Things To Do
in Mundo Novo
Mundo Novo is a small riverside municipality in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, sitting on the banks of the Rio Paraná near the Paraguayan border. The town blends rural agricultural life with strong river-based traditions, offering easy access to fishing, river vistas and cross-border cultural influences. Visitors will find a low-key, authentic Brazilian town with friendly locals, weekend markets and simple but hearty regional food.
Mundo Novo is a good base for nature activities, short boat trips and exploring the less-touristed side of Brazil’s Central-West.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Mundo Novo and settle into your accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll through the town to appreciate its vibrant culture and welcoming atmosphere. Stop by local shops to pick up snacks and crafts for your journey.
Head to the beautiful banks of the Paraná River for a picnic lunch, where you can soak in the sun and enjoy the serene views. Spend the afternoon cycling along scenic paths or exploring nearby hiking trails. Don't forget your camera to capture the lush landscapes and unique wildlife.
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant serving traditional Brazilian cuisine. Sample regional dishes while soaking in the lively ambiance of the town’s nightlife. Conclude your first day with a stroll along the riverfront, listening to the sounds of nature.
Start the day with a hearty breakfast before setting off on an adventure to the Parque Nacional da Ilha Grande. Enjoy guided activities such as birdwatching or nature walks amid stunning flora and fauna. Experience the tranquility of the park as you breathe in the fresh air.
After exploring the park, have lunch at a quaint eatery nearby, savouring local delicacies. Spend the afternoon kayaking on the Paraná River, navigating through its peaceful waters while admiring the lush surroundings. This adventure is both exhilarating and refreshing.
Return to Mundo Novo and unwind with a dinner of grilled fish, a local specialty. Engage with locals to learn about their lives and traditions, creating a sense of community. Wind down by enjoying live music or a cultural event if available.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| 🍺Local beer (bottle) at a bar | $1.50-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $2-6 |
| ☕Coffee at a local café | $1-2.50 |
| 🛒Weekly groceries (basic) | $20-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic small-town Brazilian river life and friendly locals
- Excellent opportunities for fishing, birdwatching and riverside photography
- Lower costs compared with big tourist centers
- Cross-border cultural influences (Paraguayan cuisine, tereré) and rural charm
- Limited tourist infrastructure and fewer English speakers
- Remote — longer transfers to major airports and larger hospitals
- Less nightlife and few upscale dining options
- Services and shops may close early, especially outside weekends
- "Olá / Bom dia" - Hello / Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado / Obrigada" - Thank you (male / female speaker)
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o rio / o mercado?" - Where is the river / the market?
- "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
- "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
- "Eu não falo português bem" - I don't speak Portuguese well
Places to Visit in Mundo Novo
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden-hour shots of river reflections, small fishing boats, river islands and sunsets—excellent for landscape and lifestyle photography.
Capture daily life, colonial-style buildings, markets and local gatherings; good for street and portrait photography.
Expansive cerrado landscapes, cattle herds and dirt-road perspectives ideal for wide-angle images and atmospheric sunrise photos.
Colorful stalls, food close-ups and candid portraits of vendors showcasing regional produce and snacks.
Food in Mundo Novo
Mundo Novo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled beef, pork or chicken served simply with rice, farofa and salad; available at local churrascarias and weekend barbecue stands.
Must-Try!
Fresh-caught Paraná River fish such as dourado or pacu, grilled over coals and served with lemon and rice at riverside restaurants.
A rustic rice dish cooked with preserved meat or beef and onions — hearty, filling and common in Central-West eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local market where vendors sell fresh fruit, vegetables, regional cheeses and prepared snacks; good place to try pão de queijo, pastel and local sweets.
Small food stands by the river on weekends offering grilled fish, empanadas/empadas and cold drinks—great for a casual lunch with a view.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use a friendly handshake and eye contact; friends may greet with a kiss on the cheek (one) or embrace. Polite small talk about family and local matters is common.
Casual dress is fine in town, but dress modestly for religious venues or formal visits. Be respectful at river sites and farms—ask before photographing people or private property.
Portuguese is the language—learning basic phrases is appreciated. Use 'por favor' (please) and 'obrigado/obrigada' (thank you). Avoid making insensitive remarks about cross-border communities or politics.
Safety
Tipping in Mundo Novo
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants a 10% service charge is sometimes added to the bill; if not added, leaving 5–10% is appreciated. For small services (taxis, porters, guides) rounding up or leaving small change is common.
Brazil uses the real (BRL). Cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted at many restaurants and shops, but small vendors and markets may be cash-only. ATMs are available in town but stocks can run low—carry some cash for markets, taxis and remote activities.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
(November–March) Hot, humid and rainy; afternoon storms are common which can make river levels rise—good for lush green landscapes and fishing but plan indoor activities for stormy afternoons.
(April–May) Transitional, with gradually drier weather and pleasant temperatures—comfortable for outdoor activities and exploring.
(June–August) Cooler and drier nights with warm daytime temperatures; mornings can be fresh—ideal for hiking, boat trips and avoiding summer storms.
(September–October) Warming up with increasing humidity and occasional storms late in the season; vegetation blooms and bird activity increase.
Mundo Novo at Night
Hiking in Mundo Novo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, scenic walks along riverbanks with birdwatching and riverside views; accessible from town and suitable for morning or late-afternoon hikes.
Rural trails through cerrado vegetation and open landscapes—best visited in the dry season and ideal for sunrise or sunset hikes.
Longer excursions to protected areas in Mato Grosso do Sul—these require a vehicle and planning but provide more developed trails, waterfalls and diverse wildlife; consider hiring local guides for safety and orientation.
Airports
How to reach Mundo Novo by plane.
A regional airport serving Mato Grosso do Sul with connections to larger hubs; used by many travelers accessing nearby municipalities—transfer typically by road.
The main international airport in Mato Grosso do Sul offering national and some international flights; the largest nearby hub for long-distance connections and medical transfers.
Located in the neighboring state of Paraná, this airport is useful for combining a trip to the Iguaçu region with Mundo Novo; accessible by a longer drive and serves many international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the population works in agriculture and cattle ranching, maintaining rural traditions and lifestyles.
Residents of European (Portuguese, Italian), indigenous and Paraguayan descent contribute to a culturally mixed community.
Proximity to Paraguay means there is cultural and commercial exchange with Paraguayan communities, with bilingual interactions in some areas.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport—local amateur matches and futsal are common community events and social gatherings.
Both a recreational pastime and an economic activity—river fishing is hugely popular among locals and visitors.
Rodeio culture and horse-related events are part of Central-West traditions, with periodic local festivals and rodeos.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Mundo Novo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
vegetarian options are limited but possible: ask for rice and bean-based plates, salads, grilled vegetables and cheese dishes. Carry snacks if you have strict needs, and learn key Portuguese phrases to explain restrictions.
More challenging in a meat- and dairy-focused region; focus on markets for fruits, beans and rice and request simple vegetable preparations at restaurants. Restaurants may not understand veganism—explain clearly in Portuguese.
Many traditional dishes are rice-based, so gluten-free visitors can do fairly well, but be cautious with breads, pastéis and processed foods. Ask about ingredients and cross-contamination.
Carry a card in Portuguese listing your allergies and, for serious allergies, keep medication with you. Local medical facilities can assist but specialized allergy care may require travel to larger cities.