Although its setting is fairly exotic, there’s really not that much to see or do in Corumbá. The oldest and most colorful part of town is the port area, which is lined with some handsome 19th-century colonial buildings. Other sights are a few blocks up from the riverfront. The shady Praça da Independência is an elegant square that offers welcome respite from the heat. A block away, the Museu do Pantanal (Rua Delamare 939, tel. 67/3231-6574, noon–5 p.m. Mon.–Fri., free) displays taxidermied animals from the Pantanal, artifacts made and used by local Indian groups, and temporary art exhibits.

In a restored old house, the Estação Natureza Pantanal (Ladeira José Bonifácio 111, tel. 67/3231-9100, 8 a.m.–noon and 2–6 p.m. Tues.–Fri., 2–6 p.m. Sat., R$3) is operated by O Boticário, one of Brazil’s largest and most environmentally engaged cosmetic and beauty products companies (you’ll see stores throughout the country). The company is renowned for its research into and sustainable use of products from the Amazon and the Pantanal. This museum features engaging interactive exhibits that highlight the richness of the region’s ecosystem.