Mato Grosso Launches Primate Tourism Route

In Mato Grosso, Brazil, the Instituto Ecótono launched the “Primate Route of Mato Grosso” to connect primate observation with nature conservation and tourism. The new route traverses preserved natural areas in seven locations, seeking at least fifteen species of monkeys. Mato Grosso ranks third in Brazil for primate diversity, with a total of 32 species.

The route features endangered species like Groves’s marmoset and the white-faced spider monkey. It can be completed in roughly fifteen days and aims to establish the state as a national destination for wildlife observation. The project began three years ago through a partnership between the Instituto Ecótono, the Federal University of Mato Grosso, the Brazilian Primatological Society, and the National Center for Research and Conservation of Brazilian Primates.

Local businesses along the route—including lodges, private reserves, and rural properties—receive technical assistance to improve their wildlife tourism practices. While the route includes established destinations like the Jardim da Amazônia Lodge, ongoing monitoring is needed to fully understand primate populations and ensure long-term conservation success.