Sapezal forms part of Mato Grosso's – and Brazil's – major agricultural industries of cotton and soya, but the town also offers opportunities for adventure tourism, like visiting the Utiariti Waterfall in the Indian Reservation of Utiariti, or rafting and snorkeling on the Río Papegaio. A day-trip to the Utiariti Waterfall can be combined with a visit to Jesuit ruins and an Indian tribe.
Adventure Tourism at Sapezal – Rafting on the Río Papegaio
Sapezal has seven rivers, six of which have rapids that offer opportunities for adventure sports, like rafting, snorkelling and swimming. Sapezal's adventure sport opportunities under development lie in the sphere of rappelling, canyoning and scuba diving.
Balneário do Pubi [recreation area] along MT 235, 80 kilometres east of Sapezal, is the central point of adventure sport tourism on the Papegaio River. The balneário has lodging and eating facilities for an overnight stay. A rafting and snorkeling trip costs 120 reais for a boat seating six [about 2.5 hours].
Adventure Tourism at Sapezal – Utiariti Waterfall and Indian Tribe
At 120 kilometres from Sapezal lies the Utiariti Waterfall, which is approached from a different angle than on a guided tour to the same waterfall from Campo Novo do Parecis. A trail through the forest leads to this splendid, 86 metres high waterfall which is a sight for sore eyes.
A day-trip to the Utiariti waterfall can be combined with a visit to an Indian village of the Paresi Indians – also different Paresi tribes than those visited from Campo Novo do Parecis. It is a good place to get an insight into the Indian way of life in modern times, or to admire [and buy] some of their handicraft. Some of the locals will be able to tell something about their childhood at a Jesuit Mission.
It was only from 1940-1970 that Jesuits had missions near the Utiariti Waterfall where they educated and converted Paresi Indians. As to why the missions ceased to exist remains unclear, and only few ruins remain. Price: 200 reais for up to three persons and 50 reais per extra person. This includes transportation and a guide.
Where to Arrange Adventure Sports or a Visit to the Utiariti Waterfall?
There are two options to arrange guided tours:
- Tourism Agency "Sucuri Turismo". Owner: Selvino Luis Marchetti. Rua dos Girassóis no. 1695 /Residencial Carolinas / Sapezal, Mato Grosso. Email: selvinoluis@gmail.com. Tel: [65] 3383 - 1954 / [65] 9613-0241.
- Or ask at the tourist department at the Prefeitura [town hall] at the Rua do Cara if they can arrange a guided tour.
Types of Tourism in Sapezal
Sapezal has five forms of tourism, of which agritourism and techno tourism are focused on the economic side of Mato Grosso. History tourism, indigenous tourism and adventure tourism can be combined in a one or two days' trip to Sapezal's natural scenery, visiting the splendid Utiariti Waterfall or rafting on the Río Papegaio in west Brazil
Karin-Marijke Vis - Karin-Marijke Vis is a bilingual writer (Dutch-English) who has been traveling in Asia and South America since 2003.
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