Coxipó Do Ouro combines the memory of the first mass in Mato Grosso with protected natural areas where visitors can see waterfalls, forests, trails, and hills. History and landscape thus offer two concrete ways to decide whether the destination suits your interests.
History and Religious Heritage
Coxipó Do Ouro was originally called Arraial da Forquilha. The first mass in Mato Grosso was celebrated here on February 21, 1721. The former name of the settlement and the exact date offer two different perspectives: one refers to its earlier name, while the other points to a religious event significant to all of Mato Grosso.
The Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário, also known as the former Penha de França, is considered the region’s most important religious landmark. The February 21 commemoration of the first mass was added to Cuiabá’s official calendar in 2025. A municipal notice from 2026 lists masses on the first and third Saturday of each month; check the current schedule and visiting arrangements locally before your visit. The time gap between 1721 and 2025 distinguishes the historical event from the later inclusion of its commemoration in the city’s official calendar.
River and Protected Natural Areas
The Rio Coxipó do Ouro is considered one of the region’s most significant natural assets. In Coxipó Do Ouro’s protected natural areas, visitors can see waterfalls, forests, trails, and hills. Conditions may vary by season; if you plan to visit natural areas, check the conditions for your intended visit.
Historical Walks and Routes
A hike through Coxipó Do Ouro documented in 2013 passed the ruins of a gunpowder factory built by the imperial state in the 19th century. It also went to the grave of Antonio Paes de Barros, known as Totó Paes, a former president of Mato Grosso. These historical stops bring together industrial heritage and political history. Before visiting the grave today, check the local visiting arrangements.
At the 2016 Caminhada Ecológica, the Trilha dos Tropeiros was described as a 10 km hike lasting approximately three hours; the route also included a crossing of the Rio Coxipó. Before taking the hike today, check the current route and conditions.
Getting There and Planning Your Trip
A 28 km route from Coxipó Do Ouro to Cuiabá via the Rodovia Emanuel Pinheiro (MT-251) toward Chapada dos Guimarães was described in 2016. The road was paved as far as kilometer 18, with the remaining 10 km unpaved. This breakdown is part of the description from that time; if you are considering driving this route today, check the current road surface before setting out.
You can therefore choose between different priorities when planning your trip: religious history, historical stops along a hike, or natural areas with seasonally varying conditions. The information about the Trilha dos Tropeiros and the route to Cuiabá comes from separate descriptions dating to 2016. Use each for the relevant planning and check current conditions before taking a hike or driving today.
Discover more destinations: Nova Maringá, Chapada Dos Guimarães, Glória De Dourados, Sorriso, Nobres, Campo Novo do Parecis, Lagoa, Cáceres
For the broader travel overview: Mato Grosso.
