Major city · Brazil
Várzea Grande
Skip as a base: sleep here only if your flight lands late or leaves early at Marechal Rondon (Cuiabá's airport is in this city).
Várzea Grande is Cuiabá's twin across the Cuiabá River and the second-largest municipality in Mato Grosso. Its one real draw for travellers is Marechal Rondon International Airport, which sits inside the city, so a late arrival or a dawn departure is the only reason to sleep here. Everything else — the colonial core, the Pantanal and Chapada dos Guimarães access — is in Cuiabá, 10–20 minutes away.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- BRL
- Best months
- May–Sep (dry, cooler)
- avoid Dec–Mar (heavy rain, 30–35 °C (86–95 °F))avoid Dec–Mar (heavy rain, 86–95 °F (30–35 °C))
- Airport
- CGB
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Brazil ↗US, Canadian and Australian citizens need an e-visa (about US$81 — check) applied for online at the official VFS portal before travel; EU and UK citizens do not. Check your passport with Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs before booking.
- Brazil ↗Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for many areas, including the Amazon and Pantanal; check with a travel clinic at least 10 days before travel.
- Brazil ↗Keep your phone out of sight in the street and on beaches; phone theft is the most common crime against visitors in big cities.
- Brazil ↗Carnival 2027 runs about 5–10 February (Tuesday 9 February; Salvador from 4 February): book Rio, Salvador and Recife/Olinda months ahead or avoid those dates.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Várzea Grande190 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Várzea Grande, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Brazilian real (BRL, R$).Brazil-wide
- SIM or eSIMVivo, Claro and TIM cover the country; buying a prepaid SIM needs a passport and sometimes a CPF — an eSIM before you fly is easier.Brazil-wide
- Tap waterDo not drink tap water; filtered water is provided in most homes and hotels.Brazil-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 10% service (serviço) usually on the bill; optional but normal.Brazil-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/N. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 127 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Brazil-wide
- SafetyVárzea Grande is a working city, not a tourist one: violent crime is concentrated in specific bairros and mostly at night.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPut toilet paper in the bin, not the toilet, in most places.Brazil-wide
- Emergency numbers190 Military Police · 192 ambulance (samu) · 193 fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysCarnival shuts many businesses for several days; museums often close on Mondays.Brazil-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportCGB Marechal Rondon International (Inside Várzea Grande; about 10 km (6.2 mi) from Cuiabá centre, 15–25 min by car.).CGB Marechal Rondon International (Inside Várzea Grande; about 6.2 mi (10 km) from Cuiabá centre, 15–25 min by car.).
- Getting aroundNo metro or useful city bus network for visitors: use taxis, app rides or a rental car.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeR$6–12 (≈ US$2–3)
- Street or quick mealSet lunch (prato feito)R$25–45 (≈ US$5–9)
- Beerdraught / can at a shopR$10–18 (≈ US$2–4)R$5–8 (≈ US$1–2)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) app ride3.1 mi (5 km) app rideSurge pricing in rain.R$20–35 (≈ US$4–7)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekR$40–80 (≈ US$8–15)
- Budget bedHostel bed, a night, per personR$70 (≈ US$13)
- Mid-range bedHotel double room, a night, per roomR$320 (≈ US$60)
- High-end bedHotel double room, a night, per roomR$650 (≈ US$130)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget R$180 (≈ US$35) · Mid R$320 (≈ US$60) · High R$600 (≈ US$120)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- CGB Marechal Rondon International (Inside Várzea Grande; about 10 km (6.2 mi) from Cuiabá centre, 15–25 min by car.)CGB Marechal Rondon International (Inside Várzea Grande; about 6.2 mi (10 km) from Cuiabá centre, 15–25 min by car.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Feb
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Mar
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Apr
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
May
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jun
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jul
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Aug
Best
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Sep
Best
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Oct
not flagged
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Nov
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Dec
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Dec–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Aug (35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)), coolest Jul (18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C) low), wettest Jan (17 rain days), driest Jul (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Várzea Grande: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
17 rd
Feb
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
15 rd
Mar
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14 rd
Apr
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
9 rd
May
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
4 rd
Jun
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
2 rd
Jul
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
1 rd
Aug
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
2 rd
Sep
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
5 rd
Oct
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
10 rd
Nov
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14 rd
Dec
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
17 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
No metro or useful city bus network for visitors: use taxis, app rides or a rental car. The airport is 10–15 min from Centro and 15–25 min from Cuiabá centre. Buses to the Pantanal and Chapada dos Guimarães leave from Cuiabá, not here.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: 20–40 min
Car or app ride over the river
The colonial core, markets and riverfront are all here; base in Cuiabá if you have more than one night.
Chapada dos Guimarães
goDoor to door: 1.5–2 h
Car via MT-251 from Cuiabá
Waterfalls and canyon viewpoints; a full day, better as an overnight.
Pantanal (Poconé, Transpantaneira)
overnightDoor to door: 2–3 h to Poconé
Car via BR-070 to Poconé, then the Transpantaneira
Lodges are 2–4 h further; arrange pickup through your lodge.
Cáceres
overnightDoor to door: 2.5–3 h
Car or bus via BR-174
River town on the Paraguay River; worth a night, not a day return.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Jardim Aeroporto (around the airport)
Closest beds to the terminal; pick this for a dawn flight or a one-night layover.
Centro
Cheaper hotels and the André Maggi bus terminal; 10–15 min by car to the airport.
Cuiabá centre
Better food, nightlife and Pantanal pickup points; 15–25 min across the river.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- R$150–250 (≈ US$30–50) excl. bed
- Mid
- R$250–450 (≈ US$50–85) excl. bed
- High
- R$450 (≈ US$85)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel double room1 × 1 night × R$320 | R$320 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × R$320 | R$640 |
| Airport ↔ hotel taxi or app ride, both ways2 × R$80 · check | R$160 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × R$60 | R$120 |
| Rental car, one day1 × R$180 · check | R$180 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | R$142 |
| Trip total≈ R$781 per person per day, bed included | R$1,562≈ US$300 |
2026 estimate in reais; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | R$6–12 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Set lunch (prato feito) | R$25–45 (≈ US$5–9) |
| Fish plate in Bonsucesso | R$60–120 (≈ US$12–25) |
| Beer: draught / can at a shop | R$10–18 (≈ US$2–4) / R$5–8 (≈ US$1–2) |
| 5 km app rideSurge pricing in rain. | R$20–35 (≈ US$4–7) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | R$40–80 (≈ US$8–15) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Do not plan a walking day here: sights are spread out and pavements are patchy.
- Cross-river traffic on the Ponte Nova and Av. da FEB jams at 07:00–09:00 and 17:00–19:00.Cross-river traffic on the Ponte Nova and Av. da FEB jams at 7:00 AM–9:00 AM and 5:00 PM–7:00 PM.
- Rainy-season downpours (Dec–Mar) flood low streets and delay flights.
- Use app rides or a registered taxi at night; avoid unlit streets on foot.
Emergency numbers
- Military Police
- 190
- Ambulance (SAMU)
- 192
- Fire
- 193
Pocket card
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Várzea GrandeVárzea Grande
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Para este endereço, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Military Police190
- Ambulance (SAMU)192
- Fire193
Embassy
No embassies here; the US, UK and other consulates sit in São Paulo or Brasília. For lost documents, contact your embassy there (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Airport → Cuiabá centre, taxi: R$60–90 (≈ US$12–17), 15–25 min (check)
- Airport → Várzea Grande Centro, app ride: R$20–35 (≈ US$4–7), 10–15 min (check)
- Cuiabá → Poconé (Pantanal), bus: R$40–60 (≈ US$8–12), about 2 h (check)
Say or show
- Com licença / Desculpe — Excuse me / Sorry (kong lee-SEN-sah / des-KUL-pee)
- Obrigado / Obrigada — Thank you (oh-bree-GAH-doo / oh-bree-GAH-dah)
- Quanto custa? — How much is it? (KWAN-too KOOS-tah)
- Posso pagar com cartão? — Can I pay by card? (POH-soo pah-GAR kong kar-TOWNG)
- Onde fica o banheiro? — Where is the toilet? (ON-jee FEE-kah oo bah-NYAY-roo)
- Não falo português — I don't speak Portuguese (nowng FAH-loo por-too-GAYS)
Tipping: 10% service charge is usually already on the bill; optional.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Várzea Grande. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep (dry, cooler) · avoid Dec–Mar (heavy rain, 30–35 °C) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for CGB: last flight arrivals, taxi and app fallback, overnight rung.
- Two walking clusters with rescue anchors: Centro (André Maggi terminal, Praça Aquidabã) and Jardim Aeroporto.
- Place pages with verified hours (Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Guia, Casa de Memória de Dona Sinharinha, Engenho Dona Buguela) and eat pages with last orders.
- Wet-season and late-arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.