Mato Grosso PlateauMato Grosso Plateau at a Glance
About Mato Grosso Plateau
The Mato Grosso Plateau is a broad upland region in west-central Brazil that forms part of the larger Brazilian Highlands and covers much of the state of Mato Grosso. It consists of elevated plains and escarpments that sit hundreds of metres above surrounding lowlands.
The landscape is dominated by cerrado savanna, seasonal rivers and sandstone escarpments; notable scenic areas within the plateau include the Chapada dos Guimarães with its cliffs and waterfalls. The plateau is also important for hydrology, feeding rivers that drain both north to the Amazon Basin and south toward the Pantanal.
Geologically the plateau is an old landscape shaped by uplift and erosion, and it supports agricultural zones, protected areas and patches of relatively intact cerrado. Human settlement is concentrated around towns and the state capital of Cuiabá, which lies within the plateau region.
The plateau covers much of Mato Grosso state in west-central Brazil and sits between the lowland Amazon to the north and the Pantanal wetlands to the southwest; Cuiabá is the principal city located on the plateau.
- Landscape and hydrology: The plateau forms higher ground that separates the Amazon Basin to the north from the Pantanal wetlands to the southwest, and it supports extensive Cerrado (savanna) vegetation.
What to See#
- Chapada dos Guimarães: Chapada dos Guimarães is a notable upland area and national park within the Mato Grosso Plateau, known for cliffs, waterfalls and scenic viewpoints near Cuiabá.
Best Time to Visit Mato Grosso Plateau
The dry season (May-September) is most practical for travel and wildlife viewing; wet season reshapes the landscape and complicates access.
Weather & Climate near Mato Grosso Plateau
Mato Grosso Plateau's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 15°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1410 mm/year), wettest in January with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 21° - 31° | 26° | 209 mm | - | - | 1.6 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 21° - 31° | 26° | 209 mm | - | - | 1.4 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 21° - 31° | 26° | 195 mm | - | - | 1.2 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 20° - 31° | 26° | 125 mm | - | - | 1.1 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 18° - 30° | 24° | 61 mm | - | - | 1.1 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 16° - 30° | 23° | 23 mm | - | - | 1.2 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 15° - 30° | 22° | 17 mm | - | - | 1.4 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 16° - 32° | 24° | 19 mm | - | - | 1.5 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 18° - 32° | 25° | 62 mm | - | - | 1.6 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 19° - 33° | 26° | 118 mm | - | - | 1.5 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 20° - 32° | 26° | 176 mm | - | - | 1.5 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 21° - 31° | 26° | 196 mm | - | - | 1.7 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Mato Grosso Plateau
The plateau is accessed from several cities: Cuiabá is a common gateway for northern Mato Grosso (flights from Brasília and São Paulo). From Cuiabá, roads and regional flights reach park entrances and towns bordering the plateau; distances can be large and some roads are unpaved.
Tips for Visiting Mato Grosso Plateau
- When planning trips into the plateau for ecotourism or research, coordinate with local operadores and respect protected areas and indigenous lands.
- The plateau is vast; choose a specific region (Pantanal rim, Chapada dos Guimarães) and plan logistics accordingly.