Cuiabá

Cuiabá

Cuiabá is the state capital of Mato Grosso, Brazil. It is situated near the geographical midpoint of South America. It also forms, together with the neighboring city of Varzea Grande, the metropolitan area of Mato Grosso. The name of the city is an indigenous Bororo word, which means "arrow-fishing". Founded in 1719 at the time of the gold rush, it has been the state capital since 1818. The city serves as the commercial center of an extensive cattle-raising and agricultural area. The city of Cuiaba was one of the host cities for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The city is also a wealthy mix of European, African and Indian influences, as reflected in its many museums. Cuiabá is also famous for its cuisine, dance, music and craft. Cuiaba, known as the "Southern gate to the Amazon", enjoys a hot, humid, tropical climate. The city lies in the transition zone between three of Brazil's most distinctive ecosystems: the Amazon, Cerrado and Pantanal, and is also near the mountain range known as the Chapada dos Guimarães, which blocks the polar air masses and is responsible for the extremely hot weather. Located in the city, the Massairo Okamura State Park is a typical cerrado green space in the middle of a highly urbanized area. Helps conserve the headwaters of the Barbado and Moinho streams. The city is also home to the 77-hectare Mãe Bonifácia State Park, established in 2000, also with its characteristic cerrado trees.