The Transpantaneira (officially the Estrada-Parque Transpantaneira, highway MT-060) is a roughly 147 km unpaved dirt road that cuts through the northern Pantanal wetlands from the town of Poconé to Porto Jofre, crossing more than a hundred wooden bridges along the way. Built in 1972, it remains the only road to penetrate deep into this vast wetland, and it doubles as one of the world's great wildlife-viewing drives, where jaguars, caimans, capybaras, giant otters, macaws and jabiru storks can be seen right from the roadside. At its end, Porto Jofre and the Encontro das Águas State Park are globally renowned as the single best place to see wild jaguars. As of 2026 the road is open, but a proposed concrete bridge near Porto Jofre linking Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul has drawn strong opposition from conservation groups and tour operators, making the road's future character a live local issue.
The dirt road and its 100-plus wooden bridges themselves - the bridges and their edges are prime spots where wildlife concentrates
Jaguars (onças-pintadas) - highest odds in the world along the riverbanks at Porto Jofre and Encontro das Águas State Park
Roadside caimans, capybaras, marsh deer, anteaters and giant river otters
Spectacular large birds such as the hyacinth macaw and the jabiru stork (tuiuiú), plus hundreds of bird species
The dramatic dry-season scene of animals gathering at shrinking waterholes, and sweeping wetland sunsets
Good to know
SeasonThe dry season (roughly May-October, with peak jaguar sightings July-September) is by far the best time. In the rainy season (December-March) the wetland floods and some bridges become impassable, so always check current road and bridge conditions before you go.
SafetyThere is no fuel past Poconé. Fill the tank completely in Poconé and carry water and snacks; the later stretch toward Porto Jofre is remote, with no electricity or mobile-phone coverage.
SafetyIt is a rough dirt road with aging wooden bridges, so a 4x4 is recommended; a guided tour is safer than self-driving. The Pantanal is a yellow-fever risk area, so get vaccinated before travel and bring insect repellent and sun protection.
RulesThe speed limit is 60 km/h and the road itself is a protected reserve (estrada-parque). Drive slowly to avoid hitting caimans, capybaras and deer crossing the road, never feed or approach wildlife, and keep the required distance on jaguar boat safaris.
CautionJaguar boat safaris and pousadas (lodges) fill up fast in high season (July-September) and prices vary widely. Book through reputable licensed operators in advance and confirm in writing what is included (boat, meals, lodging, transfers) to avoid overpriced unlicensed guides.
MannersTipping guides and boat drivers is customary; keep noise down, pack out your trash, and respect the rules of the eco-lodges.
Practical info
The gateway is Poconé, about a 1.5-hour drive from Cuiabá (Marechal Rondon International Airport); the Transpantaneira begins there and runs to its end point at Porto Jofre (Cuiabá to Porto Jofre is about 245 km). The road itself is a public, open route with no entrance ticket, but jaguar boat safaris, the state park and pousada lodging are paid separately - and fees, operating hours and whether bridges are passable shift with the season, so always confirm the latest information when booking.
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