Camping e Hostel Recanto dos Pássaros

Starting nearby wanders in the stunningly scenic Chapada dos Guimarães National Park (10 minutes’ drive away) comes highly recommended, as its lengthy trails guide avid explorers between the famed Véu da Noiva waterfall, São Jerônimo Hill and the Rio Claro Valley, while eyes are peeled for the jaguars, howler monkeys, giant anteaters and armadillos that call the park home. This part of Brazil is chock-full of sandstone cliffs and sprawling views, so be sure to traipse to some of the closest: the lookouts at Morro dos Ventos (10 minutes) and the Geodesic Centre (15 minutes) are particularly top examples that draw the gaze over spectacular countryside and forest. Set sights then beyond the park, as it’s far from the only pretty sight hereabouts… Within 20 minutes of base are the eminently photographable Salgadeira and Geladeira waterfalls, and it’s just 40 minutes to Aroe Jari (the largest sandstone cave in Brazil) and Blue Lagoon cavern. Elsewhere, get up close with gentle giants at the Santuario de Elefantes Brasil (one hour) or cool off after busy days of exploration with a stop at Acqua Park Cuiabá (40 minutes). If in need of city days, continue on to Cuiabá itself (a little over an hour) to stroll about gardens, galleries and museums, explore the Old Town, and shop for souvenirs in artisan craft centres.