Overview
Corumbá sits on the Paraguay River in Mato Grosso do Sul, on Brazil's border with Bolivia, and is the main gateway to the southern Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetland. For UK travellers it is a long journey but a rewarding one, with jaguars, caiman, capybara and world-class birdwatching on the doorstep. This guide covers when to fly, which airlines to use and how to keep the cost down.
Best time to fly to Corumbá
The dry season, roughly May to September, is the prime window: rivers recede, wildlife gathers around the remaining water and the fierce heat eases slightly. This is peak season, so demand for flights to Corumbá from the UK is highest in July and August. The wet season (November to March) is hot, humid and prone to flooding, but the Pantanal is lush and full of birdlife, and fares tend to be softer. Check the When to book chart above to see how prices shift through the year.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights from the UK to Corumbá. Most travellers fly London to São Paulo with British Airways or LATAM (around 11 to 12 hours non-stop), or take a one-stop routing via Lisbon, Madrid or Paris. From São Paulo you connect on a Brazilian domestic carrier — Azul, LATAM or GOL — to Campo Grande, with the final short hop to Corumbá usually operated by Azul. Allow around 20 to 24 hours in total including connection time. Some visitors instead fly into Campo Grande and cover the last 400km or so by road.
Things to do in Corumbá
Corumbá blends frontier history with extraordinary wildlife nearby.
- Pantanal boat safaris: Day trips and multi-day cruises on the Paraguay River to spot caiman, capybara and, with luck, jaguar.
- Casario do Porto: Restored 19th-century warehouses along the old riverfront, now home to bars, restaurants and museums.
- Forte Junqueira: Corumbá's 1870s fort, still in military use, with sweeping views over the river.
- MUHPAN (Pantanal History Museum): A well-curated introduction to the region's ecology and settlement.
- Cross-border trip to Bolivia: The markets of Arroyo Concepción are a short taxi ride from town.
At Corumbá International Airport (CMG)
The airport is small and lies about 3km south of the centre, so transfers are quick, usually 10 to 15 minutes. Taxis wait outside the terminal for arrivals, and many lodges and tour operators arrange pick-ups, which is the easiest option if you are heading straight into the Pantanal. There is no rail link and limited public transport, so pre-booking a transfer is sensible.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Corumbá
- Book the long-haul leg around two to five months ahead; last-minute fares to Brazil climb sharply.
- Fly midweek and avoid the July–August and Christmas peaks — use the price charts on this page to find cheaper dates.
- Keep your dates flexible by a day or two; a Tuesday or Wednesday departure often beats the weekend.
- Compare British Airways and LATAM on the London–São Paulo route against one-stop options via Lisbon or Madrid.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders do not need a visa for tourist stays in Brazil of up to 90 days; your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay. The currency is the Brazilian real (BRL); cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for rural areas and lodges. A yellow fever vaccination is strongly recommended for the Pantanal and may be requested for onward travel, so see your GP or a travel clinic four to six weeks before departure, and pack insect repellent as dengue is present.
