, you can choose to take a taxi or use the local bus service to reach the city center. If you opt for the bus, look for the stop situated just off the main avenue directly in front of the airport.

For those traveling by road, interstate buses depart from the local bus station to various destinations across the region. You can catch a ride to nearby locations such as Bonito or Corumbá, or travel further to cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. To reach the terminal from the downtown area, you can take a taxi or use the local bus lines that run from the stop located in front of the new terminal.

Getting around

You can navigate Campo Grande using a network of buses that offer free transfers at various terminals. These transit hubs vary in scale, with some functioning as large stations while others are smaller stops located near major shopping centers.

While most vehicles require a city transit card for payment, you can manage your journey by having someone tap their card for you or by traveling to a terminal where you can pay the driver in cash. Taxis are also available and operate on a meter system for your trips across the city.

Where to stay

You can find various accommodations depending on your preference for comfort and amenities. For budget-conscious travelers, several hostels offer communal facilities like swimming pools and breakfast. One option provides a barbecue area and a well-equipped kitchen, while another is located near the bus station and features spacious rooms with hammocks. If you prefer a simple hotel experience in the city center, there are modest options available that provide basic accommodations.

For a more comfortable stay, mid-range choices include a family-run inn with bright rooms and a terrace, or a hotel located directly in front of the airport for shorter stays. If you prefer to splurge, you can choose from duplex suites featuring private living areas and balconies with city views, or an international standard hotel situated in an upscale neighborhood near the Parque das Nações Indígenas.

Food & drink

Experience a culinary landscape shaped by a melting pot of cultures, where local flavors are defined by the use of manioc, molasses, corn flour, and Cerrado fruits and nuts like pequi and buriti. You can sample regional staples such as arroz carreteiro, which features rice with beef cubes and herbs, or try chipa, a local favorite made with mild manioc starch. The region is also known for high-quality meat from the cattle industry and unique offerings like alligator meat. For a taste of neighboring influences, look for savory sopa paraguaya, while those seeking Japanese flavors can find soba noodle soup or specialty items like oniguiri and kawaii cookies at local markets.

Explore diverse flavors across the city's dining scene:

• Savor traditional snacks such as pastel pantaneiro with jerked beef and fried banana, or try various sweets including Middle-Eastern treats and sfihas.
• Indulge in regional specialties like piranha soup, fried pacu, or dobradinha.
• Cool down with ice cream featuring Cerrado flavors or Italian gelato.

What to see and do

Explore the local culture through a variety of museums and landmarks. You can visit the Dom Bosco Cultural Museum to view exhibits on native groups like the Bororó, Carajá, and Xavante, or head to the Search and Rescue Aviation Museum to learn about Brazil's rescue operations. For art lovers, the Contemporary Art Museum offers a different perspective, while the historic St-Francis of Assisi Church stands near the former railway station as a notable landmark. If you enjoy festive atmospheres, the Cidade do Natal features a make-believe village with various events and fairs.

Experience the local lifestyle through music and nature:

• Observe macaws in the trees at sunrise or sunset, spot toucans with colorful beaks, or watch for capybaras on park lawns near Lago do Amor.
• During August and September, enjoy the sight of blooming golden trumpet trees.
• Visit large urban spaces like Parque das Nações Indígenas or the nearby Ary Coelho Plaza, known for its traditional fountain.
• Attend the Sarau de Segunda at Praça dos Imigrantes on Monday evenings to experience an open mic event featuring music jams and poetry slams.
• Experience a pantanal-style social event at the Paraguayan Colony Association, where you can enjoy live music and dance in a ballroom.
• Take lessons in traditional dances such as chamamé, vaneira, sertanejo universitário, or Paraguayan polka at local dance schools.

When to go

You can experience a tropical savanna climate in Campo Grande, where your visit will be shaped by distinct seasonal shifts moderated by the city's inland elevation. During the summer months, you should prepare for intense heat and heavy downpours that occur in short periods. The peak of this rainy season brings significant rainfall to the region.

If you prefer more stable conditions, visit during the winter months from June through September. This period offers a notably dry season characterized by sunny days and cooler temperatures. During these months, you can enjoy consistent weather without major rainfall irregularities.

Day one, you arrive in Campo Grande and settle into the local atmosphere of this region in Mato Grosso. You can explore the surrounding landscapes and experience the unique character of the area.

Day two, you venture further to see the diverse influences that shape the culture here, including traditions from Italian, German, Syrian, Lebanese, Japanese, Paraguayan, and Bolivian heritage.

Day three, you explore the natural beauty of the Pantanal or the Cerrado as you enjoy your time in this part of Brazil.