Aquidauana combines the landscapes of the Pantanal, the river, and the city’s colonial history. In the historic center, you’ll find colonial architecture along the Aquidauana River and in the area around the main church.

The Pantanal and routes through the landscape

The Pantanal covers 75 percent of Aquidauana’s municipal area. In the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, about 65 percent of the Pantanal is located; the Pantanal is the world’s largest floodplain and was recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2000. The percentages refer to different areas: Aquidauana’s municipal area and the share of the Pantanal located in the state.

Morro do Paxixi is in Camisão, a district of Aquidauana, and is suited to contemplative tourism, with views of the Cerrado landscape of Mato Grosso do Sul. The Estrada-Parque de Piraputanga offers a different perspective on the landscape: it follows the Aquidauana River through hills, past waterfalls, and along routes rich in biodiversity. In the section connected to Aquidauana, around Piraputanga and Camisão, visitors can find ecotourism, cycling, rural and gastronomic tourism, and birdwatching.

City history and cultural heritage

The ruins of the former citadel of Santiago de Xerez are in Aquidauana, by the river, about 12 kilometers from the present-day city center. Santiago de Xerez was founded in 1600 and destroyed by Portuguese bandeirantes in 1632; the city is counted among the first 34 cities of Spanish origin established in the Americas. The Igreja Matriz de Aquidauana is also part of the architectural and historical heritage of the historic center. It was built in 1930.

Aquidauana’s railway station was built starting in 1908 and opened on December 21, 1912. It currently houses the Estação Pantaneira restaurant, the Casa do Artesão, and a tourist information center. Check the current uses of the station before your visit. The Casa do Artesão sells embroidery and handicrafts made by the Terena people from villages in the municipality; the selection may vary.

The Museu de Arte Pantaneira was established in 1998 in a building constructed in 1918. Visits to the Museu Marechal José Machado Lopes are available by appointment; admission is free. Confirm your appointment before visiting.

Regional cuisine and festivals

Aquidauana’s Feirinha Indígena sells agricultural produce from the indigenous village of Limão Verde, including corn, cassava, maxixe, and seasonal fruit. The fruit selection may vary by season. In Camisão, the Festa do Pequi celebrates regional cuisine and Pantanal culture, with typical dishes made with pequi, a fruit characteristic of the Cerrado.

The Festa do Peixe is a traditional event in the district of Camisão. At its sixth edition in 2025, it featured fish dishes such as stews, portions, soups, frittatas, and lasagna, as well as handicrafts. Aquidauana’s Festa da Padroeira is associated with December 8 and brings the local community together. If you want to plan your trip around a festival, check the dates of the events in advance.

A Pantanal stay and how to get there

Pantanal tourism in Aquidauana includes excursions and attractions accompanied by local guides. Six Pantanal lodges currently operate in the municipality. They offer horseback riding, nighttime wildlife viewing with spotlights, photo safaris, hikes, Chalana boat trips, and typical Pantanal cuisine. Since the number of lodges may change, check current accommodation options if you’re planning your trip around a particular lodge.

From Campo Grande, Aquidauana can be reached via the BR-262 and the Estrada-Parque de Piraputanga. These routes complement the different focuses of a trip: city history and culture, regional cuisine, or experiences in the Pantanal landscape.

Discover more destinations: Piraputanga, Costa Rica, Itaporã, São Gabriel do Oeste, Aparecida do Taboado, Batayporã, Angélica.

Back to the main travel overview: Mato Grosso Do Sul.