Arena Pantanal - World Cup Stadium

From Bill at Money.co.uk

Cuiaba is isolated and remote, deep in Brazilian cattle country but by no means a dead end. We show you how to make Cuiaba your World Cup 'ranch' for less.

Fact File

City – Cuiaba
Stadium name – Arena Pantanal 
Stadium capacity – 43,000 
World Cup games – 4 
Time zone – 4 hours behind GMT

Matches

Group B – Chile v Australia 
Group H – Russia v S. Korea
Group F – Nigeria v Bosnia-Herzegovina 
Group C – Japan v Colombia

The city

Cuiaba is the capital of Mato Grosso state, and with a reputation for being one of Brazil’s hottest cities. Thank your lucky stars you’ll be there in Brazilian winter (a measly 24°C on average).

Cuiaba is located in the geographical centre of the entire South American continent – around 1,000 miles from Sao Paulo; 1,300 miles from Rio de Janeiro and 700 miles from Brasilia – so getting there by any means not airborne might prove tricky.

Fly into Marechal Rondon International Airport (6 miles away from Cuiaba city centre) from major Brazilian cities and get a bus transfer or taxi in.

Cuiaba World Cup stadium

The Arena Pantanal was built to replace Cuiaba’s previous Estadio Jose Fragelli, especially for the Brazil World Cup. It’s a 4 stand affair not dissimilar to Ibrox, refreshing compared to some of today’s soulless flat-pack bowls.

The best thing about the Pantanal? It’s right in the centre of town, 3km east of the Praca da Republica square. You can find the best of Cuiaba’s nightlife, bars and restaurants in Popular even closer by. No need for transport, just walk!

Cuiaba hotels

‘Popular’ and the city centre are your best (and only) bets for accommodation in Cuiaba: TripAdvisor recommends Gran Odara Hotel, Deville Cuiaba, Holiday Inn Express and Paiaguas Palace Hotel amongst others but check for an option that suits your budget.

World Cup tickets

If you're really worried about how to buy Brazil World Cup tickets then you'd better book at eSeats.co where you can guaranteed tickets from a licensed and accredited NATB supplier.

England aren’t scheduled to play in Cuiaba in the World Cup Group Stages, and the venue itself will only host 4 group games; however, you can still apply for tickets to the games it will host.

Plan your travel to Cuiaba

Don't let Cuiaba's isolation stop you particularly if you're a nature-nut, adventure-lover or outdoors-type. Brazil chose Cuiaba as a host city for a reason – to showcase their remarkable country. Simply compare travel and accommodation against the inclusive package tours to find top value.

You'll still need travel insurance for your trip and especially if you're looking to "get outdoors" once you arrive – make sure all the activities you hope to do are covered.

Finally, figure out your spending (credit card, prepaid card or travel money) to get the best rates buying Brazil currency. At the time of writing, you could get just under 4 Brazilian Real per £1.

Local knowledge

A local culture and heritage rich in Portuguese, African and American Indian influences, Cuiaba is known for its "interesting" cuisine and its native dances, crafts and music. There are loads of museums and monuments in the city.

TripAdvisor rates Mahalo, Lelis Peixaria, Haru Cozinha Oriental, Originale Di Parma and the Restaurante E Peixaria Okada as the best restaurants in town.

Cuiaba average temperature (June): 24.1°C 
Cuiaba average rainfall (June): 15.5mm

Football hipsters

Unlike the gold-rush-town’s own history, its football heritage is fairly bleak. Instead Cuiaba, on the doorstep of the Cerrado savannahs, is ranch country (steaks to die for) and if you want to fit in you can dress up like a cowboy to your heart’s content. Or not.

The city’s natural history is its real draw. It shelters from cold polar winds behind the red rock Chapada dos Guimaraes mountain range, where you’ll find archaeological sites galore; there’s a 3,300km² National Park on its doorstep; the nearby Pantanal wetlands are home to some astonishing birdlife; and the encroaching Amazon rainforest is just about held in check.

Stadium: Arena Pantanal
Country: Brazil
City: Cuiaba
Capacity: 42968