Dourados

Dourados is a municipality in the southwestern part of Mato Grosso do Sul, surrounded by wide croplands and small forest patches. The urban zone concentrates around a central business axis with wide streets and low buildings, while residential neighborhoods extend outward.

The town emerged in the nineteen thirties as a settlement for migrants from southern Brazil and Japan. Decades later, it developed into an important agricultural center that introduced soy and cattle ranching on a large scale.

The name derives from a golden-yellow river fish that once lived in the waters of the region. Guarani culture remains visible through several indigenous reserves nearby, where visitors can find traditional handcraft work.

Most visitor services are located in the central part of town, which is manageable on foot. Several parks and public squares offer shade during the hottest hours of the day, when temperatures can rise considerably.

The municipality hosts one of the largest urban indigenous communities in Brazil on the city edge. Visitors often notice the bilingual signs combining Portuguese with Guarani, especially near the reserves.

Location: Mato Grosso do Sul

Inception: 1935

Elevation above the sea: 430 m

Shares border with: Caarapó, Fátima do Sul, Laguna Carapã, Ponta Porã, Rio Brilhante, Douradina, Deodápolis, Maracaju, Itaporã

Website: https://dourados.ms.gov.br

GPS coordinates: -22.22083,-54.80583

Latest update: December 13, 2025 15:48