Mato Grosso do Sul, which was born by dividing the State of Mato Grosso in 10/11/1977, has the privilege of showing the world a region blessed by nature: in its history, the Xaraés seas as well the Pantanal’s origin; the arrival of the first colonizers in search of gold; its culture built from the influence of its human occupation dated 10.000 After Christ, by the Indians and its proximity to the border.
Located in the Mid-West region in Brazil together with Goiás, Mato Grosso and the Federal District borders five other Brazilian States: Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Paraná, Goiás, Mato Grosso and borders Paraguai and Bolïvia to the south .It is watered by the Paraná and Paraguai Rivers system and their boundaries and the predominant vegetation is characteristic of the savanna.
The Pantanal, one of the largest sedimentation plains of the world, approximately 140 thousand square km, with 655 of its extension in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, presents fauna and flora of rare beauty and abundance influenced by four big biomas: the Amazon, the Savanna, the Chaco and the Atlantic Woods which runs as far as the Bodoquena Moutain Range region. The Pantanal was recognized by UNESCO, in the year 2000, as the Biosphere Reserve, for being one of the most exuberant and diversified natural reserves on Earth.
From agriculture and cattle breeding origin and tradition, the state has in its gastronomy a resultant of the cultural and natural elements which built up its traditions and habits: the variety of fish which reflects itself in a rich and exotic cuisine where the barbecue with cassava is also very much appreciated, as well as the tereré (a type of cold mate); the home-made sweets prepared with typical fruits of the region; the border influence, the chipa, the saltenha, the sopa paraguai and the locro. Among the cultural manifestations, in handicraft, the indigenous expression is predominant with wonderful rustic and original pieces.
All this natural and cultural mosaic that The State of Mato Grosso do Sul shelters in the seventy-nine Municipalities, is waiting to be known and enjoyed in seven tourist regions: the Eastern Coast, the Northern Route, Nova Andradina and Region, The Frontier Routes, Campo Grande and Region, Bonito - the Bodoquena Mountain Range and the Pantanal, which can be enjoyed in the structure of this Road Tourist Guide.
