Várzea Grande

Várzea Grande is a large city on the right bank of the Cuiabá River in Mato Grosso state. The city extends westward from the capital and is separated from it by the wide river.

A military camp established during the war with Paraguay in 1867 marked the beginning of settlement. The lasting presence of soldiers and refugees led to the founding of the municipality in the following decades.

The name comes from the wide floodplains along the riverbank that give the city its characteristic appearance. Visitors today can hear the influence of Paraguayan traditions in local music brought here after the conflict in the nineteenth century.

The international airport in the northern part of the city connects it with all of Brazil and serves as a gateway to the entire central-western region. Visitors find hotels and services both near the airport and in the city center.

The city grew so strongly that it became the second largest municipality in the state today. Growth accelerated particularly after the construction of the airport in the mid-twentieth century.

Location: Mato Grosso

Inception: May 15, 1867

Elevation above the sea: 206 m

Shares border with: Acorizal, Cuiabá, Jangada, Nossa Senhora do Livramento, Santo Antônio de Leverger

Website: http://varzeagrande.mt.gov.br

GPS coordinates: -15.64694,-56.13278

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:55