About
The Cerrado is a vast tropical savanna ecoregion spread across central Brazil. It is also known as the Brazilian Savanna, and it covers a large part of the country's interior, a landscape that many visitors do not expect when they picture Brazil.
What to expect
Savanna here means open country: grasslands, scattered trees and shrubs, and seasonal change between wet and dry months. The Cerrado is known for its unique biodiversity, so a visit is well suited to anyone interested in plants, birds, and other wildlife that belong to this region and nowhere else.
- Open grassland and woodland landscapes typical of a tropical savanna
- A distinctive mix of plant and animal life found in this ecoregion
- Wide views and a quieter pace than the coastal cities most travellers know
Why it matters
The Cerrado also serves as a watershed for major river systems, meaning that rain falling across its plains feeds rivers that flow onward to other parts of the continent. Walking or driving through it, you are in the source country of several significant waterways, which gives the landscape a quiet importance beyond its scenery.
Planning your visit
The Cerrado is a destination for those who enjoy nature reserves and open landscapes. Because it is a large and varied region rather than a single site, it helps to decide in advance which part you want to see and how you will get around. Check local guidance on access and conditions before setting out, and pack for heat, sun and the dry season if you travel during those months.