Sinop is the largest city in northern Mato Grosso, founded in 1974, and nicknamed the “Capital do Nortão” (Capital of the Big North).
As of 2022, it has around 196,000 residents, and covers an area of about 3,194 km², situated at approximately 384 m elevation. Sinop grew from frontier settlement into a bustling agribusiness, timber, and service hub in the Amazon Basin—modeled after planned cities like Maringá 

Top Things to Do & See

• Parque Ecológico de Sinop (Forest Park) – A 43 ha urban nature reserve with native forest, a 30,000 m² lagoon, walking trails, and birdwatching opportunities 

• Aquário Municipal de Sinop – Interactive public aquarium featuring freshwater species and touch tanks; best visited on weekdays to avoid crowds 

• Praia do Juá – Riverside beach on Teles Pires River with swimming, picnicking, and scenic sunset views

• Estádio Municipal Massami Uriu (“Gigantão”) – Sinop’s stadium hosting local football matches, with a capacity of up to 13,000–25,000 

• Local Culture – Visit the museum of Sinop or cultural center, and enjoy fairs like ExpoSinop, Festa Nacional do Milho, Cultural Week and gastronomic fairs 

• River activities – The Teles Pires supports fishing, canoeing, rafting, and nearby trails and waterfalls for eco-tourism 

Eat & Drink

• Local cuisine reflects Brazil’s diverse regions—with meat-heavy and regional dishes served at restaurants like Varadero Bar e Restô, Diparma Restaurante, and Choppão 

• Frank’s Beer bar on Avenida das Palmeiras is a popular spot for appetizers and local brews in a social setting

Travel Tips

• Best time to visit: Dry season (May–September) is ideal for nature outings and outdoor festivals

• Getting there: Served by Sinop Airport with regional flights; road access via BR‑163 connects the city 

• Local transport: Taxis, ride-share and buses operate centrally; many attractions are walkable or a short ride away.

• Safety & atmosphere: Generally safe and family-oriented; expect rapid urban growth but also development from surrounding agriculture zones 

Where to Stay & Recommendations

Sinop offers a range of modern hotels and inns catering to business and leisure travelers:

• Look for central hotels like Hotel D’Luca, Delcas Hotel, Getúllio Hotel—noted for good service and convenient location 

• Guesthouses and mid‑range hotels near downtown offer solid access to amenities and nature areas.

• Dining, shopping, and access to parks and riverside are generally within easy reach.