Corumbá: River History, Culture and City Views

Corumbá can be explored from different perspectives: along the streets and squares of its heritage-listed historic center, through collections about the Pantanal and through the history of life by the river. Highlights include the Museu de História do Pantanal, Porto Geral, the Banho de São João and Cristo Rei do Pantanal. In Corumbá, travelers encounter urban history, cultural traditions and a riverside landscape that can also be seen on boat trips.

Historic Streets and a Museum in an 1876 Building

Historic walking tours invite you to explore the streets, lanes, squares, museums and buildings in the heritage-listed historic center. Porto Geral, in turn, preserves historic buildings and the memory of life by the river. Both offer a glimpse into Corumbá’s past, but in different ways: one through the urban landscape, the other through the buildings and memories associated with life on the river.

The Museu de História do Pantanal is housed in the historic Wanderley, Baís & Cia building, which dates back to 1876. Its archaeological, ethnographic and artistic collections explore different forms of expression and ways of life. A sensory experience featuring sounds, images and objects represents the Pantanal and its peoples. The museum thus brings together different types of collections in a presentation that engages several senses.

The museum is also home to Corumbella, the fossil of a marine animal dating back about 550 million years. Its great age and classification as a marine animal make it a distinctive feature of the museum’s exhibits. Anyone interested in the natural history of the Pantanal and beyond will find another point of interest here, alongside the archaeological, ethnographic and artistic collections.

The Rio Paraguai and the Banho de São João Tradition

Urban boat trips on the Rio Paraguai offer a different perspective on Porto Geral, the historic center and the riverside landscape. The river is not only part of the history preserved by Porto Geral, but also a starting point for seeing Corumbá’s cityscape from the water. Those who would rather explore the city’s history on foot can take a different route on one of the historic walking tours.

The Banho de São João takes place on June 23. It includes a procession with biers and the baptism of the saint in the Rio Paraguai. The festival is recognized as an intangible cultural heritage of Brazil. On the night of São João, residents and tourists drawn by the festival fill the streets of Porto Geral. This tradition brings together a fixed date and religious elements with the city’s public life.

A structured Afro-tourism route in Corumbá was developed together with Terreiro communities and participants in the Banho de São João festivities. It connects visitors, residents and worshippers with cultural expressions that celebrate the syncretism of the Banho de São João and the city’s living heritage. Corumbá’s culture can also be explored through the collaboration with the communities and festival participants who helped develop the route.

Art and Views at Cristo Rei do Pantanal

Cristo Rei do Pantanal stands on Morro do Cruzeiro, in the upper part of Corumbá. It offers views of the cityscape as well as the relief and vegetation typical of the region. The path to Cristo Rei features sculptures by Izulina Xavier depicting the 14 Stations of the Passion of Christ. Religious art and views of the landscape come together here; visitors interested in the Passion scenes will also find a distinct cultural focus along the path.

If you are considering Corumbá as a travel destination, your interests may help you decide: exploring the historic city, collections, river views, festival culture or the art at Cristo Rei each offer a different way to experience the city.

Other places in this selection: Rio Verde De Mato Grosso, Porto Murtinho, Ladário, Ponta Porã, Campo Grande, Miranda, Gregório, Eldorado.

For the broader travel overview: Mato Grosso Do Sul.