Pocone

Welcome to Pocone, the gateway to Brazil's Pantanal, one of the world's most spectacular wetlands. This small, dusty town in Mato Grosso state is the launchpad for extraordinary wildlife encounters and vast, untouched landscapes. As you wander its quiet streets, you'll feel the pulse of a frontier town that lives and breathes the Pantanal. Whether you're a nature lover, a photographer, or simply seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, Pocone offers an authentic Brazilian experience that will leave you in awe.

Highlights & What to See

• Pantanal Wildlife Tours: Embark on a safari through the Pantanal, where you can spot jaguars, capybaras, caimans, and hundreds of bird species. The dry season (May-October) offers the best viewing.
• Transpantaneira Highway: Drive this 145-km dirt road, which cuts through the heart of the Pantanal, offering wildlife sightings right from your car window. It ends at Porto Jofre, a prime jaguar-spotting area.
• Boat Trips on the Cuiabá River: Explore the river by boat for a chance to see giant river otters, howler monkeys, and perhaps a jaguar on the riverbank.
• Fazenda (Ranch) Stays: Stay at a local fazenda for an immersive experience, including horseback rides, piranha fishing, and night safaris under the starry sky.
• Pocone Town Center: Visit the simple but charming main square and the local market, where you can buy traditional handicrafts and taste regional dishes like arroz carreteiro.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travelers base themselves in Pocone for 3 to 5 days, allowing for a mix of day trips and longer excursions into the Pantanal. To fully appreciate the wildlife and landscapes, consider a 4-day itinerary: two days exploring the northern Pantanal along the Transpantaneira, and two days for a boat trip to Porto Jofre and a fazenda stay. If you're short on time, a 2-day tour can still offer a taste, but you'll miss the deeper immersion. Plan to arrive early in the day to arrange tours, as many depart in the morning.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Cuiabá – The bustling capital of Mato Grosso, just 100 km away, with a vibrant food scene and historic center. Ideal for stocking up on supplies.
• Chapada dos Guimarães National Park – A stunning plateau with waterfalls, canyons, and hiking trails, about 130 km from Pocone. Great for a 2-3 day detour.
• Porto Jofre – The end of the Transpantaneira, renowned as the best jaguar-spotting destination in the world. Combine with a Pantanal trip for a wildlife bonanza.
• Bonito – Famous for crystal-clear rivers and snorkeling, though it's a 700 km drive. Best added to a longer Brazil itinerary.
• Corumbá – Another Pantanal gateway, on the border with Bolivia, offering a different perspective on the wetland. Accessible via a scenic flight or long drive.

Please check official sources for current details.