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Things to Do in Campo Grande

Things to Do in Campo Grande

Campo Grande Mato Grosso Do Sul, Brazil Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Discover the rich natural environment surrounding Campo Grande.

Hiking & Water Sports

Hiking & Trekking Routes

City parks (Parque das Nações Indígenas) offer easy walks. Serra da Bodoquena Park And Pantanal fazendas provide moderate treks, often with guides.

Bonito Water Sports

Snorkeling/flotation (Rio da Prata, Nascente Azul), river tubing/rafting, and diving (Abismo Anhumas) in crystal-clear rivers.

Pantanal Water Activities

Boat trips, canoeing/kayaking for wildlife viewing, and piranha fishing are popular from lodges.

Adventure Sports & Wildlife Encounters

  • Bonito Adventure Sports: Rappelling/abseiling (Abismo Anhumas), ziplining, caving (Grutas de São Miguel).
  • Pantanal Wildlife Safaris: Jeep, boat, horseback, and night safaris for jaguars, caimans, anacondas, diverse birdlife.
  • Cycling: City paths in Parque das Nações Indígenas, mountain biking on rural roads towards Serra de Maracaju.
  • Urban Wildlife: Capybaras, birds, small mammals in Parque das Nações Indígenas and Parque dos Poderes.

Bonito Flutuação

  • Snorkel in crystal-clear rivers like Rio da Prata.
  • Observe abundant fish and aquatic plants.
  • A unique underwater experience.
  • Incredibly clear waters for viewing.

Pantanal Wildlife Safari

  • Explore the world's largest tropical wetland.
  • Spot jaguars, caimans, giant otters.
  • Observe diverse birdlife.
  • Jeep, boat, horseback, night safaris.

Abismo Anhumas

  • Rappel into a massive cave system.
  • Explore an underwater lake.
  • Discover unique stalactite formations.
  • Requires advance arranging and fitness.

Important Booking Note

Book Pantanal and Bonito activities through reputable tour operators. Many attractions require a licensed guide and advance reservations.

Cultural Immersion

Campo Grande has avenues to connect with local culture, from arts to community life.

Workshops & Performances

  • Workshops & Classes: Limited tourist-specific options; inquire cultural centers for private arrangements.
  • Cultural Performances: Morada dos Baís, Teatro Glauce Rocha, Centro Cultural José Octávio Guizzo host music, dance, theater.
  • Feira Central: Features live regional music and dance performances, especially on weekends, creating a lively atmosphere.
  • Community-Based Tourism: More prevalent in Pantanal fazendas run by local families, offering authentic cultural insights.

Language & Engagement

Language Learning

Restricted formal schools for short-term tourists. Immersion and interaction with locals offers the best way to learn some simple Portuguese.

Online Resources

Utilize language learning apps (Duolingo, Babbel) before your trip and while you're on it to build vocabulary.

Tereré Sharing

Sharing this cold mate infusion is a social ritual, a wonderful way to connect with locals and experience an feature of local culture.

Festa Junina June

Traditional Brazilian winter harvest festival with folk music, square dancing, festive decorations, and corn-based foods.

ExpoGrande

Annual Cowboy Festival (Exposição Agropecuária) in April-May, featuring rodeo, livestock, sertanejo concerts, and cultural displays.

Tereré Ritual

A cold mate infusion, a social ritual and deep cultural experience, creating connection with locals.

Relaxation & Wellness

After adventures, find opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation in Campo Grande.

Spas & Natural Therapy

  • Hotel Spas: Larger upscale hotels (Deville Prime) offer on-site spa services like massages.
  • Independent Spas: Beauty salons throughout the city offer a range of services from massages to facials.
  • Natural Relaxation: Focus on clear rivers and rock pools around Bonito for refreshing experiences.
  • No Hot Springs: Campo Grande itself does not have natural hot springs.

Mindfulness & Urban Escapes

Yoga & Meditation

Limited tourist retreats. Local yoga studios present options for drop-in classes.

Urban Pools

Many mid-range and high-end hotels feature swimming pools, a refreshing escape from the heat.

Parks for Tranquility

Parque das Nações Indígenas and Horto Florestal are ideal for peaceful walks and relaxation.

Wellness Insights

Hotel Amenities

Utilize hotel pools for swimming for relaxation and to chill off from the city heat.

Bonito's Healing Waters

Consider a trip to Bonito for natural water-based therapy in its famed clear rivers.

Urban Green Spaces

Find tranquility in Campo Grande's urban parks for walks and quiet moments.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Campo Grande has a nightlife and diverse entertainment options.

Live Music & Theater

  • Morada dos Baís: Live regional music, sertanejo and MPB, especially on weekends.
  • Bar Districts: Rua Euclides da Cunha (Jardim dos Estados) bars feature live music (sertanejo, rock, pop).
  • Teatro Glauce Rocha: Venue for plays, concerts, dance shows, and cultural events.
  • Centro Cultural José Octávio Guizzo: Hosts smaller theater productions and musical presentations.

Nightclubs & Bar Scenes

Nightclubs

Selection of local nightclubs, playing sertanejo, electronic music, and Brazilian pop. Found in upscale areas like Jardim dos Estados, open late on weekends.

Bar Districts

Rua Euclides da Cunha and vicinity (Jardim dos Estados) offers bars and restaurants for socializing and drinks. Explore local botecos for authentic experiences.

Late-Night Entertainment

Restaurants, bars, and nightclubs in active districts stay open late. Feira Central also has late-night food and entertainment on specific evenings.

Sertanejo Nights

Experience Brazil's popular country music in local venues, a part of the region's nightlife.

Feira Central Evenings

Enjoy late-night food, live music, and an unique cultural atmosphere at this bustling market on Friday and Saturday.

Rua Euclides da Cunha

This street has a lively zone with a concentration of bars and restaurants, a popular spot for locals to socialize.

Entertainment Planning

Discover Local Talent
  • Check schedules for Teatro Glauce Rocha and cultural centers.
  • Explore bars in Jardim dos Estados for live bands and local musicians.
  • Engage with the festive atmosphere at Feira Central during weekend performances.
Nightlife Navigation
  • Use ride-sharing services for late-night transportation.
  • Nightclubs usually open late and stay active until early morning on weekends.
  • Inquire locally for specific events or themed nights at various venues.

Event Calendars

Check local tourism websites or social media for event calendars to catch special performances or festivals during your stay.

Shopping & Markets

Campo Grande has a diverse shopping experience, from traditional markets to new shopping centers.

Traditional Markets & Artisan Crafts

  • Feira Central: Evening market with Japanese and local influence, crafts, clothing, food.
  • Central Market: Daytime indoor market for fresh produce, regional products, spices, local crafts.
  • Neighborhood Feiras: Smaller farmers' markets on specific days for fresh produce and local shopping.

Souvenirs & Modern Shopping

Souvenir Recommendations

Leather goods, Pantanal-themed items (e.g., capybara figurines, piranha teeth jewelry), Tereré kits (guampa, bomba, yerba mate), local foods (sweets, cachaça).

Luxury & Boutique Shopping

Shopping Campo Grande: Largest, most modern mall with national/multinational brands, food court, cinema. Rua Euclides da Cunha: Boutique stores, fashion outlets.

Ethical Shopping

Prioritize local artisans. Use great caution with wildlife products; avoid endangered species. Ensure ethical sourcing for any wildlife-related souvenirs.

Shipping & Customs

  • Correios (national post office) branches ship internationally.
  • International shipping can be expensive and slow.
  • Be aware of customs regulations in your home country.
  • Keep receipts for purchases.

Fashion & Apparel

  • Shopping Campo Grande offers national and international brands.
  • Rua Euclides da Cunha features boutique stores and fashion outlets.
  • Look for local fashion designers or unique pieces in artisan markets.
  • Consider traditional Pantaneiro clothing items for cultural apparel.

Local Delicacies

  • Purchase regional sweets like doce de leite.
  • Local Cachaça bottles make for spirited souvenirs.
  • Fresh tropical fruits for immediate enjoyment.
  • Specialty coffee beans from Brazilian producers.

Shopping Tips

Local Support
  • Prioritize items purchased from local artisans and small businesses.
  • Your money directly benefits the local community.
  • Look for fair-trade initiatives for artisan products.
Conscious Choices
  • Avoid products from endangered species.
  • Choose products with a minimal environmental footprint.
  • Inquire about the origin and production methods of items.

Packing for Purchases

Packing light for your journey leaves ample room for mementos and local treasures. Consider collapsible bags for added capacity.

Activity Planning Summary

Must-Do Experiences

  • Pantanal Wildlife Safari (jeep, boat, horseback).
  • Bonito Snorkeling/Flutuação in crystal-clear rivers.
  • Feira Central Evening (food, crafts, music).
  • Local Cuisine Exploration (Pintado na Telha, Arroz Carreteiro).

Cultural Highlights

  • Morada dos Baís Visit (historic and cultural center).
  • Tereré Sharing (social ritual).
  • ExpoGrande (Annual Cowboy Festival, if seasonal).
Things to Do in Campo Grande. Activities, Experiences, Adventures