Situated in the heart of Brazilian cattle country, Cuiabá is a pleasant, modern city that serves as the capital of Brazil’s Mato Grosso State. While many visitors use the city as merely a jumping-off point for the wetlands of the Northern Pantanal and the magnificent Chapada dos Guimarães National Park, those who linger will find a collection of exciting sites and activities to keep them blissfully engaged. The city boasts three impressive shopping centres, some tempting cafes and restaurants, a vibrant party scene, as well as an attractive downtown area complete with excellent live music and colourful street stalls. Don’t miss the tree-lined central square, which features some remarkable colonial architecture and the stylishly modern Cathedral of Bom Jesus with its fantastic Art Deco features and intricate stained glass.