park · Cuiabá, MT
Parque Mãe Bonifácia
Opened in 2000, it preserves 77 hectares of cerrado (Brazilian savanna) right in the urban area, with trails, a viewpoint and an environmental education center. The name honors a Black woman who lived in the area in the 19th century and is surrounded by legends.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Parque Mãe Bonifácia
Parque Estadual Mãe Bonifácia is the largest green leisure area in the middle of Cuiabá. It covers about 77 hectares of preserved cerrado (Brazilian savanna), surrounded by neighborhoods and avenues, a few minutes from downtown. It is managed by the State Environment Department (Sema-MT).
The park opened in December 2000. The name honors Mãe Bonifácia, a Black healer who, according to tradition, lived in the area in the 19th century and helped enslaved people escape. The area is said to have sheltered a quilombo (a community of escaped slaves). There are few written records about her, and her story blends with the city's legends.
Most of the visit is on foot, along paved and sandy trails through the cerrado woodland. Along the way there is exercise equipment, a playground, rest areas and a viewpoint overlooking the city. With a little attention you can see marmosets, capuchin monkeys, agoutis and many birds.
It is a place Cuiabá locals use a lot for walking and running, and it gets busy early in the morning and late in the afternoon. The main trails are flat and easy, good for families with children. If you just want a look, you can take a short walk to the viewpoint and back.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
One to two hours is enough to walk the main trails, go up to the viewpoint and watch the wildlife at a relaxed pace.
Best time
Early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when Cuiabá's heat eases and animals are more likely to appear; in the dry season, between July and September, many cerrado trees are in bloom.
How to get there
It is on Avenida Miguel Sutil, in the Duque de Caxias neighborhood, just over 2 km from the historic center. You can get there by car, taxi or ride-hailing app in a few minutes, and several bus lines run along Miguel Sutil.
Tip
Bring water, a cap and insect repellent, and avoid the middle of the day: the sun is strong and much of the trail network is open. Don't feed the monkeys.
A look at the place
Parque Mãe Bonifácia in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Parque Mãe Bonifácia
Is there an entrance fee at Parque Mãe Bonifácia?
No. Entry is free. Check the opening hours with Sema-MT (the state environment department) before you go.
How long does it take to visit Parque Mãe Bonifácia?
One to two hours is enough to walk the main trails and go up to the viewpoint.
Can you walk there from downtown Cuiabá?
The park is just over 2 km from the historic center. You can walk, but because of the heat it is more comfortable to go by car, ride-hailing app or bus.
Can I bring my dog to Parque Mãe Bonifácia?
No. Pets are not allowed in Cuiabá's state parks.
Who was Mãe Bonifácia?
According to tradition, a Black healer who lived in the area in the 19th century and helped enslaved people escape. There are few written records about her.