In the Midwestern region of the country, made up of the states of Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Goiás and the Federal District, we will find the amazing contrast between the new-born and the timeless. In the middle of Goiás's cerrado, is Brazil's striking capital, Brasília, designed and built within a few short years (the late 1950s). The architecture of this completely planned, artificial city might be described as "space-age modern meets Eastern Bloc." Its buildings, like the Alvorada Palace the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Congress are quite bold, and the immense concrete apartment buildings stand in long, repetitious rows on either side of wide boulevards.
   
On the other side, Mato Grosso's Pantanal, a true ecological sanctuary, where the visitor, hosted in inns or pousadas, can make excursions with specialized guides and safely observe alligators, snakes, capybaras, and also infinite numbers of bird species which flock to the Pantanal as an important migration stop.
 
In Goiás, the Caldas Novas resort has revitalizing hot springs, which have medicinal properties and range from 86° to 122° F (30° to 50° C) in temperature. For the freshwater fishermen, here's an excellent tip: the Araguaia river is considered one of most plentiful rivers in fish in the world, and the region has an excellent hotel infrastructure and there are numerous possibilities for boat excursions for those who love fishing.
 
In addition, the Chapada dos Guimarães and Chapada dos Veadeiros National Parks are noted by naturalists and nature tourists alike for their beauty and ecological value.